On Saturday, August 26th and Sunday, August 27th the Fort Adams Trust will host a Civil War Living History Reenactment within the walls of Historic Fort Adams.  This two-day event includes Civil War living history activities bringing the sights and sounds of the Civil War to Newport.

Events will begin at 9 a.m. on both days and include reenactors carrying out dramatic simulations of assaults at Fort Adams, as well as re-creations of the daily life of soldiers and civilians during the 1860s.  Throughout the day soldiers and civilians in authentic 19th-century uniforms and dress will invite the public to spend a day in their life, and to learn about everything from military tactics to cooking and family life during the Civil War.  Reenactors from all over New England and beyond will be in attendance, representing soldiers from the Union and the Confederacy, as well as, civilian re-enactors from both sides.

Robert McCormack, the Director of Visitor Experience for the Fort Adams Trust noted, “We are very excited to bring a Civil War Reenactment back to Newport.  These events provide a unique opportunity for families to truly immerse themselves in history at place and time crucial to our nation’s development.”

The two-day schedule is filled with artillery and troop drills, dress parades, cooking demonstrations, lectures, historical displays, camp life, skirmishes and battles.  Visitors to the encampment will travel back in time and will be able to spend as long as they like amongst the re-enactors, asking them questions observing the various exercises and demonstrations. Visitors will experience the Union and Confederate camps where soldiers strategize about the day’s actions, as well as relax after the battle.  While at the event, kids are encouraged to participate in a historical Scavenger Hunt for an opportunity to win daily prizes.

The Fort Adams Civil War Living History Weekend is hosted by the Fort Adams Trust with support from the Liberty Greys, the New England Brigade, and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. Admissions to the Encampment is $12 for adults, $6 for children (6-17) and free for children under 6.  Family admission (two adults and up to 4 children) is $30.

For those wishing to attend both days of the Encampment to see all the activities, a special half price readmission for Sunday will be available.

Guided tours of the Fort’s underground listening tunnels will be offered daily from 10 am-4 pm both days at a rate of $3 for youths and $6 for adults.  Water shuttles from downtown and ample free parking are available at Fort Adams State Park.

For more information, visit www.fortadams.org.

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