Bennett Place Hosts 'The Road to Secession'

Throughout the past year, Durham's national historic sites have offered special commemorative programing for the Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War. One of Bennett Place's largest "First year of the Civil War" 1861 commemorative events is yet to come.

"The Road to Secession" is a reenactment of life in the Piedmont region of North Carolina in the beginning months of the Civil War. Beginning at 10am Saturday and again at 3pm Sunday, living historians will recreate the fervor and excitement of the beginning of the War.

A recruitment station and encampment will be set up on the grounds of the Bennett Farm, where civilian interpreters will enlist in the army and be transformed into soldiers. Stump speeches, patriotic music, and other activities will demonstrate the spirit of the Southern cause. Civilian interpreters will also exhibit the domestic chores such as cooking, sewing and gardening as their husbands and sons headed off to war.

This is a signature event of the 150th Anniversary of the American Civil War commemorative series. Those interested in participating in the events as a 19th century civilian, soldier, craftsmen or sutlery should contact Bennett Place directly.