Every fall since 1990, Kearney Park has hosted the annual Civil War Revisited. Actors and visitors will gather for the twenty-first commencement of this Valley tradition, which runs from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Oct. 2 and from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Oct. 3.

Gate admission and parking fees are $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-12 years of age and free for children 5 and under. There are also dinners and special events available for additional fees.

The reenactment offers visitors a chance to experience the history of the Civil War.

History teacher Bessalee Mendoza regards this as an opportunity for students to witness what the war actually was like. She offers extra credit for her AP and regular U.S. History students to encourage them to attend.

“I feel that it is a good experience because, rather than reading about it in a textbook, they [students] can experience it and interact with the people there,” Mendoza said. “It’s like history coming alive.”

Junior Victoria Hindes, a student of Mendoza’s, went to last year’s Civil War reenactment in order to receive extra credit. Besides boosting her grade, she also enjoyed the unique experience of the event.

“I went because Mrs. Mendoza offered the class extra credit in [U.S.] History. I was always interested in going, but I had never had the opportunity to go in years past,” Hindes said. “I liked seeing all of the different costumes and how Kearney Park was changed to show what it was like back then.”

Another way to experience the reenactment is to participate as an actor. Students can volunteer as actors — whether they be anything from generals to women selling handmade wares — to engage in the reenactment.

“I have participated in the reenactment for two years,” Ryan Stewart, ’14, said. “I’m a powder monkey — the person that brings gun powder from the powder box to the cannons.”

For more information, call the Fresno Historical Society at 559.401.0862.

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