CSS Neuse Civil War Reliving History Program

Nighttime Firing of Special Artillery this coming Saturday!

November 14, 2010

Once again the cannons will thunder and sailors and Marines will converge on the banks of the Neuse River! On November 20 through 21, 2010, the CSS Neuse State Historic Site, in Kinston, North Carolina, will host its annual Civil War living history program. Plays will take place between the hours of:

• Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Saturday evening from 6:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.
• Sunday from 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

As always, members of several North Carolina reenactment/living history organizations will be on location demonstrating various aspects of historic naval life including navigational techniques, daily shipboard living, and many other nautical skills. This year’s program will feature Civil War Navy and Marines, as well as the addition to civilian interpretations. Additionally, there will be sutlers, persons who followed an army or maintained a store on an army post to sell provisions to the soldiers, as well as craftsmen at the program with items for sale to the general public.

This year’s program will once more offer visitors rare opportunity, the firing of special artillery after dark on Saturday.

The Gates to the CSS Neuse State Historic Site will reopen at 5:45 p.m. and the demonstration will take place at 6:15 p.m. Visitors should bring a flashlight to help them find their way to the demonstration area. This rare spectacular demonstration on the banks of the Neuse river is well worth traveling to, especially, when considering the dwindling availability of fireworks demonstrations nationwide.

Tours of the ship and site gift shop will be available both days. The recently renovated Governor Richard Caswell Memorial will be open with exhibits featuring Governor Caswell’s life and career. All activities are free of charge, but donations are gratefully accepted. The CSS Neuse State Historic Site and Governor Richard Caswell Memorial is an agency of the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources and is located at 2612 West Vernon Avenue in Kinston, next to the old Massey Toyota and across from Auto Brite. Signs mark the directions from US 70.

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Lastly, this is not only a rare opportunity to enjoy a spectacular light display and civil war reenactment, but also an opportunity to honor those sailors and Marines who fought and died in battle. Additionally, families who home school children should also note this fun-filled event is an inexpensive opportunity to educate their children in an important part of North Carolina history. So make plans to attend now for next weekend’s event!