Lantern Tours Bring Stories Of New Market Battlefield To Life Oct. 24

Visitors can walk the New Market Battlefield by lantern light and meet soldiers, townspeople, and civilians whose lives changed during the Battle of New Market in a special after-hours program on Oct. 24.

The Virginia Museum of the Civil War at New Market Battlefield State Historical Park will host its annual “Spirits of New Market” program from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24.

Rather than a haunted attraction, the program uses living history to tell the stories of people connected to the historic battlefield.

Visitors will follow a guide on a lantern-lit walk across the battlefield, stopping along the way to meet living historians portraying soldiers, local townspeople, and members of the Bushong family.

Guests will have opportunities to interact with the characters, ask questions, and even lend aid to wounded soldiers as the stories of the battle unfold.

Organizers describe the program as a way to recognize the determination of those whose lives were affected by the Battle of New Market while allowing visitors to experience the historic site in a different setting.

Each tour lasts approximately 45 minutes and covers about a half-mile. The route crosses both grass and gravel, so visitors should plan footwear accordingly.

Although it’s called “Spirits of New Market” and the tours take place after dark, organizers emphasize that the event is not a haunted tour. The program is intended for guests of all ages.

Tickets are $10 for adults ages 13 and older and $6 for youth ages 6 to 12. Children 5 and younger are admitted free.

New Market residents ages 6 and older may purchase tickets for $5 with proof of residency.

Doors open at 5:45 p.m., with the program running from 6 to 8 p.m.

Visitors are asked to leave pets at home. Service dogs are welcome.

The Virginia Museum of the Civil War is located at 8895 George Collins Parkway in New Market.

For more information about “Spirits of New Market,” contact the museum at 540-740-3101 or nmbshp@vmi.edu.