The Pickerington-Violet Township Historical Society will recount the "War Between the States" as part of a countywide effort to recognize the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.

The historical society and the Olde Pickerington Village Business Association July 6 will host the third annual History Hop in Olde Pickerington Village from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

It is free and open to the public.

The event is being held in conjunction with Fairfield County's effort to recognize the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, which took place between 1861 and 1865 and, depending on perspective, was waged for reasons ranging from the need to end slavery to the right to maintain state's sovereignty.

This year's History Hop will feature an authentic Civil War cannon restored by the Lancaster-based McKinley Sons of Union Veterans with soldiers in uniform and ladies in period dress.

Other exhibits will include Civil War-era medical equipment, a carbine rifle, naval vessels, vintage photos and handwritten letters.

Local attorney and award-winning author Eric Wittenberg will be on hand to talk about the Civil War cavalry.

Three quilts also will be on display.

One features the Ohio Underground Railroad routes, on loan from the Friends of Freedom Society, Ohio Underground Railroad Association.

There will also be a Dear Jane quilt made by Pickerington resident Mary Patton and a Civil War era Crazy Quilt.

In the lower level of the Pickerington-Violet Township Historical Society Museum, 15 E. Columbus St., a diorama of a Civil War battle with miniature soldiers will be set up by Scott Sharp from Amanda.

Fairfield County artisan Donnely Barber will demonstrate how to knit socks like they did in the 1800s, according to Peggy Portier of the historical society.

"The state of Ohio has been organizing and trying to get people in communities across the state to recognize the 150th anniversary of all four years of the Civil War," Portier said.

"We chose this year to be our main focus," she said.

"We didn't have any battles happen in our area during the Civil War, but we did have people that fought during the Civil War.

"In (Dovel and Violet) cemeteries alone, we have about 50 graves of people who fought in the Civil War," Portier said.

"In the community, we have about 70."

In an attempt to "bring history to life," the historical society has invited Liberty Township resident John Cooper, a foremost Abraham Lincoln re-enactor, to give two 15-minute speeches on the historical museum lawn.

For the past three years, Cooper has appeared as Lincoln at the Ohio State Fair, and he will do so again this year.

He also will host a national Lincoln convention to be held in Columbus next April.

"Of course, I'll be Lincoln," Cooper said of his History Hop appearance.

"The speech I have contains a little bit of history about Abraham Lincoln and stories of the lighter side that tell a little bit about his life and what it was like to be president.

"I'll end with the Gettysburg Address."

Cooper said between speeches he'll be available to speak with visitors and pose for photos.

"The whole object is to educate and enlighten people about the life of Lincoln, our greatest president," Cooper said.

"I try to bring history to life."

Additionally, the History Hop will showcase live music entertainment by Heritage Fife and Drums and dulcimers from Folk-Legends of Central Ohio.

History Hop maps, along with a schedule of speakers and performances, will be available on the Pickerington Plaza at the intersection of Columbus and Center streets, Portier said.

Root beer floats, popcorn, sandwiches and beverages also will be on sale on the Pickerington Plaza.

The History Hop is an activity in the Fairfield County Civil War 150 Alliance Passport Program, designed for school-age children, Portier said. Passports and passport stamps are available in the historical society museum.

The Pickerington-Violet Township Historical Society and the Olde Pickerington Village Business Association sponsor the annual event.

Additional information about the History Hop and the Passport Program is available at www.pickeringtonhistoricalsociety.com.