1864 Ransoming, Burning & Rebirth Living History Re-enactment & Light Show
Join us on Saturday, July 16th, 2022, in Downtown Chambersburg as the town is set ablaze to commemorate the day that Chambersburg was held for ransom and then burned by the Confederate army under General McCausland.
We celebrate community, rebirth and Chambersburg’s rise from the ashes with a day full of events:
So Much to Do – July 16
Old Market Day Street Festival, Civil War Walking Tours, 11/30 Visitors Center Exhibits,
1 PM- Free Kid Canvas Painting – Register for FREE here.
3 PM- 1864 Corn Hole Tournament – Register your team here.
6 PM- Kids Games & Franklin Fresh Food Tastings
7 PM Finals of Acapella & Unplugged plus Voting for the Winner
8:15 PM Winner Announced
8:30 PM History Happened Here T-Shirt Trivia
9 PM – 1864 Ransoming, Burning & Rebirth Living History Re-enactment & Light Show
The re-enactment and light show done completely with atmospheric effects, lights, and actors!
Join the thousands that gather to watch as the town is transported back to 1864 and history comes to life.
Gallery 50, Waynesboro – New Book Signing, by John Poniske
Friday June 17th, 2022 * 4:30 PM
50 West Main Street, Waynesboro, PA.
Mr. Poniske will discuss and read excerpts from his Civil War era novel, Snakebit, Prelude to War, the first in a series that spans the years of the Civil War and Reconstruction.
Following the discussion, the author will sign books, which will be for sale at the gallery.
“Snakebit is a well-researched fictional account of the Maryland Garret family in the years leading up to our very un-Civil War.
Characters recognize and fear the growing divisiveness within the U.S. government all the way down to rural communities.
It was a time when neither side wanted to listen to the other … sound familiar?”
John was raised in Springfield, Illinois (Lincoln’s hometown), so the Civil War has always held him in its thrall.
He has been a feature reporter, freelance writer as well as a teacher.
He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in history.
It has long been his ambition to write Civil War fiction.
The Arts Alliance is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and we are delighted to share this type of event with our community.
For more information, email: contact@artsalliancegw.org or call: 717-655-2500 or visit www.artsalliancegw.org.
Gallery 50 is owned and operated by the Arts Alliance of Greater Waynesboro and spotlights fine art and high-quality crafts from local artists and artisans.
Grand Opening Civil War Garden, Monterey Pass Battlefield Museum.
Saturday May 21st, 2022 * 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Join us for a special celebration and Grand Opening of our new Civil War era designed garden!
Based on extensive research and planned and installed by master gardeners, this garden will be an educational tool for area school children and for visitors to Monterey Pass Battlefield Museum.
Brief remarks
Light refreshments
Garden tours
Hands-on garden activity for children
New Civil War Trail Sign Unveiled in Downtown Chambersburg
Franklin County joined the Civil War Trails with the unveiling of “Flashpoint of Invasion.” The sign, located outside the Franklin County 11/30 Visitors Center, is the newest Civil War Trails sign along the Pennsylvania segment of the trail, which came to life with a half-dozen story boards in 2021.
Franklin County’s location, access to rail, and an abundance of crops and livestock made the county a prime target during the Civil War. Even before war, Franklin County’s location played a role. The county held a network of secret passages and many operatives, who helped escaping enslaved move to safety. Again, location played a role in Franklin County’s history when John Brown and his men established a northern headquarters in Chambersburg. With access to the Cumberland Valley Railroad, Brown and his men stockpiled weapons throughout the spring and summer, leading up to the Raid on Harpers Ferry in October 1859.
“Flashpoint of Invasion” serves as a gateway to exploring Chambersburg and Franklin County. More than two dozen Franklin County sites are identified as Civil War Trail stories, as the Franklin County Visitors Bureau works to secure funding to install the signs. The Civil War Trails program is recognized by travelers, particularly those seeking authentic experiences and local history. History travelers are getting younger and these travelers, age 25-34, are the largest growing segment. Many travelers are pairing their interest in history with recreation and locally sourced food and beverages.
The Foundation For Enhancing Communities (TFEC) funded “Flashpoint of Invasion” as part of its 100-year celebration and is funding a second Civil War sign in 2022. TFEC focuses on building strong communities for a lasting impact.