A New Spin on an Old Tradition
In September of 1862, the 140th mustered in Monroe County, bolstering, training, and outfitting their regiment with new recruits. Join us for a memorable day as we learn about this effort.
Homeschool-specific programming will be from 1 – 4 p.m., but homeschool families are welcome to join us starting at 10 a.m. Please be aware there will be public school students and buses onsite from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Homeschool Programming
Homeschool families who join us between 1 – 4 p.m. will:
- Discover the intriguing world of Civil War uniforms and their vital role in recruitment and the heat of battle.
- Engage in a children’s drill that brings history to life.
- Experience the thrill of a weapons demonstration that showcases the technology of the era.
- Stroll through our Historic Village, where reenactors will share captivating stories and immerse you in the daily camp life of soldiers and regiments.
- Step into our historic kitchens, where you can help prepare “receipts” highlighting wartime foods.
- Witness the artistry of blacksmith and cooper demonstrations and uncover the essential skills that tradespeople provided during the Civil War.
- Dive into the heartfelt practice of letter writing by reading poignant letters that soldiers exchanged and take a moment to write your own letter to a soldier, connecting past to present.
School of the Soldier Workshop
Homeschoolers aged 8 to 18 have the opportunity to participate in an optional “School of the Soldier” workshop for an additional fee. This 1-hour program will take place from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is open to 20 homeschoolers. During the workshop, participants will:
– Be mustered in as soldiers
– Set up a soldier’s tent
– Pack a knapsack
– Help cook over a fire
– Learn drill and march techniques
– Participate in a drill that will culminate in a musket firing at the end of the day.
You must also purchase a Muster at Mumford Homeschool Day ticket in addition to this workshop. A very limited number of tickets are available for purchase onsite at the Admissions booth.
Come early and enjoy a full day of programming!
While homeschool-specific programming starts at 1 p.m., you’re welcome to join us as early as 10 a.m.! Families who come early can also enjoy everything else the Museum has on offer:
- Weaving demonstration and fabric techonology at Humphrey House
- Medical treatment of Civil War soldiers and plant-based medicine in the 19th-century
- Mouring in the Civil War and the history of Memorial Day at Foster-Tufts House
- Farming on the home front at Hetchler House
- Enslavement in the Genesee Country exhibit at the Nathaniel Rochester House
And more! See what else we have planned by clicking the button below!
Ticket Information
Museum Members | FREE
Age 3 & Under | FREE
Homeschool Students age 4 – 18 | $10
Adult chaperones age 19+ | $12
GCV&M Member admission is FREE and guaranteed for this event.. Click here to learn more about joining the Museum as a Member!
FAQs
Yes, even though Museum Members get free admission for this event, we ask that you do reserve a ticket ahead of time.
Yes. Space is limited for the “School of the Soldier” Workshop, and tickets will not be sold onsite. You must purchase tickets for the workshop online before Friday, May 23.
Yes! The Depot Restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. (grill closes at 3). You’re also welcome to pack a picnic lunch; there are plenty of picnic tables and grassy space to eat around the Great Meadow!
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). Visitors may 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.
