Living History Programs

By participating in our Living History Program, you will understand the experiences of soldiers and civilians that witnessed the Battle of Mill Springs.

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How To Join

Are you interested in joining our crew of dedicated living history volunteers here at Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument?

All active volunteer positions can be applied to on Volunteer.gov.

Interested parties will be required to complete a volunteer agreement form to participate. A position description and job hazard analysis will be provided to every volunteer, detailing safety issues related to volunteering for the position. 

Requirements for Living History Historic Weapons Volunteering:

All interested volunteers are required to be at least 18 years old.
Volunteers are required to be physically able to safely conduct the complex operations of historic weapons demonstrations. 

Perks of Becoming a Living History Historic Weapons Volunteer:

Selected volunteers will be

• supplied with authentic reproduction Civil War uniforms by the park
• instructed in National Park Service safety regulations
• trained to proficiency in 19th century musket and/or artillery drills

All volunteers are certified by a National Park Service Historic Weapons Supervisor, enabling them to join in on regular and special event programming at Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument.

 

Costs

All programs are free to the public. 

What Kind of Living History Programs Does the Park Have?

The King of Battle: Artillery Drill and Firing Demonstrations

Experience the power and awe of Civil War artillery and see for yourself why it's called the "King of Battle!" Listen to our 6- pound cannon roar and learn from our trained historic weapons crew as they discuss training artillerists went through during the Civil War, as well as the significance of artillery to the story of the Battle of Mill Springs.
This programming is staffing and weather dependent.

A Soldier's Life: Army Drill and Musket Demonstrations

The crack of muskets. The smell of powder. Come talk to our Civil War infantrymen as we discuss life in the army, the training of Civil War soldiers, and the significance of small arms in the outcome of the Battle of Mill Springs. 
This programming is staffing and weather dependent.
 

From Flint to Breech: The Evolution of Civil War Small Arms

From the spark of flint against steel to the snap of a percussion cap, learn about the changing technology of small arms in the Civil War. Learn from our infantrymen as they dive into the technological differences between the flintlock musket, percussion cap musket, and the sharps rifle, and how those differences impacted each soldier's experience and the outcome of the Battle of Mill Springs. 
This programming is staffing and weather dependent.

Living Through War: Civilian Life

What was life like for civilians living in the area during the Battle of Mill Springs, or even travelling with the army as nurses or laundresses? Join civilian interpreters as they discuss civilian life, before, during, and after the Battle of Mill Springs. 
This programming is staffing and weather dependent.

When Do These Programs Happen?

All Living History programming is subject to staffing availability and weather. 
Visitors can find information about our programming on our park's website calendar or on the park's Facebook page. 

Special Events Programs

Join us on November 1, 2025 for the 4th Annual Living History Event,

Conflict at the Crossroads. 

This event will be taking place at Zollicoffer Park from 10 AM to 4 PM. 
For more information on this event, check out our park calendar, the event page, and our Facebook page.
 

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Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument may conduct interpretive, living history, and historic weapons programming on specific days, including anniversary dates related to the Battle of Mill Springs. 

 

Living History Schedule - 2025 Season

 

American Civil War living historians wait to begin their infantry drill at Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument.

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The 2025 Historic Weapons Program Demonstration Schedule.

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The King of Battle:
Artillery Drill and
Firing Demonstrations

Memorial Day - Labor Day
Every 4th Saturday of the month.

Experience the power and awe of Civil War artillery. Listen to the cannons roar and learn from a Park Ranger about the training Civil War artillerists went through, as well as the significance of artillery to the story of the Battle of Mill Springs.

Visitors get a unique experience to see, hear, smell, and feel the booming of Civil War artillery just like Civil War soldiers did! Teamwork made these guns efficient and effective during Civil War combat and today without our trained teams ensuring your safety, we could not do these amazing programs.

These free programs last 20 minutes and safety messaging is given to the public before firing demonstrations.

 

Park ranger dressed as a US soldier fires a reproduction musket during an interpretive program.

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All for the Regiment!
Army Drill and Musket Demonstrations

Every Friday from April - October, visitors can listen to park rangers discuss the organization and training of the soldiers who fought during the Battle of Mill Springs. Musket firing demonstrations are incorporated into these programs to deliver a comprehensive understanding of what these citizen soldiers went through in preparation for fighting during the Civil War.

Soldiers were like just the average modern citizen. Complex thoughts and ideas that decided to join the armies generally as volunteers. Official documents were signed, uniforms were issued in a variety of forms, and the training began. People found themselves in a new situation, learning how to be good soldiers, as they prepared for war.

These free programs last 15 minutes and safety messaging is given to the public before firing demonstrations.

 

Conflict at the Crossroads is the park's premiere living history event!

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Conflict at the Crossroads: A Living History Event

Saturday, November 1, 2025 from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Located at Zollicoffer Park

Come experience a living history encampment, historic weapons demonstrations, and a variety of kid-friendly programming at historic Zollicoffer Park on Highway 235. All activities including parking are free and open to the public.

The "Conflict at the Crossroads" living history event will feature cannon and musket firing demonstrations, a Civil War camp setting, Civil War music, blacksmith demonstrations, "Dress Like a Soldier" and Civil War drill programs, childrens games, and battlefield tours.