Sparta n The 33rd Regiment, New Jersey Volunteer Infantry Civil War re-enactors are returning to the VanKirk/Mull house on Friday and Saturday, May 11 and 12 for their annual living history event. The historic house is on Route 517 next to the new Middle School. The encampment will consist of officer’s quarters, military street and campfires, where the regiment will simulate daily camp life of Civil War soldiers. In addition, a civilian area will feature demonstrations of the role of women in the Victorian Era, and their contributions to the war effort. The encampment will be open all day Friday to students from Sparta Middle School who will tour the camp, learn about life during the Civil War, and form into small companies for march and drill. Members of the 33rd will bivouac on the grounds throughout the evening with the encampment open to the public. Students from Sparta High School may come to learn more about this critical period in our nation’s history. On Saturday the camp will re-open in the morning, and welcome visitors throughout the day. In addition to civilian and military camp life, visitors will witness march and drill as well as firing demonstrations. Doug Grunn of Belvidere will present a bugling demonstration. Besides being a member of the 33rd, Grunn belongs to Buglers Across America. A display of original Civil War artifacts from the Jones Collection will be presented in the living room of the VanKirk/Mull House, including period weapons, letters, documents, ordnance, soldiers’ accouterments, etc. This exhibit will have a strong emphasis on the personal side of the Civil War soldier, with an assortment of items he would have taken with him when he went off to war, or those he acquired from the regiment sutler. A rare item on display is the shaving mirror which belonged to Colonel Robert Gould Shaw of the famous 54th Massachusetts Infantry. Colonel Shaw was portrayed in the movie “Glory”. This year the 33rd NJ will also welcome Sparta resident Ed Maske of the 3rd NJ, who will present a medical display and discussion of Civil War field hospitals and procedures. In addition, and Civil War re-enactor John Bernaski of Oxford will demonstrate 19th Century wet plate photography. The group represents a real NJ regiment mustered into service in August 1863. They were attached to the Army of the Cumberland and served under General Sherman on his famous March to the Sea. They remained active until the end of the war and were mustered out of service in August 1865. The 33rd, headquartered at the historical society, is interested in prospective members The unit recruiter can be reached at 973-209-0579.