Sept. 28, 2005

Cannons will fire as soldiers drill nearby on the grounds of the Michigan Library and Historical Center on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 2, as this corner of downtown Lansing is transformed into a Civil War-era encampment for an afternoon of exploration and tribute.  The Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL) is sponsoring Civil War Sunday as part of Family History Month (www.michigan.gov/familyhistory), taking guests back in time 140 years to see, hear and learn about Michigan's role in America's bloodiest battle.

Civil War Sunday is a free opportunity for mid-Michigan residents to take part in a popular and growing pastime for millions of history enthusiasts.  According to an Illinois tourism study cited in The American Enterprise magazine (March 2003), "Americans spend about $1.4 billion a year on living history events related to the Civil War - more than twice the annual revenue of all Broadway plays and musicals.  Tourists visiting Civil War sites and attending re-enactments spend another few billion dollars."

The free events and activities include demonstrations by Civil War re-enactors, Civil War-period music, presentations and exhibits on a variety of related topics, and a chance to see the real Michigan Civil War flags.  For a real treat for the eyes and ears, be sure to see demonstrations by the gunners of artillery Battery D, 1st Michigan Light Artillery and infantrymen from Company B, 7th Michigan Infantry.

"Both units are seasoned veterans of Civil War re-enactments and widely praised for their education programs and attention to detail," noted HAL Director Dr. William Anderson.  "The Civil War Sunday programs bring to life - in vivid detail - the sights and sounds of the Civil War, gunfire and all."

For family-history researchers who want to explore their Civil War roots, the afternoon offers a special presentation on tracing Civil War ancestry, as well as related exhibits.  These events are part of the monthlong celebration of genealogy workshops and training sessions tied to Family History Month.  With a wealth of resources including one of the country's top 10 genealogy research collections, the Michigan Library and Historical Center is a great place for Michigan residents to explore their family trees.  For the full event/workshop schedule and to register for classes, please visit www.michigan.gov/familyhistory.

Event highlights (running from 1 to 5 p.m. unless otherwise noted) include:

• Civil War encampment, drills and firing (infantry and artillery)
• Michigan Civil War Flag Room tours (1 to 4 p.m.)
• Presentation: How to Research Your Civil War Ancestor (1:30 p.m.)
• Presentation: 1865: The Year the War Ended (2:45 p.m.)
• Presentation: The Inside Scoop on Re-enacting (4 p.m.)
• Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Michigan Department, Graves Registration and Lookups
• Special Civil War Exhibit of materials from the State Archives of Michigan and Michigan History Museum
• Chance to win free subscriptions to Michigan History magazine
• Civil War music

The Michigan Library and Historical Center is located at 702 W. Kalamazoo St., two blocks west of the State Capitol in downtown Lansing.  The main entrance and visitor parking are located off of Kalamazoo Street, just east of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.  Admission and weekend parking are free.

The Department of History, Arts and Libraries is dedicated to strengthening the economy and enriching quality of life for Michigan residents by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's heritage and fostering cultural creativity.  The department includes the Library of Michigan, the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the Michigan Film Office and the Michigan Historical Center.

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries