STATEHOUSE NEWS

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A two-day Civil War encampment will take place on the Statehouse lawn; May 10 and 11. The 1st Ohio Light Artillery, Battery A Civil War re-enacting group will offer living history lessons during an 1860s-era encampment of Union Army Troops on the West lawn of the Ohio Statehouse both days from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

The event will recreate camp life in the field during the American Civil War, which began more than 150 years ago in 1861. Union Army Troops used the Ohio Statehouse grounds and interior as they awaited their orders to depart for combat between 1861 and 1865 during the American Civil War.

The Ohio Statehouse Civil War Encampment is designed to educate visitors about Ohio’s role in the Civil War and foster interest in the study of Ohio and American history through living history experiences. Encampment activities will include interactive talks, demonstrations and re-enactments of camp and civilian life in mid-19th century America. Civil War cannon firing demonstrations are scheduled to take place each half-hour between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., and more frequently during the lunch hour, both days.

The demonstration is designed to highlight history during the Civil War and involves the safe use of one of the four original Civil War cannons that reside on Statehouse grounds.

There will be activities for children. Visitors of all ages may observe or join in games such as hoops and graces, tug-of-war, jump rope, croquet and other traditional leisure activities often pursued during the American Civil War.

In the event of inclement weather, the encampment will be moved indoors to the Statehouse Rotunda, Atrium and Museum Gallery.

High resolution images are available at http://www.ohiostatehouse.org/Multimedia/MediaLibrary/Collection.aspx?start=1&collectionId=108217

Civil War Encampment Activities
Cannon firing demonstrations every half-hour by Artillerymen from 1st Ohio Light Artillery, Battery A.

Infantry soldiers will teach students how to march and use a rifle. Students will use “Quaker guns” (wooden dummies.)

The Ladies Aid Society will donate home-made items to the Union soldiers. The ladies will be available to answer questions about clothing and living in the 1860s.

Games and activities for children will be demonstrated. Everyone is invited to join in and play “Hoops and Graces,” tug-of-war and croquet, among other pastimes.

Medical practices of the Civil War will be showcased. Medicines and instruments will be on display.

Various historical persons (played by very talented re-enactors) will be on hand throughout the weekend including: General Rosecrans (Tom Paul), Secretary of the Treasury Chase (Richard Schuricht), “The Drummer Boy of Chickamauga” Johnny Clem (Payton Seats) and President Lincoln (Robert Brugler).

Food of the soldiers' camp and camp life will be demonstrated with examples of hardtack and other foods.

Civil War Music will be played by musician Steve Ball for all to enjoy.

About 1st Ohio Light Artillery, Battery A
Battery A exists to serve the state of Ohio and its citizens by being accomplished living history educators and the best Civil War artillery unit in the United States. Battery A’s mission is to promote the Ohio Statehouse and its identity as a site of civic involvement, education and visitation; and also to promote awareness of state government and the state legislature.

To view this press release and others, visit www.ohiostatehouse.org.

The Ohio Statehouse is more than a monument to our past; it's where history happens! The Ohio Statehouse is open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; weekends from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed holidays. The Ohio Statehouse Museum is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; weekends from noon to 4 p.m.; closed holidays. Admission is free. Free guided tours are offered weekdays on the hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and weekends from noon to 3 p.m. Tours depart from the Map Room easily accessible from the Third Street entrance. Groups of 10 or more are requested to call in advance to ensure a guide is available. Contact 888/OHIO-123 for more information or to schedule a group tour. For more information about the Ohio Statehouse visit www.ohiostatehouse.org.

The Ohio Statehouse is handicapped accessible and senior friendly. The Capitol Square complex was restored to allow for greater access by individuals living with disabilities. Ohio Statehouse public programs and events are held in accessible and barrier free areas of the building so that everyone can participate. Ohio Statehouse visitors needing disability-related accommodations in order to fully participate in an event may contact the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board at statehouse@csrab.state.oh.us or 614/752-9777 to communicate special needs. Please allow three weeks for arrangements to be completed.

The Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board (CSRAB) is responsible for maintaining the historic character of the Statehouse and Capitol Square while providing for the health, safety and convenience of those who work in or visit the complex. The Ohio Statehouse Museum Education Center coordinates tours of Capitol Square and provides information about the buildings, their history and Ohio's government.

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