Chemung Valley Living History Center

2009 Schedule of Events

All events take place at the Newtown Battlefield State Park
Located 3 miles east of Elmira, New York just off of Route 17.

Ben Newton Memorial Civil War Event

Come to the mountaintop and be a witness to one of the most exciting Civil War Re-enactment Events in the Northeast!  Hundreds of re-enactors from all over the United States and Canada will be dressed in period clothing, and authentically encamped for the weekend.  There will be period sutlers (merchants) who will display their wares for sale.  Enjoy our popular nighttime Candlelight Tour of the camps and view authentic scenarios of military life during the Civil War.

The event begins on Friday, May 1  with our usual Civil War Education Day.  This day is not open to the public, and attendance is by invitation only, with schools from around the area bringing busloads of children to witness hands-on history.

The event opens to the public on Saturday, May 2nd at 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on Sunday, May 3rd from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.  Exciting battle re-enactments will take place both days and Saturday will end with the popular "Candlelight Tour" at dusk.

Candlelight Tours

For one night only!  Saturday, May 2, starting at 8:00 PM, our spectacular guided tours of the encampments and surrounding scenarios bring history to life.  Knowledgeable historic interpreters and re-enactors recreate scenes in an authentic, intimate setting which is wonderfully enhanced by the natural, warm glow of candlelight and campfires.

Tours conducted by guides dressed in period clothing and carrying candle lanterns, leave approximately every 15 minutes from the Park Office at the top of the hill.  Each tour will last about 1-1/2 hours and will cover nearly 1-1/2 miles in distance over rough, unpaved forest trails that are gently lit by candle luminarias.  Tours will proceed regardless of the weather, so please wear appropriate footwear and rain gear, if needed, and please watch your step! 

We recommend that families with children, or anyone who has difficulty walking in the dark, arrive early enough to take the first tours that begin at dusk.  Tour participation is on a first-come, first-served basis.  When you arrive, please immediately register your ticket at the Tour Registration Tent, where you will be assigned a number. 

Warnings:  Sorry, but the tours are not handicapped, wheelchair or stroller accessible.  Graphic depictions of warfare, the wounded, as well as gunshot and cannon fire along the tour is to be expected.  For these reasons, the tour may not be suitable for the faint-of-heart, or for young children.

Click here for ticket purchasing information.

Be sure to check out the Civil War Event page for more information.

August 29 & 30, 2009

Revolutionary War Weekend -- The 230th Battle of Newtown!

The quiet mountaintop will again erupt with activity as the 230th Anniversary Commemoration of the Battle of Newtown takes place.

The British Crown forces and their Native allies will again clash with the soldiers of the Continental Army, under the command of General John Sullivan.  Participate in a Woods Walk Skirmish on Saturday, August 29th, when you will be guided through the "wilderness" by armed soldiers.  Watch 18th century-style warfare in a full battle re-enactment Sunday, August 30th.  Stroll through Sutler Row and visit 18th century merchants.  Wander through the camps and speak with British and American soldiers.  Visit the Indian Village and watch demonstrations about the Northeastern Woodland Indian culture.

Check out the Rev War Event page for more information.

Be sure to take a look at our large 225th Event, held in 2004!