Harvest Festival and Civil War Reenactment Coming to the Wilder Farm!

The Almanzo and Laura Ingalls Wilder Association (ALIWA), in partnership with the NYSV 118th Adirondack Regiment of Civil War Re-enactors (118th N.Y. Volunteer Infantry Company F), is proud to host our annual Harvest Festival and Civil War Days Event at the Wilder Homestead in Burke, NY on September 27 and 28, beginning at 10:00 AM both days. Exciting battles will take place both afternoons. The event, which is facilitated entirely by dedicated volunteers, commemorates the Fall agricultural harvest and the 160th anniversary of the American Civil War.

    During the event, Wilder Homestead visitors will be able to step back in time to experience what life was like for our forefathers during this difficult, dangerous, and violent chapter in American history. They’ll observe skirmish reenactments, weapons drills, military camp life, and other compelling recreations of incidents and occurrences that were regularly taking place at that time, along with displays and vignettes that clearly depict the daily-life events that ensued during the American Civil war era. And they’ll be able to meet and talk with the re-enactors, who will gladly share their experiences, their knowledge of our nation’s past, and their insights into what it must have been like to be alive during the Civil War.

     There will be life-skills demonstrators on hand, a wandering fiddler, cider pressing, and traditional games for kids. Visitors can tour the Wilder home, barns, and one-room schoolhouse on their own with guides on hand at those locations to answer questions. Food will be available for purchase, as well. 

    In addition to all that will be happening during the day on Saturday and Sunday, immersive living history skits and short plays depicting Civil War camp life will be presented during a Saturday evening Candlelight Walk. This sensational tour - includes a small skirmish, hospital scene, capture of spy, ending with night fire of cannons. This evening event be offered at no charge to visitors at 7:00 PM, gathering at 6:30 at the schoolhouse. There is limited space for this special event, so preregistration will be required. Please email farm@almanzowilderfarm.com to reserve space. Include your phone number.

   These dramatizations offer a unique opportunity to experience Civil War history in a way that textbooks simply cannot provide. The true-to-life inspired reenactments immerse spectators in the past. They engage all of the senses and bring the realities, the challenges, the hardships, and the culture of that time period to life, in accurate, representative settings that are relatable and accessible to people of all ages.

   The Wilder Homestead is located at 177 Stacy Road, Burke, NY.  Admission is $16 for adults; $15 for seniors; $9 for children ages 6-16; free for children ages 5 under 5; free for active military personnel with ID. We hope to see you there!