Bennett Place 42509

This video is my response to the last weekend's Bennett Place annual commemoration of the largest troop surrender of the Civil War. It left a lot to be desired and it is really sad because they could do such a good job with it with a little effort and not much money. I will be posting more on this and similar threads shortly.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Civil
• War

[LifeInYeshua]

Hi Mr. Siemers,

I wasn't finding fault with the event itself...just how it was put together. I am involved in reenacting and can tell you that it is hard to get a large percentage of reenactors out to Bennett Place because of the current management. Not throwing stones...just constructively criticizing a badly put together event.

[LifeInYeshua]

The best event was the 140th. Even after the 140th, there was a Sherman-Johnston surrender and living history with the Bennett Family reenactors. The thing we wanted to see was more living history to capture the mood of the time. Lectures, historians and authors are a good thing and compliment an event, but so do Jr. Interpreters, living historians, civilian & minilary reenactments, etc in order to help those in attendance feel the history. Just exercising my right to give my opinion.

[LifeInYeshua]

Current manager of BP has been there only 2 years. My family & I have attended many past surrenders & events. My family has reenacted as members of the Bennett family during such events. We attended on 4/25 Stayed over an hour. The manager (John) was the only interpreter there & wasn't in costume nor was anyone else working or volunteering that day other than the 2 & 3 piece bands. No Sherman -Johnston surrender. Big attendance due 2 free event in bad economy. The Ball was dropped.

[cwhistorian1865]

For the "Leftist Government of NC" comments in not promoting the Confederacy, I have seen Confederate flags flying over Bennett Place, Bentonville, Fort Fisher, and many of the other Civil War sites in NC. They also sell Confederate merchandise, and monuments still stand in courthouse squares. So NC Historic Sites and communities do plenty to preserve the history of both North and South. The war is over so don't expect NC to try and resurrect the Confederacy, but to simply preserve the history.

[cwhistorian1865]

This guy is obviously an angry individual toward the preservation of Bennett Place. He's probably some disgruntled unreconstructed rebel. The manager and his staff are doing a very fine job and we will continue to take our family there to learn about this important historical event.

[ConfederateGypsy]

Keep in mind that the leftist gov't in NC hates anything that may in any way portray the Confederacy in a positive fashion. This has been the case for decades. They are not going to promote, fund or help these historic sites if it may show the Confederate soldier in a good way.Whatever they may do will be the bare minimum they can get away with.

[johnblack27101]

Hi,

I agree with a lot of what you said..

I have been there doing a unit drill in April 08 with about 25 people,and we had a great time...

It sounds like you need to be in the event..I can see you now with that beard in a frock coat and top hat.....

Instead of finding fault why don't you join a group and help be a part of the resolution....

1st Lt John Siemers

38th NCT

[bennettplacedcr]

In addition, I would also like to add, the Surrender event you attended last year that you appeared to be satisfied with in your video, I coordinated that event, and although it was grand, there were less in attendance.

We greatly appreciate your interest and concerns, and invite you to visit Bennett Place to share more of your ideas and gain a better understanding of the progress and successes Bennett Place is having more than ever.

Thank you again for your interest and support.

[bennettplacedcr]

Greetings:

I am the manager, and our attendance for the 144th Surrender was the best it has been in the past 7 years. Our gift shop generated the most revenue it ever has, which all proceeds go to historic preservation of BP. This year we provided a more educational experience through well known historians and authors. Our theater was full for each lecture. We did have reenactors, two Civil War bands, & guided tours.

Unfortunately, YouTube doesn't give more room to respond.

Thank you.

[RebeccaFS1982]

I've always wanted to go there.