MADRID — Experience a day (or two) in the life of a Civil War soldier at the St. Lawrence County Historical Association’s Annual Civil War Reenactment Weekend (CWRW).

The event begins Saturday, July 30, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and continues through Sunday, July 31, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; members of the St. Lawrence Power and Equipment Museum (SLPEM) are co-sponsors.

Hosted by Alexander’s Battery and the 11th NY Light Artillery, the event will be held at SLPEM in Madrid.

Fort Tribute, a Civil War-Era historical stockade replica and interpretive center, was built at SLPEM in 2019 to honor soldiers from our county. “Sutlers” (those who sold provisions to soldiers) will have a store on this military post, with merchandise such as toy muskets, kepis (caps) and bonnets, as well as an array of high-quality reenacting gear.

Highlights of the event include the encampment areas for the Union (nine) and Confederate (10) units; historical demonstrations, such as period cooking (common soldier’s meal), and 1860s women’s fashion; plus demonstrations of artillery firing and a Children’s Muster, which illustrates how members in a military unit are formally gathered, especially for inspection.

Live battle reenactments are held on Saturday at 4 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m.

Balladeer Linda Russell will entertain the “civilians” and soldiers with “The New York Volunteer: Songs and Stories of the Civil War.” Russell accompanies herself on hammered and mountain dulcimers, guitar and penny whistle.

Some additional attractions at SLPEM include a one-room schoolhouse, carriage house, log cabin, heritage fibers building, blacksmith shop, farmhouse, and more.

Food will be available on site.

For more information about SLCHA and St. Lawrence County history, or to become a member, call 315-386-8133, e-mail Tracy@slcha.org, or visit the website at www.slcha.org.