National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior

PO Box 65
Harpers Ferry WV 25425

304 535-6748 phone
304 535-6244 fax

Harpers Ferry NHP News Release

Release Date: Immediately
Contact: Marsha B. Wassel
Phone: 304 535-6748

Giving Aid and Comfort

On Saturday and Sunday, July 15 and 16, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park invites the public to attend a special living history program, Giving Aid and Comfort: Medical and Relief Work during the Civil War. Members of the 20th Maine and Frederick Ladies Relief Society living history volunteers, park staff and volunteers will help portray Harpers Ferry’s medical and relief efforts that provided aid and comfort to the thousands of soldiers fighting during the American Civil War. The outpouring of funds and care was so vast that the relief effort was described as “an artery of the people’s love to the people’s army.” This program will tell the story of both the national and local civilian and military efforts to sustain the Union Army.

In the autumn of 1864, General Philip Sheridan prepared his army for the Shenandoah Valley Campaign. Harpers Ferry became a supply depot for food, equipment, ammunition and medical attention for the army in the field. Commissary, Diet Kitchens, a Soldiers Rest, the US Quartermaster, and Sanitary Commission were included in the vast sustenance needed for that army.

Special programs and exhibits will be held from 11a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Ranger-guided tours and demonstrations will be offered and include “Giving Aid and Comfort: Medical and Relief Work during the Civil War;” “Beans Killed More Than Bullets” and “Summer of Fire”, a guided walking tour and weapons firing demonstration.

For additional information, please call the Information Center at 304-535-6029.

-NPS-

Updated: Thursday, 13-Jul-2006 13:19:44 Eastern Daylight Time
www.nps.gov /archive/hafe/new/nr-aid-comfort.htm
Author: Marsha B. Wassel

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