The Civil War is still going strong in Brookfield.
Next week, the Elmbrook Historical Society will host the 15th installment of its annual Civil War Days encampment at the historic Dousman Stagecoach Inn on Pilgrim Parkway.
The encampment, a two-day event that draws about 500 visitors every year, features skirmishes between Union and Confederate soldiers, artillery demonstrations, addresses from an Abraham Lincoln re-enactor, an 1860s fashion show and more.
Angie Kopf, who has coordinated the encampment for the last 15 years, said it continues to be a big draw in the community.
"We have many families who come back year after year," she said.
Event is big fundraiser
Civil War Days is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Elmbrook Historical Society, but the event also helps the nonprofit group with its goal to teach residents about the past.
"We do it to preserve history," Kopf said.
Kopf said the event draws a lot of families from Brookfield and surrounding communities. She said children can walk around the grounds and talk to blacksmiths, soldiers and ladies in full 1860s regalia.
The re-enactors who make Civil War Days run come from all over Wisconsin and Illinois and represent many different aspects of Civil War-era life, Kopf said.
"We have wonderful dedicated re-enactors who give their time," she said.
Betsy Haushalter of the Elmbrook Historical Society said one of the interesting additions this year is the Regimental Volunteer Band of Wisconsin, which will play throughout the day on May 3.
The band re-creates the look and sound of a typical Union Army Band and plays authentic musical arrangements on original period instruments.
New units attend every year
Thanks to the re-enactors and volunteers who give their time at the encampment, Civil War Days has been going strong for more than a decade, Kopf said.
And Kopf said she doesn't see any reason the program won't continue in the future.
"It's grown," she said. "Every year we have new units that attend."
Alan Hamari can be reached at (262) 446-6601.
AT A GLANCE
WHAT: Elmbrook Historical Society's 15th annual Civil War Days
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 2, and Sunday, May 3
WHERE: Dousman Stagecoach Inn, 1075 Pilgrim Parkway; visitors should park at Pilgrim Park Middle School, where a shuttle will take them to the grounds
ADMISSION: $5 adults, $2 children, $12 families
INFORMATION: Call (262) 782-4057 or visit elmbrookhistoricalsociety.com
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