Special Events for 2009
March 28 Planting the Fields. Join the farm staff as they prepare for the spring planting season. Visitors will get to learn how the Bennett family and other North Carolina farmers made their living, trying to survive during the time of the American Civil War. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
April 4 Civil War Park Day. This is a national workday for volunteers to come out and support their local Civil War Historic Site. Projects include gardening, cleaning of park grounds, clearing nature trails, and other preservation opportunities. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
April 25-26 Anniversary Surrender Commemoration. This commemorative event marks the largest surrender of the American Civil War, which helped reunify the U.S. Visit Bennett Place where the generals convened to sign the papers, making them prominent figures in history. Living history programs and lectures will be held throughout the weekend. Saturday,10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
May 20 Confederate Memorial Day (North Carolina Observance). Meet historical interpreters portraying Confederate soldiers. They will demonstrate the life of the soldier and discuss what Confederate Memorial Day means to them. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
May 23 Memorial Day Remembrance. Memorial Day began in small communities, which recognized those soldiers who gave their lives during the American Civil War. Join Civil War soldier interpreters as they discuss the history and significance of Memorial Day. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
July 18-19 Union Occupation in the Carolinas. Historically Reconstruction ended in North Carolina on July 4, 1868. Join Union soldiers at Bennett Place as they discuss the days after the surrender and Reconstruction in the South. Living historians will demonstrate life of the Northern soldiers who served under General Sherman at the close of the American Civil War. Soldiers will be encamped around the Bennett Farm throughout the weekend. Saturday,10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
August 22-23 Soldiers of the Old North State. Living historians will demonstrate life of the Southern soldiers who served the Old North State during the American Civil War. Visit with Confederate soldiers as they discuss and exhibit the uniforms and equipment of North Carolina soldier. Soldiers will be encamped around the Bennett Farm throughout the weekend. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
October 10-11 Road To Secession. Experience what life was like for the people of Piedmont North Carolina during the beginning months of the Civil War. A recruitment station and encampment will be set up on the grounds of the Bennett Farm, much like camps established throughout North Carolina and the South, recruiting men to defend the Southern cause. 19th century civilian interpreters will enlist in the army and be transformed into soldiers. Other civilian interpreters will demonstrate domestic chores such as cooking, gardening, sewing for their husbands and sons heading off to war. Soldiers will share their stories of enlistment, and their new life in the Confederate army. Visitors will have the opportunity to “enlist” and become soldiers as well. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
December 12-13 Christmas in the Carolinas During the Civil War. Visit Bennett Place during the holiday season and witness how Christmas was celebrated in the Piedmont Carolinas. The farm will be decorated in a typical Christmas fashion. Music, caroling, and refreshments will be served. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.