From the Press-News.com - Minerva, Ohio
The Ohio Historical Society’s McCook House Civil War Museum, in Carrollton, will reopen Friday through Saturday, May 20-22, after undergoing more than a $500,000 renovation.
The 1837 Federal-style brick house was built by Daniel McCook who, along with his eight sons, brothers George and John, and six nephews, served to preserve the Union. The family became known as the “Fighting McCooks,” because of their combined military service.
The historic house, one of 58 Ohio Historical Society’s sites, was in major need of structural repairs. The work included exterior wall repair, interior floor bracing, a complete interior refurbishing, and a new heating system. Displays in the house consist of Civil War relics relating to the story of each McCook family member, along with completely furnished rooms and local historic memorabilia. A major highlight of the reopening will be the return from Columbus from permanent display of Daniel McCook’s Henry Rifle.
As part of the reopening celebration, there will be a Civil-War encampment on both Saturday and Sunday. A full day of activities will begin Saturday with opening ceremonies at 9 a.m. In attendance will be Ohio Historical Society’s Board President Richard Prasse and Director Burt Logan.
Following that, re-enactors will put on day-long demonstrations until 5 p.m. Sunday morning will begin at 10 a.m. with a “period-dress” parade in front of the house, followed by a church service at 10:45 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church. The re-enactors will be doing demonstrations and talking with visitors until 3 p.m. on Sunday.
Amy Rutledge, director of the Carroll County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, said, “We using the commemoration of the Civil War 150 to bring more awareness to the McCook House and let the public know what it has to offer.”
For this weekend only, admission to the refurbished McCook House will be by donation. The re-enactment events are free and open to the public. The house is located at the top of Public Square in Carrollton.
Regular hours for the McCook House are Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. The museum is operated by the Carroll County Historical Society through an agreement with the Ohio Historical Society. For information about the McCook House, call 800-600-7172.
The schedule for a “Small Town Goes to War” Civil-War re-enactment are:
Saturday, May 21
9 a.m. - Opening ceremonies. Local and state officials will speak, including Burt Logan, executive director of the Ohio Historical Society. A prayer will be offered.
9:30 a.m.-Noon - Re-enactment of the Southern secession and Northern “Call to Arms”.
Noon - President Abraham Lincoln will recite the roll of honor.
Afternoon demonstrations include Gatling gun; Union- and Confederate-company drills and presentations, combined firing drills, and various artillery demonstrations.
Sunday, May 22
10 a.m. - “Period-dress” parade in front of the McCook House.
10:45 a.m. -Church services, First United Methodist Church, corner of South Lisbon Street and Third Street, SE.
Afternoon demonstrations include company drills, various artillery demonstrations, and camp life.
