Re-fighting the good fight

MILFORD — Plan on spending the day with the troops this Saturday.
The 27th Regiment of New Jersey Living History Group will be re-enacting history at the annual Civil War encampment from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 5, at the Columns Museum of the Pike County Historical Society, 608 Broad St., Milford.
The Regiment was founded in the winter of 2001 from a dream that started with the Hackettstown Grand Review in 2000. Men and women from different reenactment groups from New Jersey banded together to fill in the "gap" created by the lack of quality local living history programs available. They strive to present a program that teaches the public what life was like during the Civil War, not only for the common soldier, but also the ones left behind at home. They do programs for schools as well as encampments.
Veteran reenactor and historical impressionist Kenneth J. Serfass will be in character all day as General Ulysses S. Grant. Serfass has been a student of Grant all his life and has appeared nationally on television, film and numerous speaking engagements. His portrayal of General Grant offers unique insight into the Gettysburg battle that ravaged the town in 1863.
Also attending, representatives of the 142nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Co. G, which was formed right in Monroe County, with numerous members migrating down from Pike County to join the unit. This unit has a very distinguished record throughout the war. From building fortifications around Washington in 1862, right through all the major battles and engagements of the Shenandoah Valley campaigns with the Army of the Potomac, up to and including the Confederate surrender at Appomattox. They, as a group, try to honor the people of the American Civil War, both the military and civilian population, and tell the tale of the hardships they suffered.
Admission for the day is $10 per person and includes museum admission. The grounds will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
There will be food and beverage available for purchase at the "Cannonball Beer and BBQ Garden."
For more information call 570-296-8126.