The following events will take place in Downtown Brighton over the Memorial Day weekend. All events are open to the public and free of charge.
Sunday, May 30: 5:00pm – 6:00pm: CoBACH Center (Old Town Hall next to the millpond)
Civil War presentation titled When A Rose Is Not A Rose by Judith Coebly.
Learn the story of how women participated in Civil War battles as they hid their identities and became men in uniform. This fascinating presentation will allow all guests to broaden their knowledge of this war.
Over 900 women fought side by side with men and went undetected serving both the Union and Confederate armies. Space is limited.
Monday, May 31: 10:00am – 2:00pm: CoBACH Center
Special Civil War display featuring original weapons including muskets, swords and clothing worn by soldiers. Also displayed are enlarged photographs of Brightons own Grand Army of the Republic in familiar downtown settings in the early 1900s. Original lithographs depicting battle scenes present a vivid picture of the scenes experienced by soldiers during this War of Rebellion.
10:00am – 11:15am: Main Street-Memorial Day parade
Show your respect to our veterans as members of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars provide a short memorial service on Main Street in front of the millpond at the conclusion of their parade.
11:15am – 12:00nn: Rededication of Old Village Cemetery following parade
Experience the authentic music of the 1860s as the 5th Michigan Regiment Band, leads the community into the cemetery on the new DDA walkway. A short program will present a history of Brightons 1837 cemetery, and the improvements that are in progress.
12:00nn – 1:30pm: Tours of Old Village Cemetery
The Livingston Players and volunteers will portray individuals buried here. The reenactors will wear period clothing while standing at graveside and tell of the lives and times of the deceased. Enjoy the tours while the band plays a concert with background 1860s music.
The Brighton Area Historical Society is proud to share in the celebration of the 130th Anniversary of Saint Pauls Episcopal Church. Please join us for cake and refreshments. Visit the interior of the 1880 church and their community center following your tour of Old Village Cemetery to see historical memorabilia.
Jim Vichich