Civil War buffs should prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime summer, as the State of West Virginia and several groups prepare to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the start of the war.

Beginning in June and continuing through the summer, various organizations will be conducting reenactments, exhibits, tours and lectures. Many of the events will be near the local area because the first ground battles of the Civil War were fought in Barbour, Randolph and Pocahontas counties. Area residents will not have to travel far to enjoy colorful and educational experiences.

Civil War-related events in the Pocahontas County area include:

June 2-5: Blue and Gray Reunion, Philippi. The reenactment of the first land battle of the Civil War will take place on June 5 at 2 p.m. Civil War campsites will be erected for the public to enjoy. Other activities will include artillery, little soldiers' battles, amputation re-enactment, parades, crafts, a Civil War ball, 5k Run, a quilt show and food everywhere. Following the battle, a re-enactment of the historic Hanger amputation will take place in sutler row. A discussion of commonly used Civil War medical practices will also take place. There will be a medical display including a federal doctor's field kit, medical supplies, commonly used herbal remedies, photos and other medical artifacts. See www.philippi.org or call 304-457-3700 for more information.

June 22- August 17: Echoes of the Past: The Civil War 150 Years Later, Elkins. The Randolph County Community Arts Center will host an exhibit commemorating the first campaign of the Civil War. The exhibit will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, see www.randolpharts.org.

June 25-26: Battle of Corrick's Ford, Parsons. Weekend events include living history exhibits, walking tours, period music, artillery demonstrations, a Civil War ball and reenactments on Saturday and Sunday. A full battle reenactment will begin on Sunday at 1 p.m. See corricksford.org or call 304-478-6200 for more information.

July 6-8: First Campaign Tour, Beverly. Philippi, Laurel Hill, Rich Mountain, Corrick's Ford, Cheat Summit Fort, Fort Marrow at Camp Elkwater, and Beverly's Mt. Iser Confederate Cemetery. Registration cost is $195 per person. Registration includes bus transportation for two days of guided tours, lunch both days, reception, keynote presentation and concert. A limited number of scholarships are available for high school students interested in attending. For more information on the scholarships, please contact chelsea.a.holmes@wv.gov.

July 6: Civil War lecture by historian Hunter Lesser, Elkins. The author of "Rebels at the Gate" will present a Civil War lecture at the Randolph County Community Arts Center. This will also be an opportunity to visit the Civil War exhibit, "Echoes of the Past: The Civil War 150 Years Later." A reception will follow the lecture.

July 7, Civil War Lecture by historian Will Greene. Will Green, historian and director of the Pamplin Historical Park, will present a Civil War Lecture in the Davis & Elkins College Auditorium at 7 p.m.

July 8: Blue and Gray Choir Concert, Elkins. The Blue and Gray Choir of Philippi will perform at the Randolph County Community Arts Center. This will also be an opportunity to visit the exhibit, "Echoes of the Past: The Civil War 150 Years Later."

July 9-10: Battle of Rich Mountain Anniversary Reenactment, Beverly. Encampments, living history, battlefield tours, displays, exhibits, artillery demonstration, barbecue dinner, period music and camp dance and other events. Reenactors will skirmish on Saturday and conduct a full battle reenactment on Sunday at 1 p.m. See www.richmountain.org or call 304-637-7424 for more information.

July 11: Commemoration of the Battle of Rich Mountain, Beverly. Memorial service at the site of the Battle of Rich Mountain. For more information, see www.richmountain.org.

August 1- 31: Securing the Mountains 1861, Bartow. An exhibit in the lobby of the Monongahela National Forest Greenbrier Ranger Station will tell the story and significance of the fortifications and actions in northern Pocahontas County to control access to western Virginia from the summer of 1861 through the spring of 1862 following the First Campaign victory at Rich Mountain. Call 304-636-6182 or email phyllisb@appalachianforest.us for more information.

For a full schedule of Civil War-related events being held around the state this year, see www. civilwar150.wv.gov.

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