2019 Van Raalte Farm Civil War Muster
The 11th Annual Van Raalte Farm Civil War Muster will be held on September 21-22, 2019 at the historic Van Raalte Farm in Holland, Michigan. The Van Raalte Farm Civil War Muster is free to the public and features two days worth of music, impressions of historical figures, performances, medical scenarios, period-style vendors and church service, and Civil War battle reenactments. It’s exciting. It’s fun. It’s educational. It’s family-friendly, so bring everyone except the pets (they are skittish at the sound of gunfire!).
Van Raalte Farm Civil War Muster
Don’t miss the action when cannon blasts and musket fire echo across the fields at the Van Raalte Farm Civil War Muster as reenactors representing the soldiers the American Civil War from North and the South reenact famous battles that decided the fate of the Nation.
Much of the information below is from the 2018 event. This will be updated for 2019 as it becomes available.
Public Welcome – Free Admission
Hours
Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Parking & Shuttle
Participants: Reenactors and Sutlers have a parking lot at the park, located at 1076 E. 16th Street.
Visitors: Public parking for visitors is located at the nearby JCI lot at 858 E. 24th Streete. From there, visitors will be taken via shuttle to the entrance of the park. (During time during and before the battles, shuttles will make a stop at the park’s rear entrance, closer to the battlefield).
Handicapped Parking: Available at the 24th St. entrance to the VanRaalte park.
Van Raalte Farm Civil War Muster Mini Gallery
Van Raalte Farm Civil War Muster features:
- Military and Civilian Encampments, including infantry, cavalry, and artillery.
- Reenactments of the Battles of Five Forks and Appomattox Court House each day
- Meet and listen to important figures, like Ulysses S. Grant, Robert E. Lee, George Armstrong Custer, and more!
- A recreation of Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Court House
- A number of “Sutlers,” or tradesmen selling authentic Civil War items.
- Crafter’s Alley, our new show for Victorian-inspired crafts.
- Civil War Music, Food, and a Sunday Church Service!
Sutler’s Row
Sutler’s Row (Civil War era merchants) is hosted by the Van Raalte Civil War Muster and features historically accurate displays of products authentic to the Civil War. Dealers of reproduction uniforms, military accoutrements, books, dressmakers, milliners, etc. will provide soldiers and guests the opportunity to take home a piece of the past or a souvenir of their visit. Sutlers strive to have an historically accurate display and sell products, both handmade and not, authentic to the Civil War era.
Vendor (Sutler) Information
If you are a sutler and would like to participate in Sutler’s Row, you may e-mail the online PDF application to VanRaalteVendors@gmail.com (use website link at right).
Location
Van Raalte Farm Park
1076 East 16th Street
Holland, MI 49423
For More Information
Event Coordinator: Lollie and Dave Baumann- VanRaalteMuster@gmail.com
To become a reenactor visit: Third Michigan, Volunteer Infantry Co F
Tentative Event Schedule[su_accordion][su_spoiler title=”SATURDAY (9AM – 9PM)”]
GENERAL EVENTS
9:00 AM Camps Open
10:00 AM Military Drill (Union at Battlefield, Confederates on VanRaalte House Lawn)
11:00 AM Activities for Kids in Civilian Camp
1:30 PM 1st Holland Regimental Volunteer Band
2:00 PM Battle Reenactment
5:00 PM Dinner for Re-enactors at Red Barn
7:00 PM Ball at Red Barn
9:00 PM Camps Close
9:30 PM Last Bus Shuttle
VAN RAALTE STAGE
9:30 AM 1st Holland Regimental Volunteer Band
10:15 AM President Abraham Lincoln speaks on the War
11:00 AM Al McGeehan – Talks about the 25th MI Infantry
11:45 AM Civil War Concert – Lake Effects Choir
12:30 PM Union & Confederate Generals speak on the War
(Break for Battle)
3:00 PM Lincoln & Davis Debate
SOLDIER’S STAGE
10:00 AM Civil War Swords & Combat demonstrations
10:45 AM Union & Confederate Generals speak on the War
12:00 PM 1st Holland Regimental Volunteer Band
(Break for Battle & Surrender)
12:45 PM Civil War Swords & Combat
(Break for Battle)
3:00 PM Civil War Swords & Combat demonstrations
4:00 PM Soldier’s Speed-loading and firing competition[/su_spoiler][/su_accordion][su_accordion][su_spoiler title=”SUNDAY (9AM – 4:30PM)”]
GENERAL EVENTS
9:00 AM Camps Open
10:00 AM 1860’s Period Church Service
11:00 AM Military Drill (Union at Battlefield, Confederates on VanRaalte House Lawn)
11:00 AM Activities for Kids in Civilian Camp
1:30 PM 1st Holland Regimental Volunteer Band
2:00 PM Battle Reenactment: Battle of Manassas
4:30 PM Camps Close
5:00 PM Last Bus Shuttle
VAN RAALTE STAGE
9:30 AM 1st Holland Regimental Volunteer Band
10:00 AM 1860’s Period Church Service
10:45 AM Union & Confederate Generals speak on the War
11:30 AM Lincoln & Davis Debate
12:15 PM Civil War Concert – Lake Effects Choir
(Break for Battle)
SOLDIER’S STAGE
11:00 AM Civil War Swords & Combat demonstrations
12:00 PM 1st Holland Regimental Volunteer Band
1:00 PM Union & Confederate Generals speak on the War
(Break for Battle)
3:00 PM Civil War Swords & Combat demonstrations[/su_spoiler][/su_accordion]
Mark your calendar today so you don’t miss the next Van Raalte Farm Civil War Muster on the third weekend in September at the historic Van Raalte Farm in Holland, Michigan.
Tags: Van Raalte Farm Civil War Muster, Van Raalte Farm Civil War Reenactment, Michigan Civil War Reenactment, Civil War Reenactment