Civil War Weekend – The Great Central Sanitary Fair of 2024

Saturday, May 18th and Sunday, May 19th from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm
Civil War Weekend – The Great Central Sanitary Fair of 2024

During the Civil War, the US Sanitary Commission organized large fairs to raise funds for soldiers’ aid, including the Great Central Sanitary Fair in Philadelphia. To mark the 160th anniversary of this major event, the Peter Wentz Farmstead will be hosting our own version of the fair. The original Sanitary Fair featured 200,000 square feet of vendors showing off anything from fine art to industrial displays. For three weeks in June, nearly 30,000 visitors per day came to Logan Square to show support for the Union, even President Lincoln himself!

Visitors can check out historic demonstrations like wet-plate photography and the Tent of Curiosities, and learn about how the Sanitary Commission assisted in the war effort. Support local businesses by shopping for native plants, incredible artwork, and more! Meet Union soldiers and watch infantry and artillery demonstrations.

Join us for this unique event where past and present collide!

All ages; free.