The Old Stone Fort Museum will commemorate the original Memorial Day on the traditional date of May 30, Thursday, 6-8pm.
The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War invite the public to help re-create the post-Civil War observances of Decoration Day by participating in a procession through the Old Stone Fort Cemetery to lay fresh flowers on the graves of Civil War soldiers.
A number of reenactors and living historians will be present, with a special appearance by "General and Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant" and remarks by "Mark Twain."
The event will begin at the recently-erected Civil War monument that lists the names of all the soldiers from Schoharie County known to have died in the war.
Paving stones, inscribed with the names of Civil War soldiers, that were purchased to fund the monument will be dedicated.
There will be speeches and readings of historic documents and music of the period.
Cobleskill resident Don Coons will portray author and humorist Mark Twain giving a talk excerpted from Twain's own writings about his experiences during the War Between the States.
The decorating procession through the cemetery will be followed by a military Retreat ceremony and Taps at twilight.
Everyone who purchased pavers is invited to attend.
All outdoor activities listed above are free and open to the public. The Old Stone Fort Museum will remain open from 5-6pm.
In addition to its better-known role in the Revolutionary War, the museum also served as a militia arsenal during the Civil War and features a special Civil War 150th Anniversary exhibit.
Visitors are encouraged to bring fresh cut flowers for the graves.
For further information, call the museum, 295-7192, or visit the website www.theOldStoneFort.org.