Families learn about the Civil War Sunday

GAINESVILLE - The Civil War came alive in Gainesville Sunday, with the "The Civil War in Northeast Georgia," presented by the Northeast Georgia History Center

The History Center's exhibits in the rotunda and Founders' Hall featured Civil War Battle Flags, and there were hands-on activities that included rolling ammunition, sampling Civil War foods, and "new recruits" drills. Civil War re-enactors displayed and demonstrated weaponry, camp life, and music according to Education Coordinator Julie Carson.

"The gentlemen and ladies who come really research what they are representing," Carson said.

Carson added the program for Family Sunday invited parents and children to learn more about the war since this year marks the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the war in 1861. She said 275 visitors came to see the program despite the warm summer day; she said attendance was excellent and the History Center plans to present the program again next year.

Jack Hulsey from Gwinnett County portrays a Confederate soldier in Company 'B' of the 42nd Georgia Regiment, which organized in Gwinnett County. He said Sunday's hot weather was a challenge for the re-enactors in their wool uniforms.

"You have to love the hobby but it gives you a perspective on what it would have been like," Hulsey said, stressing that the living historians want to portray history authentically.

"We need to be more historically accurate than politically correct," Hulsey said.