Special Events At Richmond Battlefield
(May 2009 Civil War News)

RICHMOND, Va. — Richmond National Battlefield Park has scheduled a number of free anniversary and living history and other events this year. They include:

May 16, 17, Battle of Drewry’s Bluff Anniversary Program with Confederate sailors and artillerymen presenting programs commemorating the May 15, 1862, battle that repulsed a Federal fleet just short of Richmond. Saturday 10-5, Sunday 10-3.

May 25, Memorial Day Program at Fort Harrison National
Cemetery (n cooperation with Veterans Affairs) paying tribute to those that fell while serving in the armed forces. Guest speaker and wreath laying ceremony at 12 p.m.

June 6, 7, 145th Anniversary of the Battle of Cold Harbor commemorating the 1864 battle that brought Union troops to the gates of Richmond for a second time. Ranger guided tours, living history with Confederate and Union soldiers, artillery and rifle demonstrations and kids’ programs. Saturday 10-5, Sunday 10-3.

June 6, Cold Harbor Concert of Civil War music and Candlelight Tour. Concert at 8 p.m. followed by battlefield candlelight tours starting at 8:30.

June 27, 28, Anniversary of the Battle of Gaines’ Mill
Commemoration of the June 27, 1862, battle, the largest and deadliest of the Seven Days battles. Union and Confederate infantry encamped at the historic Watt House on the battlefield. Tours, rifle firing demonstrations and walking tours throughout the weekend. Saturday 10-5, Sunday 10-3 p.m.

June 27, Battle of Gaines’s Mill Anniversary Walking Tour at 7 p.m.

July Wednesdays, Capital History at Sunset staff-led tours of battlefields and related Civil War sites around Richmond, 7 p.m. Contact the park for topics and locations. Free.

July 11, 12, Malvern Hill Battlefield Living History and special talks and tours about the last battle of the Seven Days. Union artillery and infantry demonstrations throughout the weekend. Saturday 10-5, Sunday 10-3.

Sept. 12, 13, Living History at the Historic Shelton House “Rural Plains” with special programs commemorating events that took place at the center of fighting along Totopotomoy Creek in late May 1864. The first floor will be open for tours. General Hancock and his staff will be encamped in the yard, artillery demonstrations throughout the weekend. Saturday 10-5, Sunday 10-3.

Sept. 26, 27, 145th Anniversary of the Battle of Chaffin’s Farm at Fort Harrison commemorating the battles of Sept. 29 & 30, 1864. Union and Confederate encampment and the role of African American troops in the battles before Richmond. Walking tours and weapons demonstrations throughout the weekend. Saturday 10-5, Sunday 10-3.

Sept. 26, “Songs Around the Campfire” at Fort Harrison, 7 p.m.
Oct. 3, 4, Living History Encampment at Drewry’s Bluff
with Confederate sailors and artillerymen portraying garrison life at Drewry’s Bluff. Walking tours throughout the weekend of the fort Southerners called a “perfect Gibraltar” along the James River. Saturday 10-5, Sunday 10-3.

For information contact mike_andrus@nps.gov, (804) 226-1981 x30.