LINCOLN – Life at an 1820s military post will be depicted at Living History Weekend at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park on April 30 and May 1.
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., visitors are encouraged to interact with volunteers demonstrating period trades such as blacksmithing, carpentry, tinsmithing and coopering, as well as crafts such as quilting, spinning and weaving. Soap-making and military demonstrations will be held throughout the weekend.
Living history demonstrations take place periodically throughout the summer and fall, each with a different theme. In this demonstration, the first for the 2016 season, the cast of volunteers will reenact two seasonal events in Fort Atkinson’s historic life: the arrival of the first supply boats and the beginning of spring planting season.
At 1:30 p.m. on April 30, volunteer Suzanne Gucciadro will give a presentation on agriculture and horticulture at the old Fort.
“This is a great family event and a chance to connect with Nebraska’s history,” said Fort Atkinson Superintendent John Slader. “Our reenactors are extremely knowledgeable and will interact with anyone who comes to the event.”
Fort Atkinson, the first military post west of the Missouri River, is seven blocks east of U.S. Highway 75 near Fort Calhoun. A park entry permit is required. An additional fee is required for the Harold W. Andersen Visitor Center. Contact the park for more information at 402-465-5611 or ngpc.fort.atkinson@nebraska.gov.
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