For those interested in our nation's history, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park will be holding their own events this weekend. From the press release:
On December 7-8, 2013, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park will present “Captain Flagg’ s 1864 US Quartermaster City.”
Through this annual 1864 Yuletide event, the park invites visitors to reflect on what the Civil War would ultimately determine: the Union of the States, and eventual freedom of 4 million enslaved people.
For many citizens and soldiers, Harpers Ferry was both a home and military post. To represent Capt. Flagg’s Quartermaster city, Harpers Ferry will be depicted as a Union garrisoned town during the Christmas season of 1864. The town is under federal occupation, and the American flag that flies over this national park flew here 149 years ago. For several months, Harpers Ferry had been the staging area for Union operations in the Shenandoah Valley-- successful operations that brought the inevitable end of the conflict ever closer. Troops and supplies steadily poured south from the Ferry by rail and wagon train. Over 60,000 federal soldiers and all their gear passed through into the Shenandoah Valley. Those same means of transportation brought back a steady stream of wounded soldiers, prisoners, and the dead. Buildings at Harpers Ferry that were not used to house supplies were occupied by hospitals, the Christian Commission, and the Sanitary Commission. These organizations provided charity, aid, and comfort to soldiers spending another Christmas far from home.
On the home front, the Christmas spirit was tempered by concern for the safety of loved ones far from home and deployed in harm’s way. Hopes and prayers were that Santa Claus would visit every home, but that a notice of sad tidings from the battlefield would not. The spirit of Christmas , and the spirits of hope, charity and joy were muted, overshadowed by the clouds of war, and an occupying army in the field.
A special workshop, “While Visions of Sugar Plums Danced in Their Heads” will be offered from 11am - 1 pm and again from 2 pm -4 pm during both days of the event. Join Carol Anderson, Historic Foodways & 19th Century Confections Expert to learn the art and mystery of the Confectioner’s Yuletide trade and treats while exploring the world of sugar work. Cost for this workshop is $20 per person (in addition to park entrance fee) and pre-registration is required along with payment at 304-535-1523. You can also register online at http://harpersferryhistory.pinnaclec...ory-workshops/.
Captain Flagg’s 1864 US Quartermaster City programs will run from 11 am - 6 pm on Saturday, and 11 am - 4 pm on Sunday.
Park entrance fee: $10 per private automobile or motorcycle. (The park pass is good for three consecutive days.) Children 15 and under admitted free. For additional information, contact the Information Center at 304-535-6029.
A schedule of events follows.
Saturday, December 7, 2013
11am-6 pm
Historic exhibits open
11am - 1pm & 2pm - 4pm. “While Visions of Sugar Plums Danced in Their Heads”
Join Carol Anderson, Historic Foodways & 19th Century Confections Expert to learn the art and mystery of the Confectioner’s Yuletide trade and treats while exploring the world of sugar work. Pre-registration and $20 per-person payment required at 304-535-1523 or online at
http://harpersferryhistory.pinnaclec...ory-workshops/
11‐3 “Decking the Halls: Ornaments for the Tree”
Make and take a 19th century style ornament. Lyceum Tent,Arsenal Square.
12‐1 “Ho For Christmas”
Join carolers Home Front musical performance in the Lyceum Tent, Arsenal Square.
1‐4 “Captain Flagg’s US Quarter Master City”: A Ranger Guided Horse and Wagon Tour Experience the military and civilian workers who transformed the town into a successful war machine.
Sign up & reserve your free ticket at the Soldiers Rest exhibit on Potomac Street.
1 pm “Mail Call: Packages From Home”
Witness local citizens and soldiers gathering to receive their censored mail from the US Provost Marshal’s office. Lyceum Tent on Arsenal Square.
2 pm “Caught Yesterday, French Bill, Notorious Murderer and Bushwhacker”
Follow the Provost Marshal as he deals with the crime and punishment of a well‐known deserter. Includes weapons firing demonstration. Lyceum Tent, Arsenal Square
3 pm “Feeding the War Machine: Soft Bread for Sheridan’s Army”
See how 5,000 loaves of bread were made and baked in brick ovens. Meet at the large brick oven in backyard of Soldiers Rest Potomac Street.
3‐5 pm “A Grand Military and Citizen’s Ball”
Join the 34th Massachusetts Officers and their wives as they host a Victorian Dance. Dance instruction by Victorian Dance Ensemble; period dance music by Wheaton’s Parlor Orchestra. Lyceum Tent Arsenal Square.
5 pm “Emerging from the Darkness: Christmas In the Depth of War”
A Living History Lantern Light evening program. Join Ranger John Rudy at the Lyceum Tent, Arsenal Square. Pre‐ Register at the park information center at 304‐535‐6029.
9:30pm Last park shuttle
Last park shuttle departs the lower town for Cavalier Heights entrance station parking.
The full press release and the schedule of about Sunday's events can be found at at www.nps.gov/hafe/parknews/newsreleases.htm.
We have free parking at ATC, and it's half a mile walk to downtown Harpers Ferry via Washington/High Street, about 1 mile via the blue-blazed side Trail and the A.T. Our parking lot will fill up early on S Saturday, but we can direct you to street parking nearby. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows also has offered their yard for parking tomorrow. They have asked that people park close to their yellow building, look for the areas where there is more gravel underneath. The strip of grass between the driveway and Storer College Place where the Civil War cannon is location is Harpers Ferry National Historical Park property--no parking there.
Harpers Ferry Dec. Events: Open House 12/7 & Parade 12/14
Reply With Quote
We LOVE the open house so we'll be sorry to miss it (if we do).
Originally Posted by Lauriep
