Poplar Hill Mansion is the oldest standing building in Salisbury and serves as a token of the past. One of the many important national events that the house witnessed was the fight between North and South and this weekend the Friends of Poplar Hill will celebrate this historical moment with the Civil War Heritage Event. On Sunday, Sept. 7 2014 from 10am -4pm come out to the mansion and experience the past like never before.

While no major Civil War battles were fought near the Chesapeake region, Eastern Shore inhabitants were affected by the war just like every other American. The Shore was an especially controversial place to live because although Maryland calls itself “the Free State” the Shore was loyal to the confederates. This political mix up gave birth to the inspiration of Poplar Hill’s Civil War Heritage Event.

Hanging on many of the walls inside Poplar Hill, are paintings by Clara Gumby. This local artist lived in Fruitland during the Civil War and because of her Confederate loyalty, she was imprisoned during the Union take over. Because Gumby’s surviving works of art are remarkable artifacts, the Friends of Poplar Hill decided to hold exhibition event of the paintings. It was soon after this that the Mansion’s friends realized that they could also host another event related to this historical era…their Civil War event.

Now in its fifth year running, the Heritage event will transport visitors in to this bygone era with Civil War style live music, folk songs and food. Guests can also have a Tin Type photo taken, reminiscent of the same photography style used during the war. But the most interesting part of the historical activities will be the Civil War reenactors who will be marching around the mansion’s lawn.

The Sons of the Confederacy reenactment group will be in full uniform giving us a look into what life was like at that time in history. There will be soldiers from different ranks as well, including foot soldiers, drum boys, majors and even women in traditional dresses. Poplar Hill will also have all of Gumby’s paintings on display, as well as Civil War artifacts such as medical supplies, guns and swords.

ShoreBread has a thing for the past, if you couldn’t tell from our museum tours this summer, but we rarely get the chance to be surrounded by people who look like they are transported out of a history book! We’ll see you this Sunday at Poplar Hill, surrounded by soldiers and women in flowing gowns. The historical fun begins at 1pm…see you all there!