Orange County's Hill-Hold Museum to Host Civil War Weekend

From Orange County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation:

Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus and Parks Commissioner Richard Rose are pleased to once again welcome the Historic 15th New York Volunteer Cavalry (NYVC), also known as “The Red Neck Ties,” to Hill-Hold Museum for their annual Civil War weekend. This popular re-enactment event is scheduled for Saturday, May 21 and Sunday, May 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year’s theme is “Remembrance—The Road Back Home.”

This year’s re-enactment focuses on the last days of military life. Visitors can stroll through the camps and talk to the men and women about their ordeals, and witness period demonstrations replicating conditions in 1865. Formed principally in upstate New York, the 15th NYVC was added to the Army of the Potomac, in 1863.

As part of George Armstrong Custer's division, the units fought in the Shenandoah Valley under the command of Phil Sheridan. They were present at Five Forks and Appomattox, and participated in the last cavalry charge of the Civil War. In 1993, after 130 years, the 15th New York Volunteer Cavalry was reactivated in order to preserve Civil War history. Today, the unit participates in numerous events, ranging from parades, living history demonstrations at schools and parks, to major Civil War reenactments. The 15th Cavalry practices both mounted and dismounted drills monthly throughout the year.

Orange County’s Hill-Hold Museum, a part of the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Conservation, is proud to be home base for the 15th Cavalry. For more information about the Civil War re-enactment weekend, contact Ken Colomba at 986-9810 or via email at kc15nyvc@optonline.net, or visit here.