ELLINGTON, CT — The stories of Ellington and Vernon soldiers who fought at Gettysburg will be brought to life Friday during a free outdoor program at the Nellie McKnight Museum.
The Ellington Historical Society and the New England Civil War Museum will present Connecticut Boys at the Battle of Gettysburg on Friday, July 31, at 70 Main St.
The Historical Society's announcement lists the event from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The museum's event calendar lists the living-history presentation from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.; visitors may want to arrive early.
Living historians will portray soldiers from Ellington and Vernon who experienced the pivotal Civil War battle, including local resident Elbert Hyde, according to organizers. The program will focus on the men's experiences during the fighting and the local connections behind a defining moment in American history.
Gettysburg was fought from July 1 through July 3, 1863. The National Park Service lists the 14th Connecticut Infantry among the state's units that fought there. The regiment, commanded at Gettysburg by Major Theodore G. Ellis, was on Cemetery Ridge during the Confederate assault remembered as Pickett's Charge.
The evening will also include a performance by Gettysburg-based Marching Still, which sets Civil War poetry to original music. Food and refreshments will be available.
Attendees are asked to bring lawn chairs. Admission is free, with donations welcome. Organizers encourage people to RSVP online to help plan refreshments, although walk-ins are welcome.
For more Northern Connecticut news, follow Patch editor Jay Kenney.
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