Van Raalte muster brings spectacle, theater, and living history to Holland

To commemorate the 160th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg — the turning point of the Civil War in 1863 — the Van Raalte Farm Muster will turn the historic farm into a living history museum. 

The 14th annual Van Raalte Farm Civil War Muster will be Sept. 16 and 17. 

One hundred fifty reenactors, cavalry, artillery, musicians and special impressionists of President Abraham Lincoln, General Robert E. Lee, General George Meade, General J.E.B. Stuart, General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson in full uniform will arrive at the farm for two days of spectacle and theater.

“It’s a step back in time, and you’re able to learn a lot about our history and why it’s important still today,” says Rick Veenhoven, chairman of the Van Raalte Farm Civil War Muster. “I think what people really enjoy is it’s much more than they thought it would be when they attend. It’s not just the battle reenactment. There’s a lot to see and do.”

Growing

The farm is at the corner of 16th Street and Country Club Road in Holland. The event has grown significantly since it began 14 years ago, Veenhoven says. 

“We have people calling us, asking to speak at the event,” he says. “That’s really exciting for us, because now you know you’re starting to have visibility that you need in order to continue to grow an event like this.”

The muster is free to attend and will include speeches by Wayne Motts, CEO of the Gettysburg Foundation, “President Lincoln” (Fritz Klein, actor and official Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois), and “Sojourner Truth” (actor Pamela Welcome). Visitors can talk to Union and Confederate soldiers camped around the battlefield and to a field surgeon attending to wounded troops. Period music such as “Johnny Comes Marching Home,” “John Brown’s Body,” and “Dixie” and stirring sounds of bugles and drums will waft through the trees. 

Cavalry skirmishes will join in the Battles of Gettysburg. Games and crafts for kids will be on the lawn. The Grey Barn Saloon will be open for cold beverages and tavern vittles and treats. Sword demonstrations will include lessons on swordsmanship, and an exhibit of antique military weaponry will be displayed. 

Historical site

The 1872 home of Benjamin van Raalte, Civil War veteran, and two barns (1865) will be open for tours ($2 donation for adults, free for children). 

“The site itself is so pristine, and there’s actual historic significance (being owned by a Civil War veteran),” says Veenhoven.

Camps will be open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. For details and a full list of events visit vanraaltefarmcivilwarmuster.com. 

On Sunday, following the 9:30 period-accurate church service, the Van Raalte Farm Civil War Muster will dedicate a plaque honoring the soldiers of the 25th Michigan Infantry, Company I, who fought from 1862-1865 in American Civil War battles in the South. Benjamin and Dirk B. K. van Raalte were among the more than 400 men from Holland, Michigan, who wore the Union Blue.

The solemn ceremony located west of the Red Barn will feature Motts, reflecting on Michigan volunteers who served. President Lincoln (Klein) will read the Gettysburg address, before Taps and a military salute.