MURFREESBORO – Turn the calendar back for 150 years and see for yourself what Murfreesboro was like during the height of the Civil War.

The Murfreesboro Historical Association, Inc. will offer a glimpse into the life of the town in 1863 during its Civil War “Living History and Reenactment” to be held Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 12-13. Times are from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Sunday.

Re-enactors and spectators should meet at Hertford Academy, 200 East Broad Street, Murfreesboro, across from the Murfree Center.

Although there was no “battle” in Murfreesboro during the Civil War, the town did suffer the indignities of that military conflict.

“Come see the Union cavalry ride up Broad Street to the beautiful Melrose House. The drums playing and horses with proud soldiers make you feel like you have gone back in time to 1863,” stated Carol Lassiter, President of the Association. “Many of the re-enactors had family members who lost their lives during the Civil War fighting for the North and the South.”

Various events are scheduled for the two-day program, located in the Murfreesboro Historic District, including:

Special exhibit at the Rea Museum;

Union & Confederate encampments;

Children’s Recruiting Station;

Actual Melrose House reenactment;

Infantry drills;

Book signings;

Historical skits;

Ladies Fashion Show;

Food vendors;

Book vendors;

Genealogy information;

Medical instrument display;

Renewal of Vows ceremony; and

Cannon firing.

All weekend events are free to the public. A $1 admission to each MHA museum visited is the only fee.

The Association has held this event two previous years and the re-enactors, Union and Confederate, are outstanding, according to Lassiter.

Contact MHA at 252-398-5922 or tours@murfreesboronc.org for more information.