Enjoy a unique family outing with activities and fun at the Victorian Saturday program at the CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center, Jan. 27, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
“Our Victorian Saturday program will be fun for the whole family,” said John Marston, president of the CSS Neuse Gunboat Association, the support group for the historic site. The Gunboat Association and the CSS Neuse staff will present the program as a fundraiser to create a children’s activity area at CSS Neuse.
“In the planned activity area, children will interact with history in a fun and creative way,” explained interpreter Rachel Kennedy. A foretaste will be the Victorian Saturday program, which will include children’s crafts and lessons in 19th century parlor games for adults. Rev. John Taylor Brantley will present information on Victorian tea etiquette and his wife Amanda, historic interpreter at Bentonville Battlefield, will provide delicious treats based on 19th century recipes.
“Feel free to come dressed up or casual,” Kennedy continued. “Children are free to bring their favorite doll or toy as well.”
Preregistration is required. The cost is $20 per person, but special pricing is available for couples and families. Tickets are available online at https://goo.gl/7burx2, or you can contact Rachel Kennedy at 252-526-9600 ext. 222.
The CSS Neuse is the only remaining commissioned Confederate ironclad above water. It was part of a new technology that the Confederacy used to combat the superior manpower and firepower of the Union Navy. Learn about this technological advance and warfare in eastern North Carolina at the CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center. The Confederate Navy launched the CSS Neuse hoping to gain control of the lower Neuse River and New Bern, but ultimately destroyed the vessel to keep it out of Union hands.
The CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center is located at 100 N. Queen St., Kinston, N.C., and open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: adults $5, senior/active military $4, Students (ages 3-12) $3, ages 2 and under free.
For additional information, please call the site at (252) 526-9600 x222. The CSS Neuse Center and the Richard Caswell Memorial are within the Division of State Historic Sites in the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.