Join us at the Wayside: Home of Authors for a day of Civil War Living History, Wayside Open House, and guest lecture by Historian Richard Smith.In 1864, the American Civil War ground into its fourth summer of carnage. In Concord, news of horrific fighting brought unwelc......More
Join us at the Wayside: Home of Authors for a day of Civil War Living History, Wayside Open House, and guest lecture by Historian Richard Smith.In 1864, the American Civil War ground into its fourth summer of carnage. In Concord, news of horrific fighting brought unwelcome lists of the dead and injured, including those of the 1st Massachusetts Heavy Artillery. The men of Concord who had marched away years before were now battle-hardened veterans and the hardships of campaign took their toll. By year’s end, Asa, John, and Samuel Melvin, three brothers from Concord were dead.At home support for the war ebbed and flowed. A contentious presidential election loomed on the horizon and with another of summer of horrific bloodshed looming there seemed to be no end in sight. Join us at the Wayside to learn about the trials and triumphs of Concord in 1864.Schedule of Events:10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.The Wayside house will be open for guests to explore Nathanial Hawthorne’s Sky Parlor and writing space.Members of the Liberty Rifles living history organization will be set up on the Wayside lawn talking about the 1864 experiences of Concord soldiers in the 1st Massachusetts Heavy Artillery.Park staff will discuss Louisa May Alcott and the contributions of women on the home front.2:00 p.m.- "Leaving It To the Fate of Time: The Civil War Diary of Samuel Melvin." ~ Special Lecture by Historian Richard SmithIn 1861 Asa, John, and, Samuel Melvin of Concord enlisted in the Union army to fight in the Civil War. As members of the 1st Massachusetts Heavy Artillery they were stationed in forts around Washington D.C. but in 1864 the regiment was made into Infantry and sent to the Army of the Potomac, where the Melvin brothers and their comrades would be thrown into some of the bloodiest battles of the war. Join Concord historian Richard Smith for a look into the lives of the Melvin brothers and their experiences in the Civil War. In particular, Richard will talk about Samuel Melvin, the brother who was captured by Confederate troops and sent to the notorious Andersonville prison. Samuel's diary gives a vivid first-hand account of Samuel life -- and death -- as a Union soldier.4:30 p.m. ~ Site Closed.
The Wayside: Home of AuthorsParking at:28 Hawthorne Lane,Concord, Ma