Families travel through time at Civil War Days at Naper Settlement
History buffs Sheila and Bob Horne strolled the grounds of the Naper Settlement on Saturday wearing precise replicas of 19th century clothes.
Doing so is their way of bringing history alive for others, they said.
"For a lot of people, especially younger people, history is just dates," said Sheila Horne, who wore a traditional hoop skirt and bonnet. "But history is really about people's lives. We feel that doing these re-enactments shows that history isn't just the pages of a book."
The Woodridge couple were two of more than 300 actors who re-enacted the past on Saturday during Naper Settlement's Civil War Days. The 28th annual event, one of the biggest of the year for Naper Settlement, continues Sunday.
Visitors to Naperville's outdoor history museum were able to see Abraham Lincoln deliver the Gettysburg Address, listen to a speech from Illinois legislator Stephen Douglas and witness a fierce (and loud) battle between Union and Confederate troops.
"That's their favorite part," said Carla Andersen of Glen Ellyn, pointing to her 9- and 11-year-old sons. "They love seeing the old soldiers."
Quieter aspects of life in the Civil War era were on display as well. Some re-enactors demonstrated cooking and medical techniques from the time. Others played and sang traditional music.
Donna Sack, Naper Settlement's director of visitor services, said 5,000 to 6,000 visitors were expected for the weekend.
"We're always worried about the weather, but today it's really been nice," she said. "The turnout has been fantastic so far."
Steve Schafer of Naperville said his children get a kick out of seeing people they've learned about in school walking and talking in front of their eyes.
"I think it makes it all more vivid for them," he said. "This is just a nice family-type event."
Civil War Days will run 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at 523 S. Weber St., Naperville. Tickets range from $8 to $12. For information call (630) 420-6010 or visit napersettlement.org.