Experience life in a Civil War winter camp

FREMONT—Experience what life was like for President Rutherford B. Hayes' Civil War regiment while camping for the winter with a day of Civil War events on Oct. 28, at Spiegel Grove. Watch reenactors fire their muskets during infantry demonstrations, see military bands perform and see what the soldiers' camp looked like during Civil War Winter Camp at Spiegel Grove—the grounds of the Hayes Presidential Library and Museums. The tours last about 50 minutes and will be outdoors. Please dress for the weather. Tickets are required for tours. Band performances and military demonstrations are free, and tickets are not required to attend those. This is the fifth year for the Civil War Winter Camp, which is an event unique to Hayes Presidential and focuses on winter life of Hayes' regiment. Between battles, troops often spent time marching and preparing to fight. During the winter months, they would make a semi-permanent camp to await warmer weather and combat. Hayes' regiment spent its winters camping in what is today West Virginia. First Lady Lucy Hayes and the Hayes children often visited the camps, where Lucy would tend to soldiers, mend their uniforms and provide needed support. Hayes Presidential volunteers and staff have built huts like those used in winter camp at the back of the Spiegel Grove for this event. Tickets for non-members are $10 ages 13 and older, $7 for ages 6-12 and free for ages 5 and younger. Tickets for Hayes Presidential members are $8 for ages 13 and older, $5 for ages 6-12 and free for ages 5 and younger. A family pass that includes admission for two adults and up to four kids is $25 for non-members and $20 for Hayes Presidential members. Tickets are available at rbhayes.org Civil War Winter Camp is sponsored by Birchard Financial, LLC. Schedule of events: 10-10:30 a.m. and 1–3:30 p.m.: Civil War Winter Camp Tours depart every half hour. Timed ticket required. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Family-oriented tour of the camp. This tour includes a 15-minute kids program, "School of the Soldier," in the museum auditorium, an outdoor military drill simulation and a camp tour. All ages are welcome. Timed ticket required. Noon, 2 and 4 p.m.: Performances by the Camp Chase Fifes and Drums. Free. 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.: Military demonstrations. Free. 1 p.m.: Demonstration by the fifth U.S. Colored Troops Company G. Free. 5:30 p.m.: Performance by the 73rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment Band on the Hayes Home verandah. Free. For information, call 419-332-2081, or visit rbhayes.org.