It’s a pretty good bet that it’s going to rain tomorrow, so you can forget those Little League games and other outdoor sports. What’s a family to do if that happens? Something unusual and fun, if you just drive onto Saint Mary’s College campus. (Another reason we love living so close to this college campus — there seems to always be something happening we can enjoy, too!)

Saturday, March 19, from noon to 4 p.m., Civil War history comes alive on the SMC Intramural Field, thanks to members of the National Civil War Association who are traveling from far and wide to participate.

Saint Mary’s College

The die-hards will be skirmishing rain or shine, of course. Heidi Donner, Education Program Director for Saint Mary’s College’s Hearst Art Gallery, says the rest of us shouldn’t let the rain keep us away, either. We caught up with Donner just as she was making final preparations Friday night. Says Donner: “There are plenty of overhangs around campus where you’ll still be able to hear and see the action. Just dress warmly.”

Plus, Donner has been making provisions for protected sites to show off the Civil War period displays, too. Ask as you enter campus tomorrow but she says that some of this will either be at the Soda Center or other rain-protected areas.  After all, some of these items are original documents, uniforms, clothing, soldier’s kits and more.

In a few weeks, the Stanley Middle School 8th graders will make their Spring Break Sojourn to Washington, D.C. Tomorrow, we can warm our historical appetite just by stepping onto the SMC Campus! Find out more about this Civil War Re-enactment and Living History Event by clicking here.

While you’re on campus, don’t forget to visit the original Civil War letters, diaries and weapons on display at the Saint Mary’s College Library.

Saturday’s activities are free to enjoy. So is the library visit. Before you leave, though, consider investing a few dollars to visit the main attraction at the Hearst Art Gallery — Lee and Grant, an exhibition in honor of the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War. The exhibition provides a major reassessment of the lives, careers, and historical impact of Civil War generals Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant. The exhibit closes on Sunday, March 20, 2011