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For immediate release
Contact: Beth E. Gerber, Director of Sales & Marketing
Telephone: 717-260-1861, Ext. 1201
The King of the Battle
Cannon
Firings to be Held in Reservoir Park as part of
The National Civil War Museum Weekend Programming
Harrisburg, PA (August 16, 2005) - History is a BLAST at The National
Civil War Museum, located in Reservoir Park, Harrisburg.
Make plans to visit the Museum Saturday, August 20th and
Sunday, August 21st and while there witness a live cannon
firing.
This
educational program for the entire family is designed to bring history to
life. Special
federal artillery firings will take place throughout the weekend as The
2nd U.S., Battery M will demonstrate the artillery of the Civil War.
Living history activities will illustrate how artillery came to be known
as "The King of the Battle" and will explain how artillery
evolved between 1861 and 1865.
Battery M or Company M of the Second Artillery Regiment of the United
States Army was formed in March 1847 for service in the Mexican War,
although the Battery is most famous for its service during the Civil War.
As part of the regular
United States Army, when the war began in 1861, the members of Battery M
were referred to as ‘Regulars’. Artillery
units, commissioned in the individual northern states for service during
the war, were designated as ‘Volunteers’.
Battery M served the entire war in the Army of the Potomac, and
participated in every major action in the Eastern theatre of the war.
The Battery first gained notice
for their action at the First Battle of Bull Run in July of 1861.
Serving on the extreme left flank of the Federal Army, Battery M
repulsed a severe Confederate infantry assault, and during the Federal
retreat back to Washington, DC, the Battery brought up the rear, using
their four twelve-pound “Napoleons” to keep pursuing Confederate
forces at bay.
The living history activities will
take place on the Parade Grounds behind the Museum.
The artillery demonstration will be held during regular Museum
hours each day. Museum
visitors will see the flash, smell the smoke and hear the roar of Civil
War cannons. The
program is weather contingent and free of charge with admission to the
Museum.
While
at the Museum, make sure to visit These Tattered Flags.
Serving as unique symbols of American history, flags are the focus
of the Museum’s newest temporary showing, located in the gallery on the
first floor. The historical
examples, unique designs and rare artifacts will be on exhibit through the
end of the year.
The National Civil War
Museum, which has an on-site, full-service café, will be open Saturday
from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5:00 p.m.
Admission to the Museum is $7.00 for adults, with reduced rates for
children, seniors, military personnel and families.
For
more information about this unique attraction, please call 717.260.1861.
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2005
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