Cool History (June-Aug)

“Cool History” encompasses a variety of living history events held throughout the summer months, some annual, some unique, one-time productions. Each Cool History event is organized around a particular theme, with the goal to both entertain and educate visitors with scenes depicting events or daily life in the Civil War sea services. Past themes have included ship captures, a Havana bar scene (where Union and Confederate sailors mingled in neutral territory), court-martials, Lt. Cushing’s raid on the CSS Albemarle, and many more.

June – Ship Stories: The Story of the USS/CSS Atlanta

2013: June 1

Hear the story of the construction, service, and capture of the CSS Atlanta — and her subsequent service as the USS Atlanta.

July – The Medical Navy

Learn about Civil War surgery and medicine at sea through a variety of living history, reenactment and multimedia programs. Past topics include Surgery at Sea and the autopsy of John Wilkes Booth, held on a U.S. Navy ironclad monitor for security and secrecy.

2013: July 6

During combat, the ship’s surgeon would typically set up on the dining table in the officers’ wardroom, as it was usually the only large table on board the ship. After any needed surgery was completed, the table would simply be wiped off, and diner would be served!

August – Technoloy

Ships with hybrid technology, composite armor and stealth design – the 21st Century Navy?

Nope -  the Civil War Navies. In conjunction with National Inventors’ Month, Port Columbus presents a look at inventions and technological advancements in navies both North and South during the Civil War.

We’ll also take a special look at the Navy Yard here in Columbus and the engineering practiced there by Horace King and others.

2013: August 3

For information on Reenactor participation in Museum programs and living history events, contact info (at) portcolumbus.org.