Experience what life was like for President Rutherford B. Hayes’ Civil War regiment while it camped for the winter with a day of Civil War events on Saturday, Oct. 23, at Spiegel Grove in Fremont.

Watch reenactors fire their muskets during infantry demonstrations, and see Camp Chase Fifes and Drums perform at Spiegel Grove, the grounds of the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums, throughout the day.

Reenactors will offer afternoon and evening lantern tours of a Civil War winter camp based on the winter camps of President Hayes’ regiment, the 23rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The tours last about 50 minutes and will be outdoors. Please dress for the weather.

Between battles, troops often spent time marching and preparing to fight. During the winter months, they would make a semi-permanent camp to await warmer weather and combat.

Hayes’ regiment spent its winters camping in what is today West Virginia. First Lady Lucy Hayes and the Hayes children often visited the camps, where Lucy would tend to soldiers, mend their uniforms and provide needed support.

Hayes Presidential volunteers and staff have built huts like those used in winter camp at the back of the Spiegel Grove for this event.

Tickets for non-members are $10 ages 13 and older, $7 for ages 6-12 and free for ages 5 and younger. Tickets for Hayes Presidential members are $8 for ages 13 and older, $5 for ages 6-12 and free for ages 5 and younger.

Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.rbhayes.org/events/2021/10/23/events/civil-war-winter-camp/. Tickets will also be sold at the front desk the day of the event pending availability.

Any kids tickets for the camp tours include free admission to Kids Days @ Hayes Civil War Camp, which is from 11 to 12:30 p.m. on the grounds. Kids do not need a separate ticket for Kids Days. They can just check in using their camp tour ticket.

Partial funding for this event is by VFW Fremont Post 2947.

Schedule of events:

• 10 -11 a.m. – Civil War Winter Camp Tours
• 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Kids Days @ Hayes Civil War Winter Camp
• Noon – 12:30 p.m. – Performance by the Camp Chase Fifes and Drums (free)
• 12:30 p.m. – Military demonstration (free)
• 1 -4 p.m. – Civil War Winter Camp Tours
• 2 – 2:30 p.m. – Performance by the Camp Chase Fifes and Drums (free)
• 4 – 4:30 p.m. – Performance by the Camp Chase Fifes and Drums (free)
• 4:30 p.m. – Military demonstration (free)
• 6 – 8 p.m. – Civil War Winter Camp Tours

For information, call 419-332-2081, or visit rbhayes.org.