A New Spin on an Old Tradition
In October of 1864, the 140th mustered in Monroe County, bolstering, training, and outfitting their regiment with new recruits. Join us Memorial Day Weekend with a new spin on an old tradition:
Learn about Civil War uniforms and their importance in recruitment and battle.
Participate in a Children’s Drill, marching, maneuvering, and simulating loading and firing their wooden muskets.
Watch weapon demonstrations (weekend only).
Visit with reenactors throughout the Historic Village and engage with the camp life of soldiers and regiments.
And more!
Muster at Mumford: 1864
Early in 1864, the 140th New York Infantry Regiment (“The Rochester Racehorses”) were outfitted in dark blue Zouave-style uniforms that featured red trim, with a dark blue false vest attached to the jacket, topped off by a red fez & dark blue tassel. These distinct uniforms were awarded to the Regiment for their seamless record with the Army of the Potomac. Due to the tragic losses throughout the Overland Campaign in May and June, the Regiment was in need of new recruits.
In October of 1864, the 140th mustered in Monroe County using their dashing uniforms as a draw. They bolstered their regiment with new recruits and transferred soldiers from the 44th New York Infantry, known as “Ellsworth’s Avengers”.
19th-Century Calico Ball
Saturday, May 24 | 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Borderland Blacks lecture
Sunday, May 25 | 1 p.m.
Join us for an in-person lecture and Q&A with dann j. Broyld, Associate Professor of African American History at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, as he presents fascinating stories from his book Borderland Blacks: Two Cities in the Niagara Region during the Final Decades of Slavery (purchase copy here)
Dr. Broyld will take us on a journey through the powerful experiences of Black Communities during the Civil War era living along the U.S.-Canada Border.
Old Timey Casting, LLC
Muster at Mumford: Civil War in the Genesee Valley is presented in partnership with Old Timey Casting, LLC. A tailor, reenactor, and entrepreneur, as far back as he can remember, Guy William Gane III always wanted to be a Civil War soldier in the movies.
Guy has gravitated toward the American Civil War since early childhood. In 1989, he joined a Reenactment unit local to Western New York, and eventually participated as a soldier in 1997. In 1999, he was asked to join the Reenactor cast for a small film, and that’s where he caught the film-bug.
Learn more about Old Timey Casting, LLC, and Old Timey Rags.
Ticket Information
Museum Members | FREE
Adults: $16 online | $17 onsite
Seniors 62+ and Students 13-18: $14 online | $15 onsite
Youth (3 – 12): $10 online | $11 onsite
2 and under | FREE
Tickets for these dates are not yet available.
GCV&M Member admission is FREE and guaranteed for this weekend. Click here to learn more about joining the Museum as a Member!
FAQs
Parking is free and plentiful! Park in any of the main lots at the front of the Museum. Please leave the first two bays available for handicapped parking.
Please have your ticket(s) either printed out OR pulled up on your phone screen and ready for scanning for quick and easy check-in. Pro-tip: take a screenshot of each of your tickets to have ready and pulled up on your phone screen! Please note: Wifi can sometimes be spotty at the front of the Museum.
GCV&M does not host a Civil War battle reenactment, and has not in several years. GCV&M now focuses on Civil War living history that interprets the complex effects of the war on the Genesee Valley and Greater Rochester area, including musters, which recruited and trained soldiers to bolster regiments in the area.
Guests still get to enjoy a number of exciting demonstrations like load in nine times, drilling, and more – all of which would have actually been happening in the Genesee Valley Region!
Our Muster at Mumford programming focuses on the experiences of Union troops in New York State. There will not be the presence of Confederate reenactors or the display of the Confederate flag or other Confederate symbolism. While we do not have Confederate reenactors on-site, we are of course still able to present our visitors with a nuanced and accurate history of both sides of the conflict.
Our visitors are always welcome to get in on the historical fun by wearing their 19th-century finest! Visitors are not, however, permitted to bring weapons on site (real, or fake). We ask that visitors not wear Confederate symbolism on site, or clothing reflecting any sort of hate speech.
Here’s where you can read more about our policies / code of conduct: https://www.gcv.org/safety-policies/
Yes! This event is rain or shine. The Museum will only cancel in case of a severe weather emergency.
Please dress accordingly for the predicted weather conditions.
We recommend wearing a good pair of walking shoes – there is a lot to see and do, and surfaces in the Historic Village (brick paths, cobblestone, grass), can be uneven.
Yes! Leashed service animals are welcome with proper identification.
We’re sorry to hear that you’re not able to attend! Tickets may be refunded only up to 7 days prior to the event date and are strictly non-transferable by date, entry time, or program.
