Behind the battle lines: a view of Civil War-era life

During a 90-minute walking tour led by Civil War reenators, 21st century civilians will glimpse life as it was behind the battle lines of the Civil War. The realities of life both on and off the battlefield will be depicted in 12 vignettes, reenacted throughout the historic village at the Genesee Country Village & Museum on September 7.

"We're interested in teaching about the everyday lives of people and how the war touched them - whether it was women rallying together to raise funds for the sick and wounded, or a family struggling to fight illness and starvation while their father fought for the cause," said Michelle Worden, director of special programs for the museum. "This format gives us the opportunity to provide a deeper look into this subject."

The Candlelight Civil War tour is a three-way partnership between the museum, the members of the 22nd Virginia Battalion and the members of the 140th New York Volunteer Infantry. All reenactments will be done in the first person. A period interpreter will personally guide visitors on the 90-minute walk. Some of the vignettes include a hospital scene, a homecoming scene, a debutante ball, the Ladies Aide Society Bazaar and a battle reenactment.

"In times of war, civilians cling to tradition and try to maintain a semblance of normalcy despite the hard times, making a scene like a debutante ball really pretty poignant," Worden said.

Due to the graphic nature of the evening and the extensive walking, this event is not appropriate for children under 10 years old. Tours begin at 5:30 p.m. and leave every 15 minutes. Tickets are $14 for adults and $8 for youth ages 10-16. Admission is $12 for Genesee Country Village & Museum adult members and $7 for youth museum members. Reservations are required. Call (585) 538-6822.

Genesee Country Village & Museum is located at 1410 Flint Hill Road, Mumford. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 1 through October 31; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday from July to Labor Day.

Admission: $12.50 for ages 17-61; $9.50 for ages 62+ or students with a valid ID; $7 for ages 4 to 16; free for ages 3 and under; free for Genesee Country Village & Museum members. Two-day passes are $20 for adults; $14 for seniors and students; and $9 for children 4 to 16.