Manassas News & Events

The City of Manassas Prepares for the 2011 150th Civil War Commemoration

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

July 21 Marks Anniversary of First Battle of Manassas

The City of Manassas and Historic Manassas, Inc. are preparing a four-day sesquicentennial event in commemoration of the First Battle of Manassas from Thurs., July 21 through Sun., July 24, 2011, showcasing reenactments, parades, exhibits and interpreters. Joining forces with Prince William County and the state of Virginia, to organize a national event that will reconnect and engage people to the heart and history of Manassas.

Wed., July 21, 2010 marks the 149th anniversary and kicks off preparation plans for the sesquicentennial, which include the following 2011 events in Manassas (all events are free except for items marked ticketed-event):

• Thurs., July 21
  • Color in Freedom: Journey Along the Underground Railroad Art Exhibit by local artist, Joseph Holston, to be held at the Center for the Arts (Candy Factory) in Old Town Manassas at 9419 Battle Street. (Event will have additional dates, to be determined)
  • Battlefield Commemoration at the National Battlefield Park in Manassas, Va. will host a private event with Old Town Manassas hosting mega-screens for public to view private ceremony at 9 a.m. An official luncheon for invited guests only will be offered at the Hylton Performing Center in Manassas, Va. at 12 noon.
  • Peace Jubilee Reenactment at Old Manassas Courthouse where attendees can remember 1911 with vintage automobiles lining the street, as well as flags and Peace Maidens with a parade to Harris Pavilion immediately following. Event to be held 4 p.m. at the Old Manassas Courthouse at the intersection of Grant and Lee Avenues.
  • Live Civil War period music with dance instructors teaching period dance, like the waltz, at 6 p.m. at the Harris Pavilion at 9116 Center Street.
• Thurs., July 21 to Sun., July 24
  • Confederate Headquarters at Liberia provides insight into General Beauregard’s occupation, spy activity and battle plan from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Liberia Mansion at 8601 Portner Avenue.
  • Defending the Junction at Mayfield and Cannon Branch Forts - where Confederate interpreters and Mayfield and Union interpreters at Cannon Branch discuss military strategy from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., located at Mayfield and Cannon Branch Forts on 8401 Quarry Road and 10611 Gateway Blvd, respectively.
  • Free at Last: Life After the War, A Focus on Life for Black Americans After the Civil War from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Jennie Dean Historical Site at 9601 Wellington Road.
• Fri., July 22 to Sat., July 30 – Pringle House Hospital Living History presented by local historians at Ben Lomond Manor House at 10311 Sudley Manor Drive.
• Fri., July 22
  • Manassas Civil War Military Parade in Old Town Manassas, starting at 10 a.m.
  • Battle Reenactment (Skirmish) – Relive the day-before the First Battle of Manassas when Union and Confederate scouts skirmished in current day Yorkshire at 2 p.m. at Osbourn High School at 9005 Tudor Lane.
  • Virginia’s Civil War Exhibit Opening Reception – Join the official opening of the state exhibit at 7 p.m. at the Manassas Museum at 9101 Prince William Street.
  • Live Civil War period music at 7 p.m. at the Harris Pavilion and Battle Street in Old Town Manassas, Va.
• Sat., July 23
  • First Battle of Manassas Reenactment, time and location still in development.
  • Civil War Baseball – Attendees can view an1800’s baseball game, played by re-enactors in period attire at 2 p.m. at Jennie Dean Elementary School, located at 9601 Prince William Street.
  • Twilight Manassas City Cemetery Tour at 8 p.m. at the City Cemetery, located at 9027 Center Street.
  • Sesquicentennial Blue and Grey Ball at 8 p.m. at the Liberia Mansion at 8601 Portner Avenue. (Ticketed-event)
• Sun., July 24
  • Interfaith Service on the Lawn – remember the casualties of the Manassas battles at 10 a.m. at the Manassas Museum lawn located at 9101 Prince William Street.
  • United Daughters of the Confederacy Wreath Laying Ceremony at the City Cemetery at 9027 Center Street. Time is to be determined.

For more information about the Historic Manassas, Inc., call 703.361.6599 or go to www.visitmanassas.org.

Quotes

Attributed to Debbie Haight, executive director, Historic Manassas, Inc., (www.visitmanassas.org)
The City of Manassas and HMI are pulling together its resources along with the county and the state to prepare and host a Civil-war period event that captures the reality and re-enactment of one of the United States’ most historical battles. This anniversary event will not only provide an historical recount, but provide an honorable commemoration of those that that served, lived and died during the Civil War.

Please contact Asha Sedalia Bruot (asha@ashapr.com), ASHA Public Relations, LLC, to arrange an interview and/or for additional quotes.

About Historic Manassas, (HMI), Inc.

Historic Manassas, Inc. is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization located at 9366 Main Street in Old Town Manassas, VA. It has worked for more than 25 years to revitalize, preserve and enhance the economic base that insures the rich tradition, history, charm and friendly ambience of Old Town Manassas, Va. For more information about Historic Manassas, Inc. and details on upcoming community events, visit their web site at www.visitmanassas.org or call 703. 361.6599.