Reenactment offers perspective on America’s history

Muskets at the ready, they march forward under the blasts of cannon fire, staring into the haze of enemy fire. Commanders on horseback spur the men on, waving their sabers towards the frontline.

Each year, people throughout the Central Valley gather to witness the historical reenactment of Civil War era battles and figures. The Civil War Revisited features attractions for children and adults, including battlefield reenactments, military encampments and civilian towns. The Fresno Historical Society and The American Civil War Association work together to bring this event to life in Kearney Park, Oct. 20-21.

With song and dance, food, and dressing up, the community event aims to immerse people in life during the 1860s. 

Each year, American history teacher Kori Friesen offers extra credit for students to attend the event. She requires students take two selfies with the re-enactors and describe their historical role.

Friesen emphasizes the importance of acquiring a historical perspective through events like the Civil War Revisited.

“It is a great opportunity for students to travel back in time and be part of living history,” Friesen said. “To see the Historical Society put on such an amazing collection of what the Civil War has to offer as far as the differences in the Union and the Confederacy and what it may have been like to live back in that time period.

“It’s also really cool to take the chance to get to know the different characters,” Friesen continued. “Each of the Civil War Revisited actors spend years perfecting the character they take on. When you’re talking to someone there, they are in character and have so much depth that they can tell you what their grandparents and siblings did and so on. The most interesting aspect is getting to know these characters.”

Extra credit boosts students grades and supplements poor test grades. Lorenzo Fierro, ‘21, plans on attending the event for extra credit.

“I want to go because I really liked this event when I was younger and I also need to boost my grade up,” Fierro said. “Being there would be cool to see what it was like back then.”

Some students find the event unenjoyable and prefer not to attend. Jason Olson, ‘20, explains why he rather stay home from the reenactment this weekend.

“I will not go to the reenactment because stuff like that doesn’t interest me enough,” Olson said. “With the time I would’ve spent there, I could just be doing something that was actually pleasing to me.”

Many people in the public participate in the reenactment. Last year, Annaleise Anderson, ‘19, dressed in period correct clothing and taught kids about life in an 18th Century ‘institute for young ladies’. She discusses why she participated in the reenactment the past two years.

“I really like learning about history,” Anderson said, “so I think being able to be a part of something from our history and being able to live like they did then and then portray that to children to teach them is really cool.”

Max Muñoz interviews U.S. history teacher Kori Friesen about attending the Civil War Revisited in the following podcast.

Additional opportunities for students include hearing President Lincoln deliver the Gettysburg Address, touring the historic Kearney Mansion, and shopping at the Historical Society’s Old Glory Mercantile for memorabilia, toys & candy.

The event occurs Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Kearney Park. Admissions are $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-12, and 5 and under are free. Free parking is included. For more information, go to their website. 

For more articles, read Football, volleyball, senior nights and sports rally promote school spirit and Annaleise Anderson takes advantage of campus opportunities.

Max Munoz can be reached via email and via Twitter.