Richmond National Battlefield Park will commemorate the 145th anniversary of the 1864 battle of Cold Harbor with a weekend series of events on June 6 and June 7, 2009. More than 100 living history volunteers will be on hand to perform demonstrations, conduct talks and provide period music, bringing to life the two weeks of fighting at Cold Harbor. Programs begin at 10:00 am on Saturday and include an evening candlelight tour of the battlefield. Sunday's schedule runs from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. There is no charge for this event and free parking is available at the Cold Harbor Visitor Center located at 5515 Anderson-Wright Drive.
Weekend Events:
On Saturday and Sunday volunteers representing Union and Confederate troops will perform scheduled artillery and rifle firing demonstrations. Park staff will provide a series of guided tours highlighting the battles fought on June 1 and 3, 1864, including a special tour that focuses on the fate of the 2nd Connecticut Heavy Artillery. Members of the 26th North Carolina Infantry Fife and Drums will perform martial music. Other programs offered include an interview with General Winfield Hancock and displays on military medicine. Throughout the day young people can visit with the living history soldiers, enlist in a regiment and become a junior ranger.
Saturday Evening Program:
Saturday evening the park will host a special program beginning at 7:30 pm. The 26th North Carolina Fife and Drum Corps will present a concert featuring music heard in the military encampments. At 8:00 pm Southern Horizon will play music heard on the home front. After the concert park staff will guide candlelight tours through the Cold Harbor battlefield. Beginning at 8:30 pm visitors can walk the battlefield and visit with volunteers portraying Union and Confederate soldiers and private citizens. The candlelight tour is appropriate for all ages. Please bring a flashlight and an active imagination if you plan to take the tour.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
