History Comes Alive at the Asa Waters Mansion This August!

In celebration of Asa Waters Mansion 200th Anniversary, and in conjunction with the 250th Anniversary of the United States, the Mansion is proud to announce, History Comes Alive at the Asa Waters Mansion. History Comes Alive, is a three-day Civil War living history experience, taking place on the historic grounds, located at 123 Elm Street, Millbury, from Friday, August 7th through Sunday August 9th, with battlefield demonstrations taking place nearby at Stowe Farm, 15 Stowe Road, Millbury.

Presented in collaboration with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Reenactment Regiment and The Liberty Greys, this immersive weekend event will transport visitors back in time through engaging historical interpretation, live demonstrations, educational programming, and authentic encampments designed for all ages. Throughout the weekend, guests will experience narrated battle demonstrations, military drill and weapons demonstrations, civilian and domestic life programming, educational lectures, Candlelight Mansion Tours, live period music, Officer’s Gala & Cotillion, sutlers, Sunday church call, and additional interactive experiences that showcase the Civil War-era America from multiple perspectives.

The weekend begins on Friday, August 7th, with the Mansion’s Candlelight Tours, an immersive living history experience offered by advance registration only. Guests will explore Asa Waters Mansion by candlelight as every room comes alive with historically accurate portrayals of Civil-War era life. Reenactors will depict military officers planning strategy, surgeons and nurses tending to a field hospital, civilians navigating daily life, guards standing watch, and moments of faith, music, and civic duty. Tours will be offered in 15-minute intervals from 7:00pm-10:00pm. Guests are invited to enjoy live music by period era Shades of Gray – Civil War Camp Band, light bites, and cash bar under the tent happening in conjunction with the tours. Pre-registration is required. Tickets are $20 per person, FREE for ages 12 and under, and can be purchased online at, https://unipaygold.unibank.com/transactionInfo.aspx?CustomerID=1686&TransID=38449.

On Saturday, August 8th, the historic grounds of the Asa Waters Mansion will host an authentic Civil War encampment from 9:00am-5:00pm. Admission to the encampment is FREE and open to the public, offering guests the opportunity to interact with reenactors, explore military and civilian camps, and experience daily life as it would have been during the Civil War. This day will also feature experiences for the whole family including, a dress parade and company drill, “Buttons, Books, and Battles: Growing up in the 1860s”, Military demonstration, lectures, and so much more! Festivities at the Mansion with continue Sunday, from 9:00am-1:00pm.

 

Saturday evening continues with the elegant Officers’ Gala & Cotillion under the tent, and advance registration in required. Inspired by the documented traditions of Civil-War era truces and civilian galas, this event will begin at 5:30pm, guests will enjoy a cocktail reception, ceremonial toasts, an elegant cotillion, cash bar, and a four course, family-style dinner prepared by Simply Delicious Catering while reenactors seated throughout the room bring history to life through engaging conversation and authentic portrayals. Live music by Shades of Gray – Civil War Camp Band playing pre and post dinner while Chris Ricciotti & Spare Parts will be calling and playing during the cotillion. The four course, family-style dinner will include; Chicken Consommé Served with Corn & Brown Bread, Shoe Peg Pickled Corn Salad served on Butter Leaf Lettuce, Braised Beef with Guinness, Carrots and Pearl Onions, Roasted Chicken, Whipped Potatoes, Roasted Root Veggies, Colonial Marlborough Pudding with Apples, Sherry, Lemon, Fall Spices and Whipped Cream. Tickets are $75 per person and can be purchased online at, https://unipaygold.unibank.com/transactionInfo.aspx?CustomerID=1686&TransID=38448.

Battlefield demonstrations will take place at Stowe Farm, 15 Stowe Road, Millbury on Saturday, August 8th, and Sunday August 9th. Guests planning to attend the battlefield demonstrations are asked to drive directly to Stowe Farm, as shuttle service will not be provided between the Mansion and the battlefield site. This event is also free and open to the public, however donations are welcome. Saturday’s battle will begin at 3:00pm, with live-narrated Civil War battle reenactment with infantry, cavalry and artillery, with the closing battle on Sunday beginning at 2:00pm.

The event is intended to create an engaging and educational environment where history can be explored in a meaningful, approachable, and community-centered way. Organizers hope visitors will gain a deeper appreciation for the region’s Civil War Heritage while experiencing the sights, sounds, and stories of the era firsthand.

“This event is about bringing history to life in a way that is immersive, thoughtful, and accessible for everyone,” said Asa Waters Mansion, Executive Director, Traci Parath. “Whether your are a history enthusiast, a family looking for a unique weekend experience, or someone interested in learning more about the stories behind the Civil War, there will be something meaningful for everyone.”

Asa Waters Mansion remains one of the Blackstone Valley’s treasured historic landmarks, and History Come Alive aims to connect the community with the rich and complex history that helped shape both our region, Massachusetts and the nation.

For more information, please contact Asa Waters Mansion Executive Director, Traci Parath at 508.865.0855 or email Traci at, [email protected].  

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