MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – A raft of probably surprising information will be available to visitors to Gibson Museum’s upcoming Civil War event.

For example:

– California, just 11 years old with a fewer than 380,000 residents, mustered a higher percentage of volunteers for the Union army than of the other 34 states. It is likely that an equal or greater number of Californians joined the Confederate forces, though hard data is scarce.

– Lake County was created five and a half weeks after the war was started by the firing on Fort Sumter, yet it had a significant role in the Civil War.

– Food, its preparation and the trials of foraging for it, was the subject most commonly included in soldiers’ letters home.

– Concerned and curious onlookers watched sham battles or actual bloody encounters of the war while noshing from their picnic baskets or on goodies bought from strolling “huxter women.” Ladies wore their Sunday best for the occasion.

Explanations of these and similar facts will be offered to visitors of the third Civil War event sponsored by Gibson Museum & Cultural Center, this year known as Windows to the Civil War.

The event will be offered the weekend of Nov. 3 and 4 at the Middletown Mansion Event Center less than a mile north of Middletown.

Dean Enderlin, in his role as local commander of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, will explain our local connection to the war.

Phil Smoley will share his lifelong study of the Civil War with insights into the rationale of the Confederacy and the controversy over the issue of slavery or states rights.

Carolynn Birilli brings surprises about 19th century culinary history and its effects on military, civilian and enslaved populations.

Barbara White will again offer the dressing demonstrations that have been a favorite of Civil War event-goers throughout northern California for decades, including the past two years at the Mansion.

Other presenters will afford equally illuminating and entertaining fare.

There will, of course, be reenactments of Civil War battles by the American Civil War Association, with vintage weaponry and harmless black powder to provide theatrical smoke and noise, at 1 and 4 p.m. Saturday and at 11 and 2 p.m. Sunday.

Before, after, and in-between, in addition to enjoying the speakers and demonstrations, visitors can tour the encampments, the weaponry, the sutlers stores and a period village. Children especially seem to enjoy questioning the soldiers.

Guests are encouraged to come in period attire to add to the fun.

An old-fashioned Contra Dance, lauded as fun even for those who “don’t dance,” will be open to all Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. A donation of $5 is suggested to help compensate the Cobb Stompers musicians.

Gibson has been joined in sponsorship this year by the Museums of Lake County, which also operates the Historic Courthouse Museum in Lakeport and and the Historic Schoolhouse Museum in Lower Lake, and the Lake County Historical Society which provided support for the founding of Gibson Museum prior to its joining the county system.

Tickets to the event are on sale at all three county museums, in Lakeport, Lower Lake and Middletown. Adult admission is $15; children 7 to 12, $8; under 6 may attend for free.

For further information, see www.friendsofgibson.com or call 707-263-4555.