This fall, area arts and history organizations invite the public to experience the Civil War home front through a living history event inspired by the Sanitary Fairs of the era. The event brings together local organizations and groups dedicated to preserving 19th-century history and culture and will be held at the Western Illinois Museum. Visitors are invited to explore and learn about Civil War–era Sanitary Fairs on Sunday, October 19, from 1:00 to 5:00 pm.
Sanitary Fairs were large-scale fundraising events organized primarily by women during the American Civil War to support the work of the United States Sanitary Commission, a civilian-run organization that provided critical aid to Union soldiers. These fairs combined education, entertainment, and charity to raise money for medical supplies, clothing, and food. The name "Sanitary" refers to the Commission's mission to improve health conditions in military camps and hospitals. Fairs were a creative and communal response to the war’s pressing needs, embodying the spirit of volunteerism and civic duty.
Organized by The Hub Arts and Cultural Center in Rushville and the Western Illinois Museum in Macomb, who have created a version of the Sanitary Fair, bringing this powerful history to life through hands-on experiences, music, and storytelling that highlight the resilience and ingenuity of Illinoisans during the Civil War.
Program Highlights
1:00 to 5:00 pm - Experience the re-creation of a vibrant “fair” atmosphere with:
Discover the Civil War through the eyes of local roundtable re-enactors, who will share stories of women’s vital work organizing Sanitary Fairs, the daily life of soldiers, the weapons they carried, and the legacy of the Grand Army of the Republic in preserving their service.
Exhibits from the Western Illinois Museum’s collection, including period tintype portraits, clothing, and accessories such as the era’s popular hair jewelry,
1:30 to 2:30 pm - Grand Parade and Dance performance, by The Hub’s Historical Dancers. The performance features dances that would have been enjoyed during the Sanitary Fairs. The dancers will invite audience members to join in a dance at the end of their performance.
3:00 to 3:45 pm - Enjoy live music of the era performed by a brass quintet led by composer and bandleader John Mindeman. The ensemble features Bruce Briney and Anne McNamara on trumpet, Rachel Hockenberry on horn, John Mindeman on trombone, and Mike Rockstroh on tuba.
4:00 to 4:45 pm Musical Performance with Chris Vallillo
From patriotic anthems and campfire ditties to reworked versions of popular songs of the era, Civil War soldiers reshaped music to suit their tastes and capture the struggles and hardships they endured. Award-winning folk musician and folklorist Chris Vallillo draws from the journals and letters of the troops, bringing these rare and long-forgotten songs back to life.
This family-friendly event will illuminate how ordinary people on the home front supported the war effort through creativity, cooperation, and care. Visitors will gain insight into the daily lives of those who stayed behind, the challenges they faced, and the innovative ways they came together to help both soldiers and civilians.
The Civil War Era Sanitary Fair is an opportunity to connect with local history, celebrate community resilience, and honor the legacy of civic action that continues to inspire us today.
Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $5 to support the program's presentation.
The program is supported in part by the Illinois Humanities Council.
