Day of History focus: Life in Sussex County during Civil War years

NEWTON — A Civil War encampment will welcome visitors to the annual Day of History, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 5, in the gymnasium at Sussex County Community College. In observance of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, this year’s event focuses on life in Sussex County during the Civil War years of 1861 to 1865. Re-enactors from the 27th and 15th New Jersey Veteran Volunteers will set up camp outside of the main entrance to the college gymnasium. The 3rd New Jersey Veteran Volunteers will have a display table inside the gym with information about their unit’s history. At both locations Army recruiters will be on the look-out for people to sign up for wartime service. Visitors will also be encouraged to vote for Abraham Lincoln or George McClellan during a re-creation of the presidential election of 1864. Would Lincoln be re-elected by today’s voters? Speaker schedule: 10 a.m. Local historian Dr. Peter Lubrecht will talk about Newton's infamous Colonel Henry Ryerson and his part in draft riots and secret societies during the Civil War. 11 a.m.: Margaret McCabe, administrator for the Sussex County Board of Elections, highlights the voting rights of Union soldiers while in the field of combat. noon: A member of the 27th New Jersey Veteran Volunteer Infantry shares the history of his unit’s action during the Civil War. For further information contact Sussex County Historical Society at 973-383-6010 or by e-mail at sussexcountyhs@gmail.com. The Day of History is co-sponsored by Sussex County Historical Society, the New Jersey Herald and Sussex County Community College.