MAC Announces Civil War Themed Events in 2013

CAPE MAY – The year 1863 was pivotal in America’s bloody Civil War. On Jan. 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, immediately granting freedom to slaves in the Confederate States. On July 1, 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg would terribly test the nation’s fortitude; close to 51,000 soldiers from both armies were killed, wounded, captured or missing in the three-day battle. Four months later, on Nov. 19, 1863, Lincoln used the dedication ceremony for Gettysburg’s Soldiers National Cemetery to honor the fallen Union soldiers and redefine the purpose of the war, in his historic Gettysburg Address.
In 2013, the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) will mark the 150th anniversary of this critical year in the nation’s history with a variety of events and activities with a Civil War theme, culminating in a fascinating lecture by an engaging speaker and one of the world’s most prominent authorities on Abraham Lincoln, author, historian and consultant to the 2012 film “Lincoln,” Harold Holzer. Holzer will deliver his lecture entitled, “Lessons from Lincoln: The Poetry and Prose of Freedom” – the second lecture in MAC’s annual Lessons of History Distinguished Lecture Series – on Sunday, Oct. 13 at 4 p.m., at the First Presbyterian Church of Cape May, 500 Hughes St.
A century and a half ago this year, Abraham Lincoln made history twice, both in deed and word, first by ushering in freedom with his Emancipation Proclamation, and second by celebrating its “new birth” with his Gettysburg Address. How Lincoln balanced the prose and poetry of these canonical acts will be examined in this lecture as Holzer recounts the year that Lincoln so deftly balanced the political, military, and historic to preserve government of, by, and for the people.
Holzer is chairman of the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Foundation, official successor organization of the U. S. Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, which he co-chaired for nine years, appointed by President Bill Clinton. Holzer is the author, co-author, or editor of 43 books on Lincoln and the Civil War era, most recently “Lincoln: How Abraham Lincoln Ended Slavery in America” (2012), the official young-adult companion book for the Steven Spielberg film, “Lincoln.” He also served as Spielberg’s historical advisor in the making of the film.
Additional events and activities sponsored by MAC in 2013 that highlight America’s Civil War years include the following:
Learn about Cape May’s Civil War hero Henry Sawyer in the Carriage House Gallery Exhibit, “Cape May’s Chalfonte Hotel: A Living National Landmark,” which opens April 26. Built by Civil War hero Henry Sawyer, taken prisoner 150 years ago in 1863, the Chalfonte Hotel has hosted guests continuously for over 137 years. Home to heroes, heroines, heartaches, legends, love affairs, unforgettable characters and nationally famous cooks, the hotel’s intriguing history comes alive in this exhibit at the Carriage House Gallery at the Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St. Author Karen Fox adapts her book, “The Chalfonte,” into an intriguing exhibit showcasing life and legends at the hotel from Henry Sawyer’s handwritten battlefield diaries and prison letters to more than a century of vintage photos, watercolors, architectural drawings, kitchen diaries, first person narratives and memorabilia of guests who return to the hotel over five and six generations. Members of the public are invited to the free exhibit opening on April 26 at 7 p.m. The exhibit is free and open daily, April 26 through Nov. 10.
See and hear about the challenges of Civil War era soldiers during Civil War Encampments on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St. Civil War reenactors will recreate camps and speak with visitors during MAC’s outdoor events on Saturdays, April 27, May 4 and June 29 and Sunday, Oct. 13.
What dances were popular during the Civil War years? Come to the Civil War Vintage Dance Weekend on Saturday, April 27 and Sunday, April 28, and discover dances popular in the 1860s including the Lancers Quadrille, the Virginia Reel and the Waltz, during this Civil War themed event at the historic Chalfonte Hotel, 301 Howard St. Instructors will teach you the traditional dances at a Vintage Dance Workshop on April 27 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Then, put your newfound expertise to use at a costumed Civil War themed Vintage Ball with live music of the period by Spare Parts at 8 p.m. on Sat. night. A Tea Dance, also with live music by Spare Parts, is on April 28 at 1 p.m. Victorian dress is encouraged but not required. An all-inclusive package is $95, the workshops are $45, the Vintage Ball is $35, and the Tea Dance is $25.
The annual Armed Forces Day celebration at Cape May’s World War II Lookout Tower on Sunset Boulevard is a patriotic tribute to those who have served in the Armed Forces. This year, special guest, Bob Mullock, owner of the historic Chalfonte Hotel, will read a recently discovered letter from Cape May’s Civil War hero Colonel Henry Sawyer, written to his son while Sawyer was a prisoner in Libby Prison. This will be the inaugural public reading of this important piece of local and national history. The letter will thereafter go on display as part of the permanent Civil War exhibit inside the Chalfonte Hotel, 301 Howard St. Don’t miss this exciting and moving tribute to our local veterans on May 18 at 11 a.m.
At Cape May’s oldest hotel, The Chalfonte, build up your appetite for the hotel’s famous Southern Fried Chicken dinner and learn why it’s “where the South meets the North” as part of the Chalfonte’s Civil War Dinner Package. In a room filled with Civil War artifacts, hear the fascinating story of how the Chalfonte blends its Northern roots (built by Cape May’s Civil War hero, Colonel Henry Sawyer) with its 20th century operation by the daughter of a Confederate cavalry general who served under Robert E. Lee; then enjoy the hotel’s famous Southern Fried Chicken dinner. Experience the history and flavors of this grand hotel on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 5:30 p.m., from June 24 through Sept. 4 (not offered July 4). Tickets are $25 per person.
Discover what Civil War era gentlemen and ladies wore during a Civil War Fashion Show and Brunch on Oct. 14 at the Carriage House Café & Tearoom on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St. Living history presenters from Grand Oak Plantation will present this fashion show with an overview of Victorian clothing and foundations from day dresses to ball gowns, displayed on live models with commentary, accompanied by a delicious brunch.
For further information about any of these programs, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit www.capemaymac.org.
Tickets can be purchased at the Washington Street Mall Information Booth, Washington Street Mall at Ocean Street, or at Hill House or the Carriage House Visitors Center at the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St.