Final Civil War Commemoration Encampment in Madison

The final Civil War encampment commemorating the 150th anniversary of the war will take place at Bauer Park in Madison, CT on August 29-30. Visitors are invited to watch drills, artillery demonstrations, battle reenactment, and a closing ceremony. The encampment will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Entry is free, but there is a $5 parking fee.

Union and Confederate reenactors, as well as civilians, will be encamped amidst the fields and next to the ponds of the scenic park. The battle will take place Saturday afternoon, and on Sunday, a formal closing ceremony will be held. Historical exhibits and food vendors will be present, as well as period sutlers selling Civil War era wares.

“There will be no better place to be on a lovely summer weekend,” remarked Marc Bassos, director of youth services in East Hartford and the reenactor liaison to the Commission. “The encampments are perfect for the whole family.”

Matthew Warshauer, professor of history at Central Connecticut State University and co-chair of the Connecticut Civil War Commemoration Commission (CCWCC), noted that “Thousands of people have flocked to the Commission’s events over the last four years and had an eye opening experience about what life was like during America’s greatest struggle for survival. To see so many Civil War reenactors devoted to retelling this history inspires and impresses our visitors.”

Connecticut’s Civil War commemoration during the past four years has inspired historians, libraries, historical societies, and living history organizations to dedicate themselves to exploring and explaining this period in American history. According to Warshauer, “Our little state has been one of the national leaders, and certainly the most active states in New England, dedicated to engaging the public on numerous aspects of a war that took more lives than any other war in the nation’s history, combined.”

The Bauer Park encampment is the final event and another example of the Civil War Commission striving to bring history alive. “This is an opportunity to step back through a window in time.” said Warshauer. “Visitors will find no better way to connect with deep and often troubling history of the Civil War.”

The Bauer Park encampment is made possible by support from Central Connecticut State University and Travelers Insurance. For additional information, go to: www.ccsu.edu/civilwar.

About the CCWCC
The CCWCC was created by Governor M. Jodi Rell in 2010 and directed to coordinate activities across Connecticut to commemorate the state’s involvement in the Civil War. The Commission is co-chaired by Dr. Booker DeVaughn, president emeritus of Three Rivers Community College, and Dr. Matthew Warshauer, professor of history at Central Connecticut State University. Members of the Commission include history and humanities professionals from across the state.