Civil War Days bring history to life

Experience a weekend of raging cannons, marching infantry and presentations of what life was like at a Civil War encampment during Naper Settlement's Civil War Days.

Events run 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 20 and 21, at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Hundreds of re-enactors stage a battle each day at 2:30 p.m. and perform as famous historic figures.

After portraying President and Mrs. Lincoln for almost 30 years, Max and Donna Daniels have retired as re-enactors, but make an exception for Naper Settlement's Civil War Days.

"Naper Settlement was the first Civil War re-enactment that we had ever done," Max Daniels said. "We kind of owe our career in re-enactment to (the museum). It's like a homecoming each year."

Still performing in schools and libraries, the couple feels fortunate to have had a career depicting history in a relevant and entertaining way, imparting the stories of prominent figures in U.S. history for younger generations.

Donna Daniels looks forward to portraying Mary Todd Lincoln each year for the opportunity to explain the women's side of the Civil War. She says people tend to think about what the men were doing, like the politicians and generals, but there's a lot to learn, especially about the stress Mary was dealing with as the First Lady and the criticism she endured.

Civil War Days presentations and debates will include a discussion between Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis, the president of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War.

Topics will include the Dred Scott decision, in which an enslaved man was denied the right to sue for his freedom, leading to the nomination of Abraham Lincoln; as well as the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which allowed the two states to decide for themselves whether to allow slavery within their borders, which infuriated many in the North.

"I've always felt that both sides need a proper story told, without the South just being about the slaveholders," said David Walker, who performs as Jefferson Davis. "My job is to educate using primary sources and to be very authentic."

Chris Dosch will participate in the battle dressed in red pants and a gold-buttoned coat as part of the Chicago Zouaves, Company A. The Zouaves, popular early in the Civil War, were known for their light infantry tactics and drill.

"I look forward to showing the spectators firsthand what the Zouaves were like in the beginning of the war," Dosch said. "Most of the Union outfits are light blue, which is the standard uniform. However, I'm doing another aspect of the Union infantry, which was a very expensive unit, but had its importance on the Civil War."

The family-friendly event features food, music and shopping on "Sutler's Row" for Civil War-era reproduction products. The Weed Ladies also will be selling spring silk and dried florals.

Advance tickets are $13 for adults, $8 for ages 4 to 12. Day-of tickets are $15 adults, $10 youth. Younger children and Naper Settlement members are free. For tickets and information, visit napersettlement.org/civilwardays or call (630) 420-6010.

If you go

What: Civil War Days

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 20 and 21

Where: Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville

Cost: $13 adults, $ 8 ages 4 to 12 in advance; $15 adults, $10 ages 4 to 12 at the gate; free for younger children and members

Info: (630) 420-6010 or napersettlement.org/civilwardays