HOLLAND, Mich. — For the first time, Holland’s long-running Civil War Muster is stretching back a century further.

The 17th annual Van Raalte Farm Civil War Muster, set for Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19–20, will keep its cannons, camps, and First Battle of Bull Run reenactment — and add Revolutionary War programming for America’s 250th anniversary, organizers say. The weekend will also host the America 250 Mobile Museum, with impressions of founding-era figures alongside the event’s usual Civil War cast.

Admission is free. Public parking is at 858 E. 24th St., with shuttle service to the park entrance at Van Raalte Farm, 1076 E. 16th St.

The farm itself is part of the story. Eleven acres — including the farmhouse and two barns — are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The land was once home to Civil War veteran Ben Van Raalte, son of Holland’s founder; the city bought the property in 1983 and now runs it as a 160-acre park.

Camp opens to the public at 9 a.m. both days. On Saturday, military drills and programming start around 10 a.m., with Lincoln impressions, a medical scenario, a fashion show, dance, and a nighttime fire wrapping the day at 9 p.m. Sunday opens with a period church service and kids’ drills; the main battle begins at 2 p.m., with the weekend winding down by about 4 p.m., according to Holland’s tourism site.

This year’s Civil War focus is the First Battle of Bull Run (Manassas), the July 1861 clash that ended early Northern hopes of a short war. Guest impressionists listed by organizers include actor Fritz Klein as Abraham Lincoln, Dr. Curt Fields as Ulysses S. Grant, and Pamela Welcome as Harriet Tubman. Revolutionary War guests include Dan Shippey as George Washington, Beau Robbins as Thomas Jefferson, and Jack Pauly as John Adams. The Daughters of the American Revolution and Sons of the American Revolution are also expected on site.

Visitors can walk Union, Confederate, and civilian encampments; watch cavalry and artillery demonstrations; tour the Van Raalte home; hear the 1st Holland Regimental Band; and stop by the Grey Barn, described as a Civil War–era saloon. Sutlers — period vendors — will sell era goods. Organizers also advertise a “hall of presidents” lineup spanning Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Grant.

Schools get a dedicated Education Day on Friday, Sept. 18, with morning (9:30–11:30 a.m.) and afternoon (noon–2 p.m.) field-trip sessions limited to about 300 students each. Stations cover camp life, weapons and training, famous figures, home-front life, and period music. Registration is first-come, first-served through organizers at vanraaltemuster@gmail.com.

Photographers can enter the Muster Photo Contest through holland.org. Questions go to vanraaltemuster@gmail.com; organizers also post as @HollandCivilWarMuster.

The Holland Sentinel reported in July that the muster would expand for America 250 and host a traveling Freedom Truck / America 250 mobile exhibit. The September weekend is when the encampments, mobile museum, and Bull Run battle land in one place for local families — free, shuttle-served, and timed for the nation’s anniversary year.

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