Civil War Living History Weekend Returns to Andersonville

Volunteers portray Union prisoners of war awaiting an uncertain future.

NPS/Andersonville National Historic Site

News Release Date: February 22, 2013

Contact: Eric Leonard, 229 924-0343, x. 201

ANDERSONVILLE, Georgia - Andersonville National Historic Site will host its annual Civil War Living History Weekend on Saturday, March 9 and Sunday, March 10, 2013.This living history program offers visitors the opportunity to gain a better understanding of what life was like at Camp Sumter, the infamous Civil War military prison near Andersonville. Civil War period living historians will portray Union prisoners and Confederate guards.

"As we draw even closer to the upcoming 150th anniversaries of Andersonville Prison and Andersonville National Cemetery, I am pleased that an increasing number of high school volunteers are joining our ranks," remarks Brad Bennett, Superintendent. "We are thankful for the great support of the Friends of Andersonville and other groups who create this opportunity to reflect on the significant sacrifices made by Americans toward liberty and justice for all citizens."

A variety of interpretive programs will be offered on both days, including guard drill and artillery demonstrations. Living historians will be present in the area of the prison site from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 9, and from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 10. There is no admission fee and this event is open to the public.

Andersonville National Historic Site is located 10 miles south of Oglethorpe, GA and 10 miles northeast of Americus, GA on Georgia Highway 49. The site features the National Prisoner of War Museum, Andersonville National Cemetery and the site of the historic Civil War prison, Camp Sumter. ­Andersonville National Historic Site is a unit of the National Park System and serves as a memorial to all American prisoners of war. Park grounds are open from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. with the museum opening at 9:00 a.m. Admission is free. For more information on the park, call 229 924-0343, visit on the web at www.nps.gov/ande/, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/AndersonvilleNPS

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