Program, Soliders and Civilians During the Civil War

Civil War Program/ Southcoast Historical Program

April 24, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. This is an interactive program.

The life of the common soldier during the Civil War and the role of women during this time period are the focal points of our 19^th century presentation. Using replica firearms and original artifacts, the students will learn what it was like to be a soldier during the War Between the States.

Uniforms, weapons , medical instruments and battle flags will be some of the items displayed in the classroom. Tactics and strategies of both sides as well as medical procedures for the treatment of wounds and disease will be discussed. The importance of pivotal battles such as Gettysburg, Vicksburg and Antietem will be covered in the presentation. Certain military units from Massachusetts will be highlighted, the 54^th Massachusetts ( An all black regiment) and the 28^th Massachusetts( a regiment of the Irish Brigade) .

The role of women during the Civil War era will also be presented. The students will learn about their sacrifices and the contribution of women to the war effort through Sanitary Fairs held throughout the North. A description of Victorian mourning customs, clothing and how society expected women to behave will be explained to the classes. The students will also learn how the Civil War changed the roles of women in society as well as how women viewed themselves. The suffrage movement and the struggle of women for equal rights have a direct link to the Civil war.