Nothing says summer quite like the smell of fresh gunpowder and Chiavetta’s chicken. In the tradition of southern Civil War reenactments, the Amherst Museum will be presenting a “living history” weekend hosted by members of the 36th Virginia and the 49th New York regiments. The weekend will focus primarily on the lives of the soldiers who fought in the conflict. There will be reenacted skirmishes between the two sides including artillery and rifle demonstrations. Civilian involvement, an aspect of the war not many people learned about in elementary school history class, will be the main focus of the events and displays. The 35-acre museum site is home to 12 restored 19th-century buildings, including houses, churches, shops and schools. Visitors are bound to gain new insight into the lives of the soldiers and civilians, Yankee and Confederate alike, who lived during that time. Whether you come for the artillery demonstration or to tour the historic buildings, be sure to bring an appetite. Though Yankee barbecue isn’t likely to rival the famous southern-style cookouts, the locally lauded Chiavetta’s will be available throughout the day on Saturday, offering visitors a much needed energy boost after a day of dramatic displays and exhibits.

Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 11am-4pm. Amherst Museum, 3755 Tonawanda Creek Rd., Amherst (689-1440). $6.50-$7.50