LIVERMORE — The third Rally for Norlands Civil War Re-enactment Weekend at the Washburn-Norlands Living History Center will take place  June 4 and 5.

It will offer a wide variety of living history demonstrations, exhibits and engaging activities, remembering the first months of the nation’s Civil War in the spring of 1861.

Living historians interpreting Confederate and Union infantry will scrimmage with replica weaponry on the grounds of the 19th Century historic settlement. The 6th Maine Battery will fire its Parrott Rifle/cannon. A battle will be staged each day on the hay fields of the Washburn-Norlands Living History Center. Calvary units are also planning to attend.

Visitors to the re-enactment will become engaged in the lives of soldiers and civilians. The event will include encampments the public can visit, farm-life living history in the Norlands Farmer’s Cottage and one-room schoolhouse, exhibits, demonstrations and vendors.

Historian Kerck Kelsey will give a talk on the roles of the Washburn brothers in the Civil War. Re-enactment units will be recruiting, so visitors can join drills and musket safety lessons. The Washburns’ 1867 Italianate-style mansion will be open for guided tours.

The event includes exhibits by historical societies, the Fifth Maine Museum, J.R. Robinson Merchantile and TopHats Sutlery, who will offer reproduction wares for sale. Kovaishuvik Local Living School will be on hand with a basket weaving demonstration.

Throughout the day, watch for entertaining skits portraying the temperance movement, skirmishes, post-battle care at the surgeon’s tent, field musicians and much more!

Local restaurant Grant-Lee’s Grill will offer a historic sandwich menu. Nineteenth century treats such as homemade soup, ice cream, lemonade and other refreshments will also be available.

A Saturday supper of smoked, slow-cooked beef brisket and pork will be served with all the fixings. Tickets for the supper sell fast and will be available at the front gate only.

The 19th century fashion show will feature a peek at vintage undergarments. Children may also visit the “dress-up” tent for a photo in old clothing. There will be large tents for lunch and historic games.

Visitors can take a self-guided walk to the Waters Hill cemetery where local Civil War veterans are buried and honored. On Saturday night, there will be a contra dance with twirling hoop skirts, uniformed re-enactors and fiddlers, and the Racket Factory.

The event is organized by the 3rd Maine Company A and 15th Alabama Company G to benefit the Washburn-Norlands Living History Center, Maine’s oldest living history farm and museum. The 445 acres of rolling hills surrounding the historic Washburn mansion include a library, meeting house, cape, sap-house, and one-room schoolhouse.

Gate opens at 9 a.m. daily. Cost is $8 per adult; $5 for children under age 12. Discounted weekend passes are available at $14 adults/$8 under age 12.

For info: website: www.norlands.org or phone 897-4366.