Civil War coming to Sparta May 12-13

Sparta - Members of the 33rd Regiment, N.J. Volunteer Infantry, a local group of Civil War re-enactors, will present a living history encampment in Sparta on Friday, May 12, and Saturday, May 13, at the Van Kirk/Mull House, adjacent to the Sparta Middle School on Route 517. The presentation will include marching, drilling and firing demonstrations, and will allow spectators to visit military camp and learn about the daily life of the Civil War soldier. Civilian camp will demonstrate the daily routines and contributions of the Victorian-era civilian. The 33rd N.J. Regiment consists of soldiers and civilians mainly from Sussex, Morris and Warren counties, who have made Sparta their home base through association with the Sparta Historical Society, headquartered at the Van Kirk/Mull House. Member of the 33rd are familiar and welcome participants in the annual Sparta Memorial Day Parade and Veterans Day ceremony. A similar living history presentation by the regiment last spring was so successful it was decided to make the encampment an annual event. The encampment will be open to visiting teachers and students from the Sparta Middle School and Sparta High School during the day on Friday, and to families in the evening. After an overnight bivouac on the property, the camp will reopen to the general public on Saturday. Admission is free, and families are welcome to attend for a hands-on afternoon of fun and learning. The 33rd Regiment is also planning a candlelight tour of the Van Kirk/Mull House for September. The regiment welcomes new recruits. For information on events or to learn how to join and participate in Civil War re-enacting, send e-mail to pcfoxfire@hotmail.com.