Civil War photography presentation; Jack Tars at City Point

Petersburg National Battlefield hosts two upcoming events: 1) Civil War Photography Presentation 2) Jack Tars at City Point – The Navy Side of the Siege 1) Civil War Photography Presentation On Saturday, October 18 from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. a presentation on Civil War photography will take place at the Appomattox Regional Library in Hopewell. The PowerPoint program will […]

October 11, 2008; 9:52 AM • by brenda p

Petersburg National Battlefield hosts two upcoming events:
1) Civil War Photography Presentation
2) Jack Tars at City Point – The Navy Side of the Siege

1) Civil War Photography Presentation

On Saturday, October 18 from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. a presentation on Civil War photography will take place at the Appomattox Regional Library in Hopewell. The PowerPoint program will feature some famous and not so famous images of the Civil War and information about some of the most well known photographers at the time.

The Civil War was the third war to be photographed. Not only did the photographers leave an impact with their images but many also would leave an impact with their words as they described the scenes occurring before their eyes. Photos brought the reality of war to the masses. The photos revealed in this program will give the audience a glimpse of the Civil War battlefield and the Civil War home front as well as individuals who played prominent roles during the war.

You may think that with all of the contributions made by photographers during the war that they would live comfortable lives following the event. That, however, was not always the case. This program will also focus on what happened to these photographers following the war.

The presentation is free of charge. Appomattox Regional Library is located just off of Rt. 10 in Hopewell. For more information, please call park ranger Ann Blumenschine at (804) 732-3531 ext. 203.

2) Jack Tars at City Point – The Navy Side of the Siege

On Saturday and Sunday October 25 and 26, 2008 jack tars, otherwise known as sailors, of the Union Navy will come ashore at City Point. Best known as the location of Grant’s headquarters during the siege of Petersburg and as the home of wealthy planter Richard Epps, City Point was site of the busiest port in the world at the peak of the siege. Naval ships, big and small, powerful and not so powerful, patrolled the Appomattox and James Rivers and anchored off City Point.

Sailors carried out their duties operating and maintaining their vessels, drilling, and fighting when needed. They cooked their meals, washed their clothes, and passed their leisure time in time honored nautical routine.

From 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and 11:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, living historians of the Tidewater Maritime Living History Association will portray sailor of the United States Navy stationed on the Union ships that protected and supported the Union armies around Petersburg and Richmond. Watch and learn from them as they carry out their duties, living, working, and resting. See them demonstrate marlinspike seamanship, navigation, infantry and artillery drill. Musket and artillery firing demonstrations will echo out over the James and Appomattox Rivers. Sea chanties and music will make life easier and less tedious.

This free event will be held at Grant’s Headquarters at City Point, 1001 Pecan Avenue Hopewell, VA 23860. For more information please call ranger Randy Watkins at (804) 732-3531 ext. 205.

Petersburg National Battlefield was created in order to commemorate the campaign and siege and defense of Petersburg, Virginia, in 1864 and 1865. The park staff is committed to preserving and protecting the historical, cultural, and natural resources within the park in a manner that will provide interpretation, education, and enjoyment for the visitors.

October 11, 2008 9:52 AM 0