What an honor to participate in our nation's and our state's celebration of the American Civil War Sesquicentennial!  The Michigan Historical Commission has a website at seekingmichigan.org.

Sights and Sounds of the Civil War; Grand Rapids Public Museum - January

By 7 A.M. Saturday morning, John and Phil were headed to the Grand Rapids Public Museum for the “Sights and Sounds of the Civil War” program.  Arriving a bit before 9 A.M. they were admitted and shown the table that John had requested. After unpacking, John and Phil obtained a couple smaller tables to allow for the display to shown properly. Battery history, recruiting fliers, reproduction shot and shell, leather equipment, sights, and the slide show were arranged for viewing.

Battery Member Chris Czopek had a table adjoining ours with his display about Native Americans in Co.K of the 16th Michigan Infantry.  Chris was a featured speaker at one of the seminars, too.

As the public entered, Scott and Brandon Johnson and Alexander Bacik arrived and brought several of their friends (Jacob Booth, Aaron (last name?), Harley Addington, and Justin Woods) who have expressed interest in joining Robinson’s Battery.

Alexander and Brandon provided musical accompaniment for the soldiers in the Third Michigan Infantry who performed infantry drill by organizing a group of youngsters, arming them with wooden rifles and putting them through the manual of arms.

Phil tried his hand at playing a fife, too.

The crowd seemed to exceed the expectations of the museum staff, and the Robinson’s Battery men had a great day explaining the various shot/shell and artillery related equipment to people of all ages. Several brochures were handed out.

A couple names were collected as potential recruits.

The show ended at 3P.M. and by 3:15, the Battery’s display was packed in the truck and everyone headed home.