The past visits the present at local battle re-enactments

These living-history events offer a unique view of war.

By Eliza Berkon • Posted February 14, 2017 at 3:59 p.m.

Soldiers from Napoleonic Wars firing a valley

With President’s Day around the corner, events that honor Washington and Lincoln aren’t hard to find. Among these are re-enactments of battles from wars closely associated both of their legacies and with the history of Northern Virginia. Take a look at these living-history events planned over the next few months:

Alexandria Revolutionary War Day
Feb. 19, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

As part of a weekend packed with events to celebrate our first president’s birthday, Revolutionary War Day features a battle re-enactment at 2 p.m. // Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site: 4301 W. Braddock Road, Alexandria; free

Fairfax Civil War Day
April 29

This full day of activities, now in its 17^th year, incorporates games, entertainment, military drills and cannon fire. // The Civil War Interpretive Center at Historic Blenheim: 3610 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax; check website for updates

Battle of the Wilderness Living History Event
May 6-7

Several living-history organizations are teaming up with the National Park Service to create a new event that presents a wide-ranging history of this Civil War battle. // Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park: 120 Chatham Lane, Fredericksburg; check website for updates

Mount Vernon Revolutionary War Weekend
May 6-7, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Explore customs of the 1700s with family-tailored events while observing re-enactments of battles from the war that brought the country its independence. // Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon; $9-$20 for adults and free for children 5 and under

Falls Church Civil War Day
May 20, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Be transported to the tumultuous 1860s with music, educational activities and military drills that center on the Civil War era in Falls Church. // Cherry Hill Farmhouse: 312 Park Ave., Falls Church; free

First and Second Manassas Battles
July 22-23 and Aug. 26-27

Mark the anniversaries of these two Civil War battles with demonstrations at Chinn Ridge and Brawner Farm at the Manassas National Battlefield. // 6511 Sudley Road, Manassas; check website for updates