Free Living History to Recognize 1st Battle of Kernstown - Mark Your Calendars!
Even though our "official" opening day is April 3rd, we hope you can visit the Kernstown Battlefield on Sat.-Sun., March 28-29, 2026, for a free living history demonstration to commemorate the 164th Anniversary of the first Civil War battle in the Shenandoah Valley. Living historians will portray the 23rd Virginia Infantry, 67th Ohio Infantry, and Civil War camps, as well as citizens of Frederick County and Kernstown. This event is being presented by Civil War Historical Impressions in partnership with the KBA.
Drill presentations will be held behind the historic 1854 Pritchard House and include a firing demonstration. Camps representing Union and Confederate forces will be open to the public to enter and interact with the living historians. Both Union and Confederate units will be periodically performing maneuvers and drills separate from the drill presentations. In addition, toy muskets will be available for spectators of all ages if you wish to enlist in the ranks of the men clad in blue or gray. Living historians portraying the citizens of the surrounding area will give accounts of the loyalty of the local population and their thoughts on the war and the battle.
This is a great opportunity to come and learn the history of the Shenandoah Valley on original ground near the actual date of the battle. Learn how civilians and soldiers alike lived in March 1862 as the Civil War kicked off in earnest. Our Schedule of The schedule of events, depending on weather conditions, is as follows:
Saturday, March 28, 2026:
10:00 a.m. – Kernstown Battlefield opens to the public. Union and Confederate living historians will be performing drill, maneuvers, and camp life.
10:30 a.m. – Union Drill and Firing Demonstration presentation, located behind the historic Pritchard House.
01:00 p.m. – Confederate Drill and Firing Demonstration presentation, located behind the historic Pritchard House.
03:15 p.m. – Combined Union and Confederate Drill and Firing Demonstration presentation, located behind the historic Pritchard House.
04:00 p.m. – Kernstown Battlefield closes to the public.
Sunday, March 29, 2026:
10:00 a.m. – Kernstown Battlefield opens to the public. Union and Confederate living historians will be performing drill, maneuvers, and camp life.
01:00 p.m. – Combined Union and Confederate Drill and Firing Demonstration presentation, located behind the historic Pritchard House.
03:00 p.m. – Living History event concludes, Kernstown Battlefield is still open.
04:00 p.m. – Kernstown Battlefield closes to the public.
This is a free event; however, donations are greatly appreciated to help the KBA in its efforts to continue our mission of preservation, interpretation, and education of a beautiful piece of the Shenandoah Valley and Virginia history. The Kernstown Battlefield is located at 610 Battle Park Drive, Winchester, Virginia, off Valley Avenue between Creekside Station and the Subaru dealership. Any questions you have can be sent to info@kernstownbattle.org or call us at 540-450-3785 to leave a message for Jason Anderson, Event Coordinator. Hope to see you at this event.