Civil War aficionados came together on April 26 for “Civil War Days at the Liberty Bell Museum” at 1601 Oak Street in Melbourne. The free one-day event included various demonstrations, several historical organizations, live music of the period, participants in historically accurate costumes, and the museum itself, which includes a section on the American Civil War. Deb Plaag, current President of the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War Tent 15 and a former leader of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, pulled together groups and individuals from around Central Florida to make the event available to the public. “I am amazed at how quickly it grew from just the 6 Stations last year to 13 this year,” Deb reported. An article from FLORIDA TODAY providing much more information and many more pictures about the event can be accessed HERE. “Our nation has lost its collective memory about this important period of American History. That’s why these types of events are so important,” says historian Jack Bovee. Bovee urges all Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) Camps to work with their Confederate counterparts to replicate these sorts of living-history events around the state. He added,
SUVCW Camps around Florida almost always have Sons of Confederate Veterans
within
them. These Sons of both camps are affectionately known as SOBs within
Civil War circles.
These Brothers and Civil War period enthusiasts everywhere should
work together to help
promote such educational opportunities around the state.
There ought to be “Tampa Civil
War Heritage Days,” “Jacksonville Civil War Days,”
“Tallahassee Civil War Heritage
Days,” “Orlando Civil War Days,” etc. each and
every year to help teach this important
part of our past that is no longer taught in our public schools.
For information on how to replicate an event like this in your area, contact Deb Plaag at dplaag@gmail.com .
