A scene from the 2024 Civil War Encampment Weekend at John Brown Farm State Historic Site in Lake Placid is seen here. (Provided photo)

LAKE PLACID — The John Brown Farm State Historic Site will host its annual Civil War Encampment Weekend from Aug. 8 to 10.

Over the course of three days, visitors will be able to interact with reenactor-educators from the Black Phalanx Brigade, a group of scholars and educators exploring African American military history with an interest in fostering understanding through accurate representation of the contributions of Black soldiers. Members will portray and discuss the stories and circumstances of Black members of the Union Army during the Civil War.

Visitors can experience reenactments of camp life, muster and drill demonstrations, a performance of Civil War songs by artist Linda Russell, outdoor Civil War movies, lectures and more. Encampment Weekend is part of New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation’s ongoing Our Whole History initiative, which seeks to reveal and share historically undertold stories of ordinary and extraordinary people across New York State.

At 10 a.m. Saturday, the public is invited to join in a salute to Corp. William Appo Jr. at the North Elba Cemetery at 76 Old Military Road, Lake Placid. Appo Jr. was the son of a Black settler who bought land near John and Mary Brown’s farm. Appo Jr. enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1861, prior to the establishment of Black Union Army troops. He joined the 30th New York Infantry Regiment, quickly rose to corporal, and was killed in action at the Second Battle of Bull Run in August 1862.

For a full schedule of the weekend’s events, visit the historic site’s Facebook page or call 518-527-0191.

A scene from the 2024 Civil War Encampment Weekend at John Brown Farm State Historic Site in Lake Placid is seen here. (Provided photo)

The historic site at 115 John Brown Road in Lake Placid will also offer its regular exhibits and programs throughout the encampment weekend, including guided tours of John Brown’s house, the gravesite, and the Visitor Center. “Dreaming of Timbuctoo,” an exhibit about the Black settlers in North Elba and neighboring towns whose presence drew John Brown to move with his family to the northern Adirondacks, and the outdoor exhibit “Americans Who Tell The Truth,” a portrait series by Robert Shetterly, are ongoing.