Orange County’s Hill-Hold Museum to Host Civil War Weekend
Staff | April 27, 2012 | CommentOrange County’s Hill-Hold Museum to Host Civil War Weekend
Red Neck Ties to be Featured May 19, 20
Orange County Executive Edward A. Diana and Commissioner Richard Rose of the Orange County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department are pleased to once again welcome the Historic 15th New York Volunteer Cavalry, also known as “The Red Neck Ties,” to Hill-Hold Museum for their annual Civil War weekend. This popular re-enactment event is scheduled for Saturday, May 19 and Sunday, May 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Civil War Weekend attendees will be able to:
– Tour Union and Confederate camps and talk with soldiers about their life.
Visitors beware – you may be questioned about your loyalty!
– Participate in drills and get the feel for what it was like to be a new recruit in camp.
– View scripted battle re-enactments each day, complete with artillery and cavalry.
– Watch artillery drills and firearms demonstrations.
– Complete the day with a candlelight tour of the soldiers’ camp life at night.
“We are thrilled that Hill-Hold will once again be hosting the 15th Cavalry’s Civil War Weekend. This is a great educational opportunity and fun for the whole family,” said County Executive Diana.
Formed principally in upstate New York, the 15th NYVC was a late addition to the Army of the Potomac, forming companies in 1863. As part of George Armstrong Custer’s division, the units fought in the Shenandoah Valley under the command of Phil Sheridan. They were present at Five Forks and Appomattox, and participated in the last cavalry charge of the Civil War.
In 1993, after 130 years, the 15th New York Volunteer Cavalry was reactivated in order to preserve Civil War history. Today the unit participates in numerous events, ranging from parades, living history demonstrations at schools and parks, to major Civil War reenactments. The 15th Cavalry practices both mounted and dismounted drills monthly throughout the year.
Orange County’s Hill-Hold Museum, a part of the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Conservation, is proud to be home base for the 15th Cavalry.
For more information about the Civil War re-enactment weekend, call Hill-Hold Museum at (845) 615-3833. Anyone interested in participating in the re-enactment can contact Ken Colomba at (845) 986-9810, by email to [email protected], or visit www.15thnewyorkcavalry.org.