Interested in the Civil War or World War II? Want to learn about the weaponry and tactics used by the British infantry in the Victorian Era? Or maybe you are just a history buff who loves it all. Historic Cold Spring Village will host its annual Military Timeline Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, June 18-19, which will feature encampments, weaponry displays and demonstrations from living history groups depicting various conflicts throughout the centuries. This event will be held from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.
Featured this year is La Belle Compagnie, who will present English knights and archers from the Hundred Years War (1337-1453). Other highlights include Civil War Union and Confederate encampments; interpreters of the French and Indian War (1754-1763), the War of 1812 and the late 19th century British Army; and World War II Axis reenactors. Historian Mike Kochan as Benjamin Franklin discusses Franklin’s military activities and inventions. Kids ages 5 to 12 can participate in a War of 1812 militia muster at 1pm on Saturday and Sunday at the Dennisville Inn. At 3 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, HCSV Education and Interpretation Director Jim Stephens will present his lively program, The Story of Old Glory, in which he tells the colorful history of the American flag with reproduction flags on display.
Historic Cold Spring Village is a nonprofit, open-air living history museum that portrays the daily life of a rural South Jersey community of the Early American period. It features 26 restored historic structures on a 30-acre site. Tuesday through Sunday, from late June to early September, interpreters and artisans in period clothing preserve the trades, crafts and heritage of “the age of homespun.” Fun and educational activities for children are featured Tuesday through Sunday, with special events every weekend through September.
The Village is located on Route 9, three miles north of Victorian Cape May and a mile and a half west of the southern terminus of the Garden State Parkway. Admission during the season is $12 for adults and $10 for children ages 3 to 12. Children under 3 are admitted free. Unlimited free admission is available with Village membership. The Village Nature Trail at Bradner’s Run is open to the public for free self-guided tours. Visit the Country Store, Bakery, Ice Cream Parlor and Cold Spring Grange Restaurant. For more information on events, membership, volunteering, or booking private affairs, please call (609) 898-2300, ext. 10, or visit the Village website at www.hcsv.org.