Pamplin Historical Park and The National Museum of the Civil War Solider invites enthusiasts and families alike to the 11th annual Civil War Weekend on Saturday, June 23 and Sunday, June 24. Living historians, performers, and exhibitors will bring the Civil War era to life with music, games, crafts, demonstrations, and magic!

This year’s Civil War Weekend features a dramatic re-creation of the Appomattox meeting between Confederate General Robert E. Lee and Union General Ulysses S. Grant, and an authentic Victorian-era magic show.

On April 7, 1865, in an effort to end four years of Civil War in Virginia, Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant took pen in hand and appealed to his opponent, General Robert E. Lee. He wrote, “The results of the last week must convince you of the hopelessness of further resistance on the part of the Army of Northern Virginia in this struggle.” So began a correspondence between these two leaders that ultimately closed with Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Court House two days later.

The Park is pleased to host two of the finest Lee and Grant actors as they re-create the meeting that ended the American Civil War in Virginia. �The meeting between Lee and Grant not only ended hostilities between the Civil War�s two largest armies,� says Andrew Talkov, Chief of Interpretation, Training & Program Development, �it set the tone for the reunification of our country in the aftermath of a brutal civil war.� The �generals� will set-up their headquarters at the event and throughout the day will entertain all guests interested in meeting with them to gain insight into the lives of two of America�s most famous military figures.

Williamsburg performer, William Penn Russell, will appear twice each day, astounding and amazing audiences of all ages with the death-defying �sword basket� and other illusions straight from the 19th Century. Musical entertainment will include the Florida-based 97th Regimental String Band and the Maryland-based Federal City Brass Band. The Park will also host living historians from throughout the region to recreate the experiences of soldiers and civilians during the War. Daily tactical demonstrations will feature artillery and infantry maneuvers on the battlefield that witnessed the Federal breakthrough of the Petersburg defenses on April 2, 1865.

Members of the public can take part in many of the weekend�s interactive programs � decipher signal flag messages, explore period crafts, play games, visit with a Civil War surgeon, or learn the art of fencing with members of the Richmond Fencing Club. Visitors, ages eight and up, can even fire a reproduction black powder rifle musket.

Award-winning author and President and CEO at Pamplin Historical Park, A.Wilson Greene, will speak to visitors on Saturday, June 23, about his recent release, “Civil War Petersburg: Confederate City in the Crucible of War.” His book tells the story of the Confederacy�s seventh largest city from the eve of the Civil War through the first four months of Reconstruction.

Civil War Weekend will also feature presentations on the �goats� of West Point, a �goat� being the class member who ranks last in each graduating class. Some famous, and infamous, Civil War officers were �goats� before they became legends. Author James Robbins will offer his presentation, based on his book, “Last in their Class: Custer, Pickett and the Goats of West Point,” on Saturday, June 23.

Check the Park�s website for Civil War Weekend�s program schedule. The Park�s daily general admission prices, $13.50 for adults, $12.00 for seniors 62 and over, and $7.50 for children ages 6-11, cover admission to Civil War Weekend. The Park is open from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 23 and 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 24. All activities associated with the two-day event will take place at the Park�s Hart Farm, located on Duncan Road.� Event admission also allows participants to visit Pamplin Historical Park�s four museums, four antebellum homes and the National Historic Landmark designated battlefield of April 2, 1865.