Appomattox Court House NHP News ReleaseJune 20, 2019 Contact: Beth Parnicza
Release Date: Immediate Phone No: 434-352-8987 x227
Base Ball, Birthday, and Heritage Day at Appomattox Court House
Appomattox, Va.-From 10-4 on Saturday, July 6, 2019, Appomattox Court House NHP and the Appomattox 1865 Foundation will present our traditional Civil War base ball game, a celebration of the Clover Hill Tavern’s 200th birthday, and heritage day programming.
At 10 am and 1pm, join us for a game of base ball (spelled with two words at the time) featuring the Union Provost Guard versus the Townsfolk. All visitors are welcome to join costumed interpreters to play base ball by the rules of this favorite pastime during the American Civil War. Weather permitting, games will last for about 1 hour.
The local rules include batters out if a hit ball is caught on one bounce, and also by soaking (hitting the runner with the ball between bases). The ball is much softer than modern baseballs. There is no need to bring a mitt, as they were not used, but the Park will provide period correct bats and balls. Soldiers from both the North and the South - and even prisoners - enjoyed escaping from the tedium of war by playing America’s favorite pastime.
Combined with this annual tradition, the park will celebrate 200 years of history for its oldest structure-the Clover Hill Tavern. Join a Ranger-led tour at 11:30 am or 2:30 pm to learn more about this building’s long and colorful history, and step up to give a toast as we recreate elements of a historic tavern party at 3:15 pm.
Ongoing activities will include blacksmithing demonstrations, a genealogy station, and a hands-on history table. Step inside the Tavern to run a commemorative print through the printing presses!
10:00 am: Civil War Base Ball Game
11:30 am: 200 Years of the Clover Hill Tavern with Lucas Peed
1:00 pm: Civil War Base Ball Game
2:30 pm: 200 Years of the Clover Hill Tavern with Lucas Peed
3:15 pm: Clover Hill Tavern Birthday Party (with cake and toasts on the porch)
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park will be open from 9am to 5pm, and the park will offer regularly scheduled Living History presentations and Ranger Talks throughout the day. The Appomattox 1865 Foundation will provide beverages and offer information regarding membership at the event.
-NPS-
About Appomattox Court House National Historical Park: On April 9, 1865, the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia in the McLean House in the village of Appomattox Court House, Virginia signaled the end of the nation's largest war. The stories of Appomattox Court House go far beyond the final significant battles of this nation's Civil War. Learn more at www.nps.gov/apco.
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 417 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at www.nps.gov, on Facebook www.facebook.com/nationalparkservice, Twitter www.twitter.com/natlparkservice, and YouTube www.youtube.com/nationalparkservice.
About The Appomattox 1865 Foundation: The mission of the Appomattox 1865 Foundation is to enrich the understanding and appreciation of the heritage and significance of Appomattox Court House National Historical Park. The Foundation focuses on efforts to preserve the past, augment financial support, commemorate history and enhance each and every visitor’s experience.
E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I CA™
The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
