The Greater Rome Convention Visitors Bureau has announced the complete 2011 schedule of local events commemorating the Civil War.
This year begins a five-year period of commemoration of Rome’s Civil War heritage during the 150th anniversary of the war.
Two series have been planned — an ongoing symposium series and Spirits of the Civil War tours. Both will continue through 2015.
The symposiums are academic forums where historians from Rome and Floyd County will present research relating to the region’s involvement in the Civil War.
The Spirits of the Civil War tour series is modeled after the format of the GRCVB’s popular cemetery and downtown tours. Civil War history will come alive in the tours through story-telling and re-enactments on the actual sites of major military action.
While many of the events will have an admission fee, the GRCVB has made several of the events free in order to provide the community with better access to Rome and Floyd County’s history.
The GRCVB has also produced a printed guide to the Civil War in Rome and Floyd County, a CD driving tour available for rent and an online guide through their website. “In an effort to connect the visitor with our Civil War history, we created events and developed tours to attract visitors and educate them on our rich heritage,” said Lisa Smith.
The GRCVB encourages anyone planning a Civil War commemoration event in Rome and Floyd County to submit their event to the www.romegeorgia.org online calendar.
For additional information concerning any of the events listed below, contact the visitors center at 706-295-5576.
Civil War Commemoration Events
Jan. 27, 6:30 p.m.; Rome-Floyd County Library
Dan Roper, publisher and editor of Georgia Backroads, will present the first symposium in the Coosa Room of the Rome-Floyd County Library. The symposium is free and open to the public. Roper is a respected local author and historian with more than 80 published articles on Georgia history and travel. Free.
April 9, 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m.; Myrtle Hill Cemetery
Travel through the Civil War history of Georgia’s Rome by visiting residents of Myrtle Hill Cemetery wearing period dress and telling stories of their experience during the Civil War in Rome. Please note: this tour is a moderate to strenuous walk with steps and slopes involved. Cost: $8 adult, $5 children 12 and younger.
April 21, 6:30 p.m.; Rome-Floyd County Library
Barry Brown, author of “Crossroads of Conflict: A Guide to Civil War Sites in Georgia” will present on the Civil War in Georgia. Book signing will follow. Free
May 7, 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m.; Visitor Center
Step aboard the Toonerville Trolley for a tour of the major Civil War sites throughout Historic Downtown Rome. A period-dressed guide will explain the significance of Rome’s many forts, industrial sites and civil war medical centers. Free, but tickets required. Call 706-295-5576 to reserve tickets.
June 11, 9 p.m.; Visitors Center
Learn about the soldiers who served Fort Jackson through re-enactments and experience their impassioned stories. Please note: this tour is a moderate to strenuous walk with steps and very steep slopes involved. Cost: $8 adult, $5 children 12 and younger.
Late summer, time TBA; Site of Noble Foundry near South Broad Bridge
Join the dedication of the new sign and informational marker at the site of the Noble Foundry, one of Rome’s most important Civil War sites because the famous cannon factory led to Rome’s burning. The dedication will also mark the addition of Rome to the Georgia Civil War Heritage Trail system.
August 18, 6:30 p.m.; Rome-Floyd County Library
Zach Watters, a local historian and professor, will present on his research into the Civil War in Northwest Georgia. Free
Nov. 17, 6:30 p.m.; Rome-Floyd County Library
The Cochran Family will perform Civil War era music and explain its meaning and significance. Margaret Hollingsworth will present a reading of her ancestor’s love letters from the Civil War. Free.