Civil War re-enactors make early visit to Lombard

Step into the backyard of the Victorian Cottage in downtown Lombard next Wednesday, and you'll feel like you're stepping back in time.

Members of Stanford's Battery, a local Civil War re-enactor group, will be camped out from 2 to 6:30 p.m. at the house, located at 23 W. Maple St.

Their visit is part of a sneak preview for the Lombard Historical Society's annual Civil War Re-enactment, which is scheduled from July 24-26 in Four Seasons Park.

"We thought it would be a fun way to start to get the community excited and energized about the event in July," said Lombard Historical Society Executive Director Natalie Troiani.

Visitors are welcome to drop-in anytime during the day to meet with the re-enactors. Troiani said they will have a chance to take part in activities and see what camp life was like for soldiers through their authentic uniforms, tents and supplies.

The Victorian Cottage Museum and Carriage House exhibits behind the house also will be open for tours, starting at 1 p.m.

Stanford's Battery is the host unit for the Civil War Re-enactment. This year's activities start with a movie showing the night of Friday, July 24, followed by two full days of skirmishes and battles, complete with cannons and mounted cavalry.

For information on the preview event or the July re-enactment, visit lombardhistory.org or call (630) 629-1885.