The Anoka County Historical Society is proud to offer three very different Living History programs about the American Civil War.  Each shines a special spotlight on the history of Anoka County and the role of people living there during the war years of the 1860's.

Each program is approximately one hour.  The cost of each program is $80.00.  Schools often prefer to put 2-3 classes together in a larger setting, enabling more students to take advantage of the program for the same $80.00.  The cost remains the same for the hour, regardless of the number in the group.  It is preferred that groups not exceed 100 as these programs have artifacts and photos to pass around the group.

"Tastes and Sounds of Minnesota in the Civil War" Is there a better way to learn history than to experience it first hand?  Hardly!  That idea was in mind when "Tastes & Sounds" was created.

Experiencing history first hand gets groups involved, letting them take part in touching, tasting, & seeing as well as hearing the "war stories" of the American Civil War.  Countless hours of research have been utilized in hunting out the tales told by & about the men of Minnesota.  Specifically those who fought from Anoka County are highlighted, bringing history home.

SEE an interpreter dressed in authentically reproduced clothing of the 1860's; uniforms of both North & South; children's clothing & civilian garb.

LISTEN to the stories of the men who fought the war, the women who waited, & the impact their efforts made on the nation.

TASTE the staple food of a marching army during the time of the Civil War.  This program uses a reproduction haversack, the soldier's "lunch bag."

HEAR the war songs of the Union and Confederate armies.

TOUCH a real Civil War cannon ball fragment, canister shot, & minnie ball.

LOOK into the eyes of civilians & soldiers as their portraits are displayed.

UNDERSTAND the trials & struggles the issues of States' Rights & slavery created for the United States & how our image of the conflict has been shaped & misshaped.

Arrangements for bringing any of these programs to your group may be made by contacting the Anoka County Historical Society at 763-421-0600 or email: vickie@ac-hs.org We ask that there be no taping of these programs.  These programs are the exclusive property of the Anoka County Historical Society.