Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument in Nancy, Kentucky, will commemorate Memorial Day weekend with a series of interactive ranger-led programs on Saturday, May 25. The event is designed to engage visitors of all ages, connecting them to the experiences of Civil War soldiers and the evolution of Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day.
From 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M., the park will offer various hands-on programs. These sessions will cover how soldiers enlisted in the Civil War, the uniforms and equipment they used, and will include a Civil War artillery drill with the park’s reproduction cannon.
According to a news release by the National Park Service, rangers will also present interpretive programs on the history of Decoration Day and a special presentation titled “The Frightful Horrors of Battle: Soldiers Lost at Mill Springs.”
The park’s Visitor Center and museum will have special holiday hours on Monday, May 27, 2024, opening from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. This will coincide with the Mill Springs National Cemetery commemorative ceremony, organized by the Veterans Administration, further honoring the nation’s military sacrifices.
Programming Schedule for Saturday, May 25, 2024:
- 10:00 A.M.: Dress Like a Soldier – An interactive session for kids and adults to learn about Civil War uniforms and the gear soldiers carried.
- 10:30 A.M.: Drill Like an Artillerist – A hands-on activity where visitors can learn and participate in artillery drills using the Mill Springs cannon.
- 11:00 A.M.: The History of Decoration Day – A discussion on how the casualties of the Civil War led to the establishment of what is now known as Memorial Day.
- 1:00 P.M.: Dress Like a Soldier – A repeat session offering another opportunity to explore Civil War uniforms and equipment.
- 1:30 P.M.: Drill Like an Artillerist – Another chance to engage in the artillery drill activity.
- 2:00 P.M.: “The Frightful Horrors of Battle: Soldiers Lost at Mill Springs.” – A special presentation focusing on the stories of soldiers who perished in the Battle of Mill Springs.
For those interested in attending, all activities, including parking, are free and open to the public. Visitors can obtain more information by calling the park at (606) 636-4045 between 10:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. from Wednesday to Sunday.
Additional details are also available on the park’s website at www.nps.gov/misp or on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MillSpringsBattlefieldNPS.
The Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument’s Memorial Day weekend events offer a meaningful way for the community to connect with history and honor the memories of those who served.
By engaging with these interactive programs, visitors can gain a deeper appreciation for the historical significance of Memorial Day and the enduring legacy of Civil War soldiers.