Civil War Days sets up camp at Naper Settlement

More than 200 re-enactors will bring almost every aspect of the War Between the States to life this weekend when the 37th annual Civil War Days returns to Naper Settlement in Naperville.

Visitors will be able to partake in more than 30 experiences from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 19 and 20. Events include presentations from Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth, war surgery re-enactments, and Abraham Lincoln giving his famous speeches, as well as battles at 2:30 p.m. each day.

New experiences at the museum at 523 S. Webster St. in downtown will include:

• The chance to tap out "American Morse" code and learn how telegraph technology changed the war with re-enactor David C. Eisiele.

• Little Red Canoe playing Civil War tunes and discussing the lives of the songwriters.

• An 1860s mourning portrait, on loan from Barbara Grady, that will be on view in the Martin Mitchell Mansion.

• A showcase by Dagnabbit Studio of Civil War-era telescopes, an addition to their assortment of tintype photography equipment.

The event also features Sutler's Row, a pop-up market featuring an assortment of Civil War-inspired goods, including era reproduction clothing and toys. In addition to Little Red Canoe, the Battlefield Balladeers and the 33rd IL Regiment Volunteer band will perform music of the 1860s.

In celebration of the Naperville Heritage Society's 50th anniversary, a 50-gun salute will open the battle each day, and active and veteran military members and patrons turning 50 in 2019 will receive free admission with a valid form of identification.

Tickets for everyone else are $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 4 through 12.

For details, visit www.NaperSettlement.org.