“When the Bells Tolled on June 9th” is a living history program scheduled to occur on June 7 in Old Towne Petersburg. The event commemorates the 144th anniversary of the Battle of Old Men and Young Boys which was fought in the City of Petersburg on June 9, 1864. Assuming the role of an actual battle participant, visitors will take up “arms”, go through actual drilling procedures, learn about the person they are representing, and discover the fate of their individual.

The one hour program begins at the City of Petersburg’s Visitor Center on Cockade Alley at 11:00, 1:30, and 3:00 p.m. There is no fee for the program. For more information, please contact ranger Randy Watkins at (804) 732-3531 ext. 205. Please call this number also if there is any question about possible cancellation due to inclement weather. A voicemail message regarding program status will be recorded no later than 7:00 a.m. on the morning of the event if cancellation is necessary. The event is sponsored by Petersburg National Battlefield.

Petersburg National Battlefield was established in order to commemorate the campaign, siege, and defense of Petersburg, Virginia, in 1864 and 1865 and to preserve for historical purposes the breastworks, earthworks, walls or other defenses or shelters used by the armies.