Illinois Civil War events, 2009
More details, and events, will be added as it becomes available.
April
12-19,   Galena
18th    Chicagoland's National Civil War Collectors Show & Sale, at DuPage County fairgrounds, Wheaton. 9-4. Admissions $9, early admission $25.
For information, (715) 526-9769, robertzurko@aol.com; Or visit  www.zurkopromotions.com
25/26    W. Wright College
26th       Camp Douglas, Chicago  10:30
May
May 12-16 Murphysboro  26th Annual General John A. Logan Days, at the General John A.Logan Museum. Student events, trivia contest, wreath laying, vintage base ball tournament, annual photo contest, Saturday evening General logan'sGrand Ball. For information, (618) 684-3455. johnloganmuseum@globaleyes.net:www.loganmuseum.org.
15-17    Naperville
June
6-7       Springfield Old State Capital
19-21  14th Annual Benjamin H. Grierson Civil War Reenactment at Jacksonville. Battles, Presidental Grand Ball Saturday night, Civilians, infantry, artillery, cavalry welcome.For information, Ron Gray, event coordinator, ronandmarygray@aol.com : www.griersonsociety.com
27-28   Franklin Grove
July
11-12   Wauconda
24-26   Glenview Living History. 19th Annual Civil War Weekend, "The Battle of Plank Road," in the Grove, Glenview. Battle, living history, including bath house, Davis, Grant, Mark Twain, field correspondent. Post-battle medical scenario, military hall, 2 meal tickets. Registration letter sent after Feb 15.  Sutlers, artillery, horse cavalry by invitation. Proceeds help restore & operate the Historical Landmark. Sponsored by The Grove Historical Landmark, Glenview Park District. Hosted by 2nd Kentucky Cavalry, Co. D, & Army of the Cumberland. For information, (847) 299-6096, www.GlenviewParkDist.org.
24-26.& 30-Aug 1,  "The Civil War" musical under the stars in Union Square Park, Springfield, 8 pm, pre-show 7:15.  Adult & youth pricing for general admission, lawn chair and blanket seating. Sponsored by Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum. For information, tickets (217) 558-8934: or visit
PresidentLincoln.org.
August
22  Lincoln Symposium-The Chicago Civil War Round Table of  Chicago Lincoln Symposium in Lisle. 8:30-4. Speakers include Tom Schwartz, Vernon Burton, gary Ecelbarger, Steve Cole, George Buss, Tim Connors. Adults $65, with lunch. Deadline, Aug. 12. For information, Larry Gibbs, (708)672-8162:
Kurt Carlson, (630) 752-1330, carlson@scfmlaw.com
September
12-13   Lockport
19-20   Lake Villa  7th Annual Civil War Reenactment & Living History Weekend at Lake Villa. 10am-4. New battlefield Battles, Saturday night pig roast, Civil War Ball, free tours of Lehmann Mansion for reenactors, flag retirement, pancake breakfast by Boy Scouts. All branches welcome. Sutlers by invitation. Sponsored by Lake Villa Historical Society and Village of Lake Villa. Hosted by Army of the Cumberland & Camp Douglas. For information, registration, bill Hartgrove, mjhartgrove@sbcglobal.net;  www.lakevillahistory.org.
19th     Chicagoland's National Civil War Collectors Show & Sale, at DuPage County fairgrounds, Wheaton. 9-4. Admissions $9, early admission $25.
For information, (715) 526-9769, robertzurko@aol.com; Or visit  www.zurkopromotions.com
26-27  Civil War Days at Danville. Battle, ladies tea & fashion show, drill competitions, living history, ladies seminars, generals & President. Need artillery, infantry, cavalry & other impressions. For information, registration-Eugene Bencomo, (217) 354-4519, bigtben35@comcast.net:  illianacivilwar.org
October
10-11   Princeton    Cancelled, as per a member of the 29th Ill. Colored Regiment, March 10,09
17-18   Dolinger Farm, Minooka
 Oct 15.   Third Thursday at the Civil War Museum  "The Civil War and the Fifth Wisconsin Infantry Regiment"
   Bring your lunch and stop at the Civil War Museum for a noontime presentation on the third Thursday, October 15, at 12 noon. Bruce Klem presents the research he conducted while studying at the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee focusing on the role of the 5th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment played in the Civil War. This is a free public program. The Civil War Museum is located at 5400 First Avenue, Kenosha. For more information call the Civil War Museum at 262-653-4141.
October 17                                    "The Second Harpers Ferry Raid" Program at Civil War Museum
The Civil War Museum welcomes Scott Wolfe on Saturday, October 17 at 2pm for a special program marking the 150th anniversary of John Brown's raid at Harpers Ferry.
   The Second Harpers Ferry Raid began as an attempt to determine the exact number of Brown's soldiers reinterred next to their leader in August of 1899. As the study progressed, the quest for mere numbers expanded to become an intriguing story of how these anonymous victims of war achieved a final peace.
   Gleaned almost entirely from unpublished manuscript sources, the "Second Harpers Ferry Raid" introduces the ten casualties of Brown's Provisional Army and relates the tale of their death, their hurried burial, their discovery three decades later, their clandestine exhumation and finally their reinterment amidst solemn ceremonies. The program tells the story of an amateur John Brown enthusiast who had a dream, a traveling professor whose research was unexpectedly interrupted by a "harum-scarum expedition" and a female artist and author who made the arrangements for a "fitting climax to their sacrifice."
   The fee for the program is $5 or $2 for Members of the Friends of the Museum. Advance registration is recommended. Limited registrations will be available at the door. For more information, call the Museum at 262-653-4140
Theatre Program and Curator-Tour Series Continues at Civil War Museum
    The Civil War Museum is pleased to present "Up Close and Personal: Curator Tours and Theatre Programs. Enjoy an evening featuring a Civil War Museum Theatre programs and a curator-guided tour of "The Fiery Trial" exhibit. Different themes and topics are explored on the third Thursday of each month. All programs begin at 7pm at the Civil War Museum, 5400 First Avenue, Kenosha.
     On Thursday, October 15 meet Ida B. Wells and explore the African American experience in the late 19 century. Born a slave in 1862, Ida B. Wells began her activist career in Memphis but was forced to flee to Chicago. Learn about her reasons for this move. The curator will discuss the effects of Reconstruction on former slaves and their reasons for migrating to the North.
    On Thursday November 18 meet Caroline Quarlls and learn about southeastern Wisconsin's involvement in the Civil War. As a 16-year-old girl, Caroline Quarlls escaped from slavery in Missouri. Join her as she recounts her thrilling journey through Illinois and Wisconsin. The curator's tour looks at the artifacts and stories presented in "The Fiery Trial" including Quarlls letters.
     Each Tour and Theatre program is $15 per person or $10 per Friends member. Limited tickets will be available at the door. For more information call the Museum at 262-653-4140.
Please refer any additional events not listed here, or, information on listed events, to  Chuck Tinder   aka  mobile_96@yahoo.com

                            updated: 10-8-09                                                            Home