Visit the Sons of Union Veterans and Allies in a Civil War encampment on the grounds of the Meetinghouse at First Parish in East Derry.
Reenactors and artisans will set up camp around the 1889 Civil War Memorial, and the day will include visits to soldier's graves in the nearby Forest Hill Cemetery, indoor displays and talks, a lunch service for encampment participants, and the firing of an artillery piece.
Everyone is welcome to this family-friendly event; attendance is free.
Schedule of Events
On the Hour 11:00am – 3:00pm
Civil War Cannon Live Fire Demonstration in the field behind Taylor Library
10:30am
Presentation on Derry’s Civil War Heroes at the Civil War Monument
12:30pm
An Address by President Lincoln, Currier Hall, First Parish Church
2:30pm
Civil War Tour of Forest Hill Cemetery, meet at the Front Gates
Throughout the Day:
On display: restored circa 1880 flag of the George Upton Post, No. 45, of the NH GAR.
Guided tours of the 1769 Meetinghouse at First Parish, currently undergoing a $2.5M historic preservation effort.
Displays and information for the 300th anniversary of Nutfield—the original territory of today’s Derry, Londonderry, Salem, and Derryfield New Hampshire—founded in 1719 on the very site of the Encampment.
Participating Organizations
Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War
This congressionally chartered organization was founded in 1881 as the successor organization to the Union Veterans group known as the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.). The organization exists to honor and preserve the memory of all the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Revenue Cutter personnel who served the Union from 1861 – 1865. Learn more at www.suvcw.org.
The Gilman E. Sleeper Camp, No. 60 of Salem, N.H. the Lady’s Auxiliary will be participating in the Encampment. They meet on the third Saturday of the month at 10:00 AM in the Beshara Room of the Kelley Library in Salem (no meetings are held in July or August).
The 6th Maine Battery
The 6th Maine Battery participates in parades and encampments, often with other Artillery, Cavalry and Infantry groups. They also do presentations to schools, civic organizations and historical societies. The 6th Maine Battery has two detachments. The 1st detachment is in Maine, the 2nd detachment is in Eastern Massachusetts.
Membership in the 6th Maine Battery is open to anyone at least 16 years of age, with a serious purpose. This is a family oriented group with men, women and children. Families are encouraged to join as there is room for everyone and period life styles and positions to be filled. Members portray a soldier or citizen of the period.
Civil War Roundtable of New Hampshire
The Civil War Roundtable of New Hampshire was founded in May of 1991, and is dedicated to all aspects of the Civil War: Education, Preservation and Restoration.
The CWRT-NH is a group of men and women who share a common interest in the War Between The States and that period in American History that defined Our Nation, as we know it today. Our meetings are held the 3rd Friday of each month (except no meetings in July, August, and December). The meeting format is usually Speaker/Discussion. Coffee is served at 6:45 and we begin the meeting at 7:15 p.m. The CWRTNH is a non-Profit 501(c) organization. We are open to the public.