Batavia Depot Museum hosts birthday celebration, Civil War encampment
The Batavia Depot Museum is an educational resource for the community. Last year, staff took the learning outdoors in an effort to provide an opportunity for kids and adults. The Depot Museum hosted a Civil War Encampment in September that allowed visitors to see what it was like for soldiers fighting in the war.
Because of its success last year and because of the 160th anniversary of the depot building, staff decided to host the encampment again. This year, the Depot Museum will feature exhibits that portray the important role the railroads have played, not only to the development of the community, but to the war efforts. Railroads were instrumental in moving soldiers, food and medical equipment.
The Birthday Celebration & Civil War Encampment will kick off on Wednesday, Sept. 10, at 7 p.m. with a program, "Railroads & the Civil War" at the Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Ave.
An opening ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12, at the Newton Civil War Monument at the West Side Cemetery, 900 S. Batavia Ave. "We'll conduct a wreath-laying ceremony and have a cemetery talk about how the monument came to be," said Depot Museum Director Carla Hill. "The encampment itself will have so many aspects for people of all ages!"
Starting at 10 a.m. both days along the Riverwalk,
Kids can make a corn husk doll, see medical demonstrations, learn how the soldiers lived and participate in educational activities.
At 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, the U.S. Signal Corps Unit will do a lighted torch demonstration along the Riverwalk to show how they signaled the movements of the troops. Learn and practice the 1844 "Morse Code" of flags. Help the Corps send "real messages" across Riverwalk Park.
"It's a full two days of fun and educational activities, and they won't even know they're learning!" said Hill.
Saturday, Sept. 13 and Sunday, Sept. 14 will feature a Ladies Fashion Show & Tea at 1:30 p.m. at the Peg Bond Center to discuss traditions, clothing and customs in the 1860s.
At 1 p.m. both days at the depot museum, Max Daniels will portray President Lincoln giving the President's farewell speech as he left Springfield to go to Washington to serve his first term as president.
The Batavia Historical Society, Batavia Lions Club and Batavia Rotary are proud sponsors of the Celebration & Encampment.
The Batavia Depot Museum, 155 Houston St., is a joint effort between the Batavia Park District and the Batavia Historical Society. Fall hours are Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. September-November. Visit the Museum on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bataviadepotmuseum or at www.bataviaparks.org.