- Last Updated on Wednesday, 29 July 2015 14:42
The Greater Monessen Historical Society will hold their annual Founders Day of Living History on Saturday, August 15, 2015 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Monessen City Park, 1918 Grand Blvd.
The festival is a tribute to Monessen Founder Colonel James Martinus Schoonmaker, a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor for his services during the Civil War. The year 2015 also marks the 150th anniversary of the ending of the Civil War.
Re-enactors from the 11th P.V.I. Company K, Inc. and the 11th Pennsylvania Reserve Infantry Company F will set up authentic Civil War camps to showcase a living history view of camp life during the War of the Rebellion.
The festival will include food vendors, booths, local authors, displays and family fun, along with great photo opportunities.
View displays of Civil War relics, cooking demonstrations over open fires, fife music, demonstrations of encampment, soldier life, their equipment, tents and uniforms, as well as children’s activities.
Living History Schedule for August 15:
- Soldier drills: 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. - include inspection of arms, loading in 9 times, firing by company, file and rank.
- Children’s activities: Immediately following soldier drills will include drilling with the soldiers using wooden guns, demonstrating the accuracy of Civil War bullets using round and spherical balls, old time games and Victorian dress up for photos.
- For Founders Day, the Monessen Amphitheatre Committee will present two musical acts in the park: "The Barefoot Neighbors" and “Hear Tonight" from 1 to 3 p.m.