State Launches Observance of Civil War Sesquicentennial with Gala Farmers’ Night

3/18/2011

Contact: David Schutz, State Curator
802-828-5657
E-mail: david.schutz@state.vt.us

Vermont’s political leadership and its Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission will commemorate the 150th anniversary of a special session of the legislature called by Gov. Erastus Fairbanks in April, 1861 in response to Abraham Lincoln’s request for troops and funds at the onset of the Civil War.  Lt. Gov. Phil Scott, Senate President pro tem John Campbell and House Speaker Shap Smith will all portray the key players at that long-ago session who met in the very same House Chamber and doubled the amount of money requested by the president.  The reenactment will occur as part of the final 2011 Farmers’ Night performance in the House Chamber at the State House, Wednesday, April 6th at 7:30 p.m. 

The event will not only feature Vermont’s political leaders in full 19th century dress, but many Civil War re-enactors who will provide the necessary pageantry for the occasion.  Eminent Civil War historian Howard Coffin will also reflect on Vermont’s spirited response to the outbreak of hostilities 150 years ago.

Interspersed between reenactment and reflection, the Civil War music of renowned Vermont musician/ singer/songwriters Pete Sutherland,  Patti Casey and Colin McCaffrey will provide an inspired evening of entertainment.  Original songs from Sutherland’s popular CD, Wilderness Road will be featured along with standard Civil War renditions of “Tenting Tonight” and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”.

In addition, new exhibits that interpret Vermont and the State House in the Civil War will debut for the duration of the Civil War sesquicentennial observance, and Vermont’s Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission will announce plans for observing the anniversary over the next four years.

A reception, sponsored by the Friends of the State House will be held in the Cedar Creek Reception Room immediately following the evening entertainment.  As with all Farmers’ Night presentations, everything is free and open to all.  For more information, contact State Curator David Schutz at 828-5657 or david.schutz@state.vt.us. 

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