Be transported back in time to 1862 at the Wilson Museum the weekend of June 17. The 20th Maine Company B will be setting up camp on Perkins Street, and they look forward to welcoming curious people of all ages interested in learning more about the life of the common Maine infantry soldier during the Civil War. Wander through camp, watch basic drills, see (and hear) what it is like to fire a 19th century musket, and listen to short presentations about the history of the 20th Maine Infantry Regiment.

The volunteers of Company B will start setting up camp on Friday afternoon, and they welcome visitors on Friday afternoon, Saturday from 9 a.m. to bedtime, and Sunday morning from 9 a.m. to about noon. At 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, Company B will move up to the Town Common, hosted by the Castine Historical Society, to recruit Castine’s bravest to the cause. Do you have what it takes to join the Union Army?

Did you know? Thomas D. Chamberlain, the youngest brother of Maine’s famous Union General Joshua Chamberlain, is buried in the Castine Town Cemetery. Thomas was the Lieutenant Colonel of the 20th Maine. In 1870, he married his brother John’s widow, Delia Jarvis, and was buried in the Jarvis family plot when he died in 1896.

The 20th Maine Company B is a history oriented non-profit educational organization whose members hail from across New England. The group authentically portrays the common Maine infantry soldier during the 1862-1865 period. Follow them on Facebook to learn more.