LIVERMORE – Forget about the iPod, the BlackBerry and computers. They haven’t been invented because the year is 1864 at the Washburn-Norlands Living History Center.

Abraham Lincoln is president, the Civil War rages and a contingent of Union and Confederate troops have rallied and massed at Norlands. Full-blown battles with artillery are about to begin on 400 acres of rolling hills.

That’s the scenario for Maine’s largest Civil War re-enactment: Rally for Norlands.

The event, which will benefit the Norlands center, will be held Saturday and Sunday. Gates open at 9 a.m. each day and admission is $7 per person for the day or $10 for a weekend pass. Children 6 and under get in free.

The event was organized by Norlands, the 3rd Maine Company A, the 15th Alabama Company G and the 20th Maine Company B.

More than 100 Confederate and Union infantry and civilian re-enactors from across New England will portray skirmishes, battles and life on the home front, according to Norlands’ Web site.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the lives of soldiers and civilians, including a full-scale battle, artillery fire, the “Town of Unity” camp, home-life living history and field music at military camps.

Other activities include a 19th-century fashion show, a formal tea party, a blacksmith demonstration, old-time photos, quilting, a Saturday bean supper and contradance, and a Sunday church service.

There will also be an exhibit in the Norlands mansion on the roles of the Washburn brothers in the Civil War, an 1864 town ballgame, raffles, food and children’s activities.

Visitors can even step into the 3rd Maine’s camp of instruction and learn the basics of Civil War-era drill, and maybe even get a chance to fire a musket.

A Sunday concert will celebrate President Lincoln’s 200th birthday and will honor all veterans.

Copy the Story Link

Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.