Facebook Tracking Pixel

Vance Birthplace Explores the Music and Fashion of the Civil War

The Civil War is so much more than the battles. It affected all aspects of life, especially the music and fashion of the time, in many different ways. Please join historians Michael Hardy, Elizabeth Hardy and Amanda Ledford at the Gov. Zebulon B. Vance Birthplace, as they present in-depth lectures on the social element of music and fashion during the American Civil War on Saturday, June 29 from 1 to 4 p.m.

First, author and historian Michael Hardy will present “For Comfort and Courage: Music of the Civil War Era.” Whether on the field, in camp, or on the home front, music was an integral part of the life of the Civil War soldier and family. In this half of the program, you will learn about the songs that comforted lonely soldiers away from home, the tunes which enlivened their step on the march and the melodies which gave them courage on the battlefield. Examples of period musical instruments along with instrumental performances complement this interactive program.

“During the 1860’s, women’s fashions were very different from those of today and the outer appearance often depended greatly on the structure underneath,” says Hardy. In the second half of the program, historical interpreters Elizabeth Hardy and Amanda Ledford will address the issue of fashion during the Civil War.

“This is one lingerie show that is both family-friendly and rich in historical value,” adds Ledford. This presentation will explore what was underneath all those layers of wool and cotton and how each was essential for collectively achieving the 1860’s ideal of beauty.

This program is being co-sponsored by the Friends of the Vance Birthplace — a registered 501(c)3 — which serves to provide supplemental support for the Gov. Zebulon Vance Birthplace State Historic Site and its programming. For more information about this or other events, please contact the Gov. Zebulon B. Vance Birthplace by phone at (828) 645-6706 or email site manager Chris Morton at chris.morton@ncdcr.gov.

The Gov. Zebulon B. Vance Birthplace is part of the Division of N.C. Historic Sites and Properties within the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources.