See a Living History of the Civil War Portrayed in Cambridge

From the organizer: 

The Cambridge Public Library will host a living history of the Civil War from one of New England’s largest Civil War re-enactor groups, the 22nd Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.

The lawn in front of the library will be turned into Camp Cameron (Cambridge’s Civil War barracks) where the re-enactors will portray army life on the march and in the field through first person demonstration, story, song, and poetry.

The 22nd Massachusetts civilian group will explore the war’s impact on the lives of those on the home front along with women’s volunteer efforts, including the creation of the United States Sanitary Commission. The 22nd Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry will be joined by the 28th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, and Lawrence Civil War Memorial Guard – all three regiments have deep historical connections to the city of Cambridge. 

Highlights of the day will include: 

• A vintage town baseball game played with the pre-1861 “Massachusetts game” rules, along with a discussion of baseball’s beginnings and how the Civil War spread the game. 

• A Civil War era fashion show. 

• Civil War poetry readings. 

• Antebellum, early war, and post war music played with period instruments. 

• Special programming for children of all ages. 

This event is free and open to the public and is sponsored by Cambridge Reads, the Cambridge Historic Commission, and the Cambridge Historical Society. 

Schedule of Events 
10:00 Welcome to Camp Cameron 
Cambridge’s Civil War Barracks 
10:30 Cambridge at the Start of the Civil War 
Discuss the causes of the war and learn about the Minute Men of ’61. 
11:00 Antebellum & Early War Music 
Listen to favorites like John Brown’s Body played on period instruments. 
11:30 Camp Cameron Life 
Watch the soldiers muster, drill, and train for war. Join the soldiers on the march. 
12:00 Women in the Civil War 
Learn about the United States Sanitary Commission and other soldiers’ aid societies. Watch a Civil War era fashion show. 
12:30 A Day in the Life of a Civil War Soldier 
Take a guided tour of the camp. Watch historical vignettes about life as a common soldier. 
1:30 Vintage Baseball Demonstration 
Learn about baseball’s beginnings and how the Civil War spread the game. Join the players for an inning or two. 
3:00 Civil War Poetry Recitation 
Hear soldiers recite their favorite poems. 
3:30 Wartime & Postwar music 
Listen to classics like Union Dixie and learn the history of songs like Taps. 
4:30 Farewell Address to Troops 

Bring your kids for a day of history and fun! 
Participants in the morning and afternoon “musters” will learn what it was like to be a new recruit. 
Tour the camp, dress like a soldier, train with reenactors and take home your very own soldiers’ 
packet. 

10:30 – 12:00 Kids Morning Muster 
2:30 - 3:30 Kids Afternoon Muster