Civil War Encampment granted $5,000 by Windham Chapter

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August 20, 2007 Windham

The Civil War encampment celebrated its 10th anniversary this year and the music festival its 6th year. Ten years ago the Windham bi-centennial committee asked Bill Lonecke to put together a Civil War encampment to honor the mountaintop's Civil War veteran's. All of the surrounding towns including Windham sent young men to join the Union army when President Lincoln called for volunteers. The Windham Town historian has documented the number of Windham men who along with other recruits from Greene County fought to preserve the Union and free African Americans from slavery. There is truly a rich Civil War history here. George Pratt who was mortally wounded at the 2nd Battle of Bull Run is buried at the Albany Rural Cemetery. His memory is celebrated at Pratt Rock, referred to as the "Mount Rushmore of the East". This is the only event in the county that pays tribute to our Civil War veterans.

Educational programming is a key element of the weekend. This weekend's program included living history presentations, historical art exhibits, blacksmithing demonstrations, typical life of the soldiers drills, exhibits about Windham soldiers, history film fair and memorabilia displays. Although the event is held during the summer many home schoolers stop by the encampment to talk with the encampment historians.

In a hands-on learning environment, musicians let young people try to play their musical instruments to generate interest in the music of the period. So many parents have expressed their gratitude that there is a place where their children can learn about their American music heritage and history. More New Yorkers lost their lives at Gettysburg than any other state, including soldiers from Windham. This event allows children access to a period of our history that they might not experience unless they traveled to Gettysburg and other Civil War sites far outside of our region. For many children this might not be a realistic possibility.

The event has continued to develop since the original encampment. The music festival is considered one of the best in Northeast and is compared to the Annual Civil War Music Muster in Gettysburg. The program now includes prominent book authors, living history groups, women's living history groups, Civil War Heritage Foundation members, and historical artists and musicians who perform period music on authentic instruments.

Based on concert ticket sales and number of encampement visitors, an estimated 2,000-2,500 people stop by the event. The event is funded by a number of sponsors including Windham Chapter ($5000), Greene County Tourism and Promotion ($3000), Local businesses ($1500 in-kind for lodging), Patrons ($750), Melissa Moran Foundation ($500) and Concert ticket sales ($1,000). Without this mix of funding the weekend would not be possible. The GCCA has also been a sponsor. The Windham Chapter's support is critical to the delivery of this high quality program.

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