Shepherd to host Civil War Christmas December 7

What was Christmas like during the Civil War? Find out during the fourth annual Civil War Christmas at Shepherd University on Saturday, December 7, from 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Sponsored by the George Tyler Moore Center for the Study of the Civil War and the Department of History, the event will take place in conjunction with the annual Christmas-in-Shepherdstown celebration and will offer historical context to the holidays.

Shepherd students will wear period clothing and participate in the annual Christmas parade at Shepherdstown, West Virginia, beginning at 10 a.m.

An open house at the Conrad Shindler House, home to the Civil War Center, will take place from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and will feature costumed interpreters throughout the building and on the grounds to discuss holiday traditions during the Victorian era.

Presentations will include:

11 a.m.—“What did they wear to keep warm?” with costumed interpreters and public historians offering a discussion of winter fashion and clothing among soldiers and civilians of the 19th century.

Noon—“Crafts and craftsmen in the 18th and 19th centuries” with Dan Tokar, master blacksmith.

1 p.m.—“What did they eat?” with costumed interpreters providing a cooking demonstration over an open fire.

2 p.m.—“A Soldier’s Life,” with costumed interpreters and public historians discussing Civil War soldiers during the winter season.

3 p.m.—“A Civilian’s Life” with costumed interpreters and public historians discussing how the Civil War impacted the experiences of civilians and slaves who lived in communities such as Shepherdstown.

A decorated Conrad Shindler House will be open and lighted by candles from 6-8 p.m. for informal tours. Costumed interpreters will be placed throughout the building to discuss holiday traditions during the Victorian era including decorations, religious practices, entertainment, and foodways.

For more information, 304-876-5429 or email Catherine Mägi Oliver at coliver@shepherd.edu.