1) Re-release of the movie “Battle of the Old Men and Young Boys” to be held at Petersburg National Battlefield’s New Auditorium
2) Entrance Fees Fund “New” Auditorium
3) Freedom and Family During Petersburg’s Juneteenth Event

1) Re-release of the movie “Battle of the Old Men and Young Boys” to be held at Petersburg National Battlefield’s New Auditorium

On Monday, June 9 at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., special showings of the documentary film “Battle of Old Men and Young Boys”, originally developed for public television (WNVC-TV), will be held in the new auditorium at the Eastern Front Unit of Petersburg National Battlefield. Produced and directed in 1986 by Octavia and Bill Bowman, and working in conjunction with the National Park Service, the original film has been re-edited and reduced in length, with some additional scenes being added to it.

The video tells the story of the famous incident in Petersburg’s history where 125 local militia, comprised of “Old Men and Young Boys,” were called into service to stop a group of Federal cavalry who were intent in capturing Petersburg on June 9, 1864 during the Civil War. In the movie we learn about the various personalities who were involved on that day, what they were doing and where they were living, and how some would give their lives in defense of their homes.

At twenty two years of age, the quality of the film might not be up to today’s technological standards, but the emotions of that one day in Petersburg’s past is aptly captured in this docu-drama as interpreted by the Bowmans of Colonial Heights with the local assistance of many individuals and organizations.

2) Entrance Fees Fund “New” Auditorium

On Monday June 9, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. Petersburg National Battlefield will mark the opening of its new auditorium in the Eastern Front visitor center. The public is invited and park entrance fees will be waived all day.

Designed to enhance the visitor’s experience at the battlefield, and funded through the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) entrance fees, the park now has a multi-purpose theater to show the siege orientation video, provide educational programs, present multi-media ranger talks, and schedule a wide range of after-hours programming.

This new theater and orientation video replaces technology that was over forty years old. This is the first major change to the visitor center since its opening in 1967. The old relief map will continue to be used as an interpretive device in helping to tell the story of the siege while the new video presentation uses historic photographs and new maps to more clearly tell the story of the 9½ month-long campaign and siege of Petersburg.

The entire project was done in-house by park staff and was completely funded with entrance fee dollars. Superintendent Kirby stated,

“This is a remarkable achievement. Thanks to desktop computer movie making software, the hard work of dedicated interpretative and maintenance staff and fee revenue collected over the past several years, Petersburg National Battlefield now has a Ken Burns-style orientation video presentation. Ken Burns is the producer and director of the famous Civil War series on PBS. The theater is now handicapped accessible and uses modern technology that makes the presentation more entertaining and easier to understand. We are very pleased with this fee-funded project and will continue to provide new interpretative and educational offerings in this great setting.”

3) Celebrate Freedom and Family During Petersburg’s Juneteenth Event

The first of two Juneteenth events sponsored by the Washington Cultural Foundation and Petersburg National Battlefield will be held on Sunday June 15, 2008 from 2:00 pm – 6:00pm. Throughout the United States Juneteenth events serve to both commemorate the ending of slavery in America and celebrate the importance of family, community, and achievement for all Americans.

Opening speakers will include United States Congressman Randy Forbes (Virginia 4th District) and Petersburg National Battlefield Superintendent Bob Kirby. This will be followed by programs throughout the park in keeping with the spirit of Juneteenth. These events include a living history presentation on African-Americans in Petersburg after the siege; ranger-led programs on life in the trenches and on the battlefield for African-American troops at Petersburg; and musical performances in the picnic area, where the public is invited to bring their own food, spread out a blanket and enjoy. (No alcohol permitted.)

Petersburg National Battlefield Juneteenth Celebration
June 15, 2008
Schedule - Draft

Eastern Front Visitor Center Auditorium @ 2:00 pm
Introduction, Opening Prayer and Speakers

Eastern Front Visitor Center Auditorium @ 3:00pm
African-American life in Petersburg after the siege

Eastern Front Tour Stop #3 from 3:00pm - 6:00 pm (ongoing)
United States Colored Troops (USCTs) in the trenches of Petersburg - Ranger presentations about life under fire

Eastern Front Picnic Area from 3:00pm – 6:00 pm (ongoing)
Musical Performances

Eastern Front Tour Stop #8 from 3:00pm – 6:00pm (ongoing)
USCTs at the Battle of the Crater - Ranger on hand at the Crater

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.