Old Economy Village is open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday!
A Day in the Life: Civil War Living History at Old Economy Village
Saturday, May 2, 2026
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Step back in time for A Day in the Life: Civil War Living History at Old Economy Village! This immersive event brings the Civil War era to life through living history, hands-on activities, and historical crafts. Experience a mustering of new recruits, participate in musket drills, and explore the cabinet and blacksmith shops. Visit the print shop for historical printing and enjoy a period fashion show. Visitors are encouraged to dress in any era and join this unforgettable journey into the past!
Free with Regular Admission
Event Schedule:
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All Day - Mustering of New Troops and Musket Drill
Join us in the historic store to "enlist" in the Civil War army! Find out if you have what it takes to be a soldier back in the Civil War. Visitors will be invited to participate in a drill using wooden muskets, just like soldiers did in the 1860s. No firing, but you’ll experience the rhythm and precision of military formations and maneuvers as they march through the garden, cobblestone street, and various spots across the site. This will be your introduction to the day’s activities and an opportunity to learn about the importance of military drills and discipline during the Civil War. (These activities will be closed 12:00 noon - 1:00 PM and 2:00 - 3:00 PM during other events.)
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All Day - Ladies Sewing Bee in Baker House
Visit the ladies while they sew and chit chat about the happenings of the times. See what civilians on the Home Front might be doing for the war effort. (This activity will be closed 12:00 noon - 1:00 PM and 2:00 - 3:00 PM during other events.)
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All Day - Navy Tales
Talk to a member of the Unites States Navy and find out what life was like at sea during the Civil War. Discuss naval battles and tactics of the times.
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All Day - Quilt of Valor
View a Quilt of Valor display and demonstration, highlighting the tradition of honoring service members through handmade quilts and sharing the stories and craftsmanship behind these meaningful works.
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All Day - Beaver County America 250 Liberty Bell
As part of the Bells Across PA program for America250, Beaver County proudly presents its custom-designed Liberty Bell replica, a vibrant piece of public art that tells a uniquely local story designed and painted by artist Ana Truqui.
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2:00 PM - Civil War Fashion Show
See history come alive with a special Fashion Show! It’s your chance to learn about the clothing styles worn by both soldiers and civilians during the Civil War era, and you may even want to take inspiration for your own attire. Visitors are invited to dress in any era—feel free to wear your own historical costume and join the fun!
Other All Day Activities:
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Chat with reenactors and learn more about the lives of soldiers and civilians during the Civil War.
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Visit the Print Shop to see Civil War-themed items being printed!
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In partnership with Three Rivers Fiber Focus, visitors can explore traditional textile arts including weaving, spinning, and the “Fleece to Shawl” process, showcasing the journey from raw fiber to finished garment.
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There will also be demonstrations in the Cabinet and Blacksmith Shops, showcasing the creation of items soldiers and civilians would have used. Learn about how craftspeople relied on hand tools during the Civil War.
Join us for a day full of history, hands-on activities, and a chance to see what life was really like during the Civil War! We look forward to seeing you there!