A Trip Back to Civil War Era in Monmouth

Editor's Note: For this week's Day Tripper column, it's a quick trip north on the Parkway to Monmouth County, as the library system and local historians transport you to the Civil War Era. It's the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War, and it would seem our Monmouth County hosts have created 150 different ways to explore the time period. Check out the rich history.

To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War, the Monmouth County Library has created a varied series of educational and entertainment events with re-enactors, speakers and musicians, and authentic food that runs through May at local libraries. 

The biggest one is on Sunday, April 10. The Muster in Manalapan will be held from 1-5 p.m. at library headquarters located at 125 Symmes Dr., Manalapan.

The event's keynote speaker, A. Wilson Greene, is the author of many published works on the Civil War. Music will be provided by the Libby Prison Minstrels, a band that plays the greatest hits of the 1860s. President Abraham Lincoln and his wife, Mary, will be on hand to greet visitors, as will an unsung female Civil War spy. Authentic tea and food will be provided by Whole Foods Market, Middletown. (Mmm. Hard tack, anyone?)

Table displays will illustrate different aspects of the conflict. Joe Bilby, a published author of several works about the legendary 15th New Jersey Infantry will be answering questions and sharing his vast knowledge about all the stuff you never knew about wartime New Jersey. 

Other Civil War-era events include: 

"What the Southern Soldier Wore," a display of Confederate Government issued clothing, with Arthur E. Green, the author of "Southern Boots and Saddles - the 15th Confederate Cavalry."

Eavesdrop on a special friendship. Harriet "Moses" Tubman, ex-slave, speaks with her friend, historian and biographer, Sarah Bradford.  They recall the hardship of slavery, escape, the Underground Railroad, and the true grit of Tubman herself. The performance is presented by Local Commotion Walking History, and will be followed by a sampling of Civil War-era food courtesy of Whole Foods. Saturday, April 16 at 2 p.m., at the Eastern Branch Library, in Shrewsbury.

"Beyond the Call of Duty," about the true story of Civil war hero, Sara Emma Edmonds, who fulfilled 11 spy missions. She will be portrayed by Matawan's Kati Beddow Brower of Local Commotion Walking History Programs. Saturday, April 30, 2 p.m., Howell Library branch. 

"The Irish in the US Civil War," will be presented by Michael O'Maille, who often speaks on Irish history. "Glas, Gorm's Liath," Gaelic for Green, Blue & Grey, will be the topic for Thursday, April 14, 7 p.m. at the Manalapan Headquarters; also "The Beginnings" is the topic on Wednesday, April 20 at 7 p.m. at Wall Township branch. 

"The Legend of Freedom Quilts and the Underground Railroad, with Trish Chambers," about the quilts, history, legends and personal stories of the Underground Railroad. Marlboro Library: Saturday, April 30 at 2 p.m; Eastern Branch: Sunday May 1 at 2 p.m; Wall Library, Saturday, May 7 at 11:30 a.m. 

"Civil War Dance Classes,"  Members of the Civil War Dance Foundation dress in period clothing and perform basic reel and quadrille movements. Saturday, May 7, at Library Headquarters in Manalapan. Dance sessions noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.

 "Civil War Fashion and Historic Displays": Touch and try on 1860’s fashions. Examples of accurately made reproductions of period clothing will be presented. Historic displays of original Civil War jewelry, newspapers, and photography. For teens and young adults. Saturday, May 7, at Library Headquarters in Manalapan. Sessions will be held at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

"Meet a Civil War Nurse": A historic medical professional from the National Museum of Civil War Medicine will see you now.  See authentic medical instruments, and learn bout the role of the care giver, alternative medicine methods, and medical innovations of the time. For grades 6 and up. Saturday, May 7, at Library Headquarters in Manalapan, 11 a .m. to 4 p.m.

Civil War Events for Kids

"Truth Telling: A Visit with Sister Sojourner and Sister Harriet Tubman." Storyteller Lorraine Stone portrays two of the greatest orators of the Abolitionist movement. For grades 3 and up.  Saturday, May 14, at Library Headquarters in Manalapan, 1 p.m.

"The Blue or the Gray: Traveling Trunk Show": Touch reproduction uniforms and artifacts carried by soldiers; learn to sing a Yankee and a Rebel song from the period. Presented by members of the Monmouth County Historical Association. For grades 3 and up. Library Headquarters in Manalapan: Saturday, May 14, at 2 p.m.; Eastern Branch in Shrewsbury: Saturday, May 21 at 2 p.m.

For more information on library branches, directions and more, visit www.monmouthcountylib.org