Old Court House Civil War Museum  Winchester, Virginia

Gathering of Eagles, June 6-8, 2008

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Tickets - $7 day or $10 for the weekend (Does not include Court Case)

Court Case of Commonwealth of Virginia v. U.S.A. - $3.00

 Available in advance at the museum

(phone 540-542-1145/46; email – courtousemuseum@verizon.net).

Friday June 6, 2008 (Descriptions for the various events and information on  on admission, events and locations are at the bottom of the schedule.)

Saturday, June 7, 2008 9:00 a.m. 9:00 p.m.

NOTE:  Naval display and Flag display will be constant throughout the weekend with these times for specific demonstrations.

Sunday, June 8, 2008 9:30 a.m. – Church Service

NOTE:  Throughout the weekend, Dr Dean Havron (local family doctor) will be strolling about the mall area playing banjo and other items (spoons,etc) and telling stories about period music, while “Evergreen Shade” will be set up on the courthouse porch playing period music.  Authors and artists will be set up on courthouse porch also.

Friday, June 7, 2008 @ 6:00 p.m. - First Friday with the Generals
Location - Mount Hebron Cemetery and Old Town Mall
The Generals will attend the Confederate Memorial Day Ceremony at Mount Hebron Cemetery.  Following that the various Generals will be strolling up and down the Old Town Mall.  You may stop and see them at the Godfrey Miller House.  The Generals, as well as their ladies, will be reading stories to the children.  Also, our minstrel, Dr. Dean Havron will be playing period music on the banjo and other assorted instruments.  Additionally, many of the Generals and their ladies will be visiting the various shops along the mall so stop and visit with them!

Saturday, June 7, 2008 9:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. - Debate and Discussion Forums
Location - Old Court House Civil War Museum courtroom (20 North Loudoun Street)  and Godfrey Miller House pavilion (28 S. Loudoun Street)
The Generals will be debating and discussing various topics pertaining to the War Between the States including battles, tactics, personalities and politics.  The talks will cover Infantry/Artillery, Cavalry, Matthew Brady, Lee and Grant and the Presidents.  Admission will be charged and seating is limited.  You may purchase tickets in advance at the Old Court House Civil War Museum Gift Shop.   

Saturday, June 7, 2008 10:00 a.m. 10:45 a.m. - Naval Presentation
Location - Old Court House Civil War Museum Lawn courtroom (20 North Loudoun Street)
Commander Farrand will display items concerning the C.S.S. Navy. 

Saturday, June 7, 2008 11:00 a.m. 11:45 a.m. - Flag Presentation
Location - Old Court House Civil War Museum Lawn courtroom (20 North Loudoun Street)
Gen. John Hunt Morgan will inform the public as to the different kinds of flags used by both sides during the War.  Flags from both the north and south will be on display.                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Saturday, June 7, 2008 1:00 p.m. - Ladies Tea
Location - Godfrey Miller House (28 S. Loudoun Street)
The Generals' Ladies will be serving refreshments from the period in the traditional manner.  Additionally, the Ladies will be answering questions regarding proper etiquette for young ladies and the proper method of serving tea.  This will be free to the public but also limited to 40 people.  Please obtain complimentary tickets at the Old Court House Civil War Museum Gift Shop.  

Saturday, June 7, 2008 2:30 p.m. - Ladies Fashion Show
Location - Old Court House Civil War Museum lawn (20 N. Loudoun Street)
There will be a fashion show on the front lawn of the Old Court House Civil War Museum featuring the various attire worn by ladies during the Civil War period.  Come and see all the beautiful dresses and how involved the styles for the females were!  It will include work/camp dresses, ball gowns, tea dresses, morning dresses/wrappers evening gowns, riding habits and mourning attire. 

Saturday, June 7, 2008 3:00 p.m. - Court Case - Commonwealth of Virginia v. United States of America
Location - TBD
Listen to lawyers for the Commonwealth of Virginia and other southern states and the United States government argue a case in front of the 1861 United States Supreme Court on the issue of the constitutionality of various states' right to secede.  The decision will be based on 1860s case law and constitutional interpretation.  Was it constitutional or not?  This question is still being argued today.  How will a court, based on the law at the time, rule?  Who has the stronger constitutional case?  This case will be argued by real lawyers and decided by real legal authorities based on 1860 law.  Come watch and see if you agree with the court's decision!  Admission will be charged and seating is limited.  You may purchase tickets in advance at the Old Court House Civil War Museum Gift Shop.   

Saturday, June 7, 2008 5:30 p.m. – Dinner With The Generals

Pick a restaurant and sit down to dinner with a Union and Confederate General and their wives.  You can converse with the Generals and their ladies, ask questions, discuss and debate any topic you choose.  The Generals and their ladies will gladly discuss the burning issues. 

Sunday, June 8, 2008 9:30 a.m. - Church Service
Location - Courtroom of the Old Court House Civil War Museum
There will be a period service for those wanting to attend.  The presiding minister will be Chaplain Alan Farley, from the Reenactors Mission for Jesus Christ who travels some 40,000 miles each year attending Living History programs and reenactments.  The service will be attended by the Generals and their ladies. 

Sunday, June 8, 2008 Immediately Following the Church Service - Recap and Question Sessions
Location - Courtroom of the Old Court House Civil War Museum
All participants will be present for a recap of the discussions.  The were also be a question and answer period for any attendees who may have questions regarding the presentations.