Lamoni's Civil War Days extends an invitation to all area students to participate
in a hands-on encounter with a varied group of extremely talented and accomplished living historians.
Each of these living historians specializes in bringing back to life an aspect of
19th Century American life. As a group, they present hands-on, interactive demonstrations that
portray both military & civilian impressions, including
artisans & trades people as well as Civil War infantry, cavalry, artillery and
medical units. Each of them brings a special depth of knowledge, talent,
and expertise that will entertain and enlighten you.
Regardless of the age or sex of your students, something at Civil War Days will draw them in.
When your students return home, they will know a great deal more about how their ancestors lived.
In order to plan properly, Civil War Days School Day Program must
limit the number of students each year,
so please contact us and reserve space for your students without delay.
Civil War Days expresses its profound thanks to our living historians.
They travel great distances without pay in order to make the past come alive again.
They are the event.
Civil War Days is proud to say that many of these living historians return to Lamoni
year after year.
Friday, August 31, 2012 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM in Lamoni, Iowa
Located precisely on the Iowa-Missouri border on Interstate 35
Click here for a detailed schedule of all weekend activities.
- Contact: Doug Jones directly at (cell) 515.707.4523 or (home) 641.784.8484
- Date: Friday, August 31, 2012
- Hours: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Admission: No charge for admission.
- Parking: Abundant & free, including buses and handicapped.
- Adult Supervision: Please make certain that your students are accompanied by adults.
Your students will not need close supervision: our reenactors are experienced at making presentations
to students and the event does provide some supervision. However, since the students are encouraged
to move about freely and interact with the renactors,
we find that the day is always a happier one when they are accompanied by adults who know them.
- Location: Civil War Days Battlefield & Encampments located one mile west of downtown Lamoni, Iowa.
For a detailed map click here and then click on the "Map of Lamoni"
>> From I-35 southbound, take Iowa exit #4
>> From I-35 northbound, take Missouri exit #114
>> Then just follow the pretty signs from the exit along West Main to the field on North Mulberry.
- Terrain: This event is on a large, mowed, rolling pasture. This means that the ground is uneven
but not rough and that you will walk a lot. There is limited shade.
- Wheelchair access: Regrettably, some areas on the field are not readily accessible
by wheelchair.
- Event Layout:
Your students and adult supervisors are free to travel at their own pace among the numerous stations
located on our battlefield and in our encampment. Each station presents a different facet
of mid-19th century civilian or military life
- including cavalry, artillery, infantry, and medical impressions.
- Schedule: We enforce no fixed
schedule and you are invited to spend time at stations that interest you.
Out of courtesy to our living historians, we do request that each group stay in place to the
conclusion of each 15-20 minute presentation.
This is a hands-on experience: we encourage questions and discourage hurrying.
You are free to take breaks whenever you wish.
New in 2011 and again in 2012: a small, tactical-level battle at 1:30 PM
- Home Schoolers: You tend to have more flexible schedules: you are invited to
move about freely and stay all day. Invite your friends!
- Amenities: Port-o-potties & free drinking water are provided and
there is period root beer & cream soda available for purchase.
There is also a sutler (period general store aka greedy war profiteer) on site but there are no modern gifts or toys for sale.
There is neither electricity nor modern plumbing available.
- Caution: Young babies and loud cannons do not mix well.
What to Bring
- Bring your own lunches & snacks. You can sit in the shade while you eat.
- Shade is available only around the perimeter of the encampment, so bring sunscreen & hats & umbrellas.
- You will be walking through a mowed pasture, so we recommend wearing closed-toe shoes.
- For your comfort, teachers, bring folding chairs.
- Do not forget your cameras.
