Due to COVID-19, we have made the tough decision to cancel this event. The health and safety of our staff, guests and community is our primary concern. As updates are available, they will be posted in the “Quick Links” on DiscoveryParkofAmerica.com and on Facebook and Twitter.

2020 Military Living History and Civil War Days at Discovery Park of America includes a variety of programs and activities for anyone passionate about looking back and experiencing the past. Throughout the weekend, there will be reenactors located at various places around the museum and park sharing the stories of those who were present during the Civil War, World Wars and Vietnam.

The popular cannon firings are back on the Great Lawn and you’ll experience a rush of excitement as you observe first-hand skirmishes between the North and the South. Also coming back this year on Saturday night is the one-of-a-kind event that combines theater, storytelling and music among the cabins of our authentic 1800s Settlement on the lake. You and your family will get to know and hear from those who experienced the Civil War and its aftermath.

Rounding out the experiences this weekend are authors who have written about military subjects and gallery talks taking place in Discovery Park’s various military galleries.

Schedule
Fri., April 24, 2020
10:30 a.m. Civil War Encampment Tours with Reenactors
Great Lawn
11:30 a.m. Gallery Talk with Zach Rea
A brief look at how the Civil War affected Union City, Tenn., the battles that took place nearby, and how we are still impacted by them today.
2:00 p.m. Gallery Talk with Zach Rea
Hear about the advancements in medicine that took place during the Civil War and discover more about the life of a typical Civil War soldier.
2:30 p.m. Civil War Encampment Tours with Reenactors
Great Lawn

Cannon firings throughout the day on the Great Lawn.

Music in the chapel.

Guided tours through the military gallery with reenactors ever hour on the hour.

Sat., April 25, 2020
11:30 a.m. Program
“The Enduring Myth of the Lost Cause,” Dr. David Coffey
1:30 p.m. Civil War Encampment Tours with Reenactors
Great Lawn
2:30 p.m. Skirmish on the Great Lawn
Reenactors from around the country will be here to reenact skirmishes similar to what happened during the Civil War
3:30 p.m. Program
“The African American Military Experience,” Dr. Adam Wilson

Cannon firings throughout the day on the Great Lawn.

Music in the chapel.

Guided tours through the military gallery with reenactors every hour on the hour.

7:30 p.m. Lantern Walk (Purchase tickets)
For this special evening, reenactors will share stories from the past as they sit around the fire, make themselves comfortable on the front porches or just go about their lives as you and your family get a front row seat.

Sun., April 26, 2020
11:00 a.m. Non-denominational Field Service
Chaplains Tent, Great Lawn
11:30 a.m. Gallery Talk with Zach Rea
A brief look at how the Civil War affected Union City, Tenn., the battles that took place nearby, and how we are still impacted by them today.
2:00 p.m. Gallery Talk with Zach Rea
Hear about the advancements in medicine that took place during the Civil War and discover more about the life of a typical Civil War soldier.

Cannon firings throughout the day, beginning at 1 p.m.

Guided tours through the military gallery with reenactors every hour on the hour beginning at 1 p.m.

Discovery Park’s Military Gallery can be found on two levels of the museum. The lower level contains a collection of military vehicles and weapons, as well as displays about the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War and our current military conflicts. On the entry level, the exhibits that are part of The Military Gallery focus on the Civil War, World War I and World War II. The Oral History Theater, recently renovated thanks to a donation from Jimmy Rickman, is also located on the second level.

Click here for a detailed schedule of events.