Department of Parks
Experience Life On The Farm At Perryville June 3-4

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- The rolling fields at Perryville in Central Kentucky are known for the Civil War battle that occurred there in 1862. But long before soldiers appeared the area was a farm. And that’s what it returned to after the famous battle resulting in more than 7,000 casualties and leaving the area in ruins.

You can now experience what farm life was like in Perryville during the Civil War with a living history program on June 3-4. The Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site will sponsor “On The Farm – 1862.”

Those taking part in the program will portray members of the community – farmers, shop keepers and cobblers.  Visitors will be able to see what farm life was like and get a sense of the divided loyalties present among Kentuckians during the war.

Visitors will also have a chance to split logs for a fence and plant corn. There will be presentations and lectures on agricultural and domestic practices of the day.

“On the Farm – 1862” will be open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, June 3, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 4. Admission is free. The park’s museum store will also be open. An admission fee is required for the museum. The park is west of Danville.

The farm presentation will offer an excellent introduction to the reenactment of the Battle of Perryville, which will be conducted Oct. 7-8, 2006. The national event will draw thousands of people from across the country. For more information about the farm program and the battle reenactment, visit: http://www.perryvillereenactment.org/

The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 52 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Commerce Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges -- more than any other state. Each year, Kentucky parks draw 7 million visitors and contribute $317 million to the economy. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at http://www.parks.ky.gov

--30--