MOUNT VERNON — The Woodward Opera House invites the community to another edition of Coffee Cup on Tuesday, Aug. 11, at 7 p.m.
This month’s featured guest will be Fred Main, a local historian and longtime Civil War reenactor. Main will share stories from his years of reenacting, including his experiences at Gettysburg and several historic locations throughout Ohio.
Main was a member and leader of the Mount Vernon camp of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War for many years. The group participated in parades throughout Mount Vernon and central Ohio, organized Civil War encampments at the Dan Emmett Music & Arts Festival, and hosted Civil War-era dances at Memorial Theater.
Main also helped lead a successful effort to raise $10,000 for the restoration of the 4th Ohio Infantry Monument at Gettysburg. In 2005, the group traveled to Gettysburg to host a rededication ceremony for the restored monument.
As a Civil War reenactor, Main participated in several major events, including the 155th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. He also took part in reenactments at Infirmary Mound Park in Granville and in the historic village of Zoar. Through these experiences, he gained a deeper understanding of the uniforms, equipment, routines, physical demands, and daily lives of Civil War soldiers.
Main is a longtime Knox County journalist and serves on the board of the Knox County Historical Society.
Hosted by Christopher Hartman and Mary Harris, the program promises an evening of history, conversation, and fun, along with a fresh perspective on life during this important chapter in the nation’s past.
The program is free and open to the public.