Every October, Norskedalen Nature and Heritage Center turns back the clock, whisking visitors back to the late 1800’s during the Civil War Immersion Weekend, scheduled this year for October 11th and 12th.
Norskedalen, which means “Norwegian valley,” is a nature and heritage center in Driftless Wisconsin. The center includes Bekkum Homestead, a group of 13, Norwegian pioneer farm buildings, and Holte Cabin, a Civil War-era building reconstructed by a Civil War re-enactment group: Company B of the 2nd Wisconsin.
Company B of the 2nd Wisconsin was part of the famous Iron Brigade. Known to Confederate fighters as “the terrible Black Hats,” this company fought at Bull Run, Antietam, and Gettysburg, where it was nearly annihilated. Company B of the 2nd Wisconsin became the most honored brigade in the eastern army.
These talented and dedicated Civil War re-enactors of today’s Company B of the 2nd Wisconsin bring history to life every year at the Civil War Immersion Weekend with drills, skirmishes, and demonstrations – and it’s not all just war, either. Civilian re-enactors will also be demonstrating the daily life of the 1863 citizenry. Visitors to Norskedalen’s Civil War Immersion Weekend will be able to wander the grounds and visit living history stations to learn what life was like during the Civil War from re-enactors in authentic costume.
Watch as uniformed soldiers drill and pass time at their war-front camp. Hear stories about their life on the march and during wartime. Learn about Civil War era artillery and how to load and fire a cannon. Stop by the farmstead and watch as women work over wood-fired stoves to provide for their families and children perform their daily chores. Listen to the tales of loss and survival as these regular people suffer through the rigors of the engulfing conflict. Witness skirmishes and the main battle from a hilltop as it unfolds below between Confederate and Yankee troops.
Whether you’re a full-blown Civil War buffs, have just a passing interest in US History, or are simply looking for an exciting and thought provoking time while in the Driftless Wisconsin region, Norskedalen’s Civil War Immersion Weekend is for you!
Norskedalen’s Civil War Immersion Weekend 2014
October 11th and 12th
Saturday 9am – 5pm, Sunday 9am – 3pm
for directions, details and more, please visit: www.norskedalen.org