Warrenton-Fauquier Heritage Day is a Historical Blast
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, September 23rd, 2011
Friday, Sept. 23, 2011
The Civil War is one of Virginia’s biggest historical contributions. And now the Civil War’s 150th anniversary is here. Virginia’s marketing the occasion as the Sesquicentennial, which is technically correct, but sesquicentennial doesn’t exactly come tripping off the tongue.
Despite the linguistic hurdle, there are a number of programs commemorating this monumental anniversary. Some of the programs are traveling across the state throughout the year, and two of them will be in Northern Virginia this weekend at the Warrenton-Fauquier Heritage Day.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these special, brand new exhibits. The “Civil War 150 HistoryMobile” is a touring 18-wheeler with a museum inside its trailer. The exhibits within show personal views of the war from letters, journal entries, and other accounts. The focus is on Virginia, and the timeline of the documents runs from Virginia’s secession to the war’s aftermath.
Photo courtesy Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission
“An American Turning Point: The Civil War in Virginia” is the other of the two exhibits. It is a panel exhibit, which means it is comprised mostly of images. An interactive electronic feature for mobile phones is also part of the showcase. It will be on display in the Warrenton-Fauquier County Visitor Center.
Both exhibits should be fascinating, especially since they were created specifically for the 150th anniversary commemoration.
Warrenton-Fauquier Heritage Day is Saturday, Sept. 24. The celebration itself includes plenty of fun. Main Street in Old Town Warrenton will be filled with living historians and special demonstrations. The parade at 11 a.m. on Saturday is the centerpiece of it all.
However, the HistoryMobile will be on display both Friday, Sept. 23 and Saturday, Sept. 24, after which it leaves the area. The “Turning Point” exhibit is available at the visitor center until Oct. 3.
–Matt Basheda
Inside the HistoryMobile. Courtesy Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission
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