Fort Totten Park hosts free Civil War reenactment with interactive medical demonstrations

Company K of the 67th New York Infantry partnered with the Bayside Historical Society to stage a free Civil War living history event on Sunday, Nov. 1, at Fort Totten Park in Bayside.

The gathering allowed visitors to examine specific aspects of Union soldier life and 1860s American culture. Max Kenny, secretary of the Long Island-based reenactment group, stated that the organization has performed Civil War reenactments at this specific park since 2019. Kenny explained that the group erected a small camp to illustrate daily survival conditions. The site included a hospital section designed to teach attendees about illness and injury care, along with a musket collection and stations displaying everyday items used by soldiers.

Reenactors from the 67th New York Infantry educated visitors on the mental and physical conditions of the soldiers they portrayed. These participants detailed how troops ate, dressed, and fought while enduring the conflict. George Munkenback, who served as a chaplain and Civil War surgeon during the event, emphasized the local historical connection. He noted that many soldiers originated from the region and that camps for the United States Colored Troops and other regiments were established in the area.

Munkenback focused on the medical history often overlooked by the public. He described the hospital setup as a familiar environment for soldiers, used to demonstrate diseases and evolving medical procedures. He cited the rapid transition from ancient Greek and Roman medicine through the American Revolution and into the Civil War era as a period of forced change. He stated that many modern medical specialties originated from Civil War surgeons who adapted their techniques during the war.

Brita Kube, executive director of the Bayside Historical Society, described the event as a living history aspect of the Civil War. She highlighted the interactive nature of the exhibit, which allowed attendees to speak directly with reenactors who remained in character. Visitors could ask questions about mundane topics such as food and sleep or seek information in the surgical tent. The event featured touchable artifacts and demonstrations showing historical methods. Kube noted that this direct engagement provided a clearer perspective on history than traditional displays.

The event took place on the first Sunday of November 2026. The 67th New York Infantry group continues its annual tradition of historical preservation at Fort Totten Park. The Bayside Historical Society facilitated the venue and supported the educational goals of the day. Attendees left the site after exploring the camp, hospital, and musket displays. The group plans to return to the park in the future to maintain its long-term presence in the community.