You have probably heard about Camp Sherman Days, a nine-day commemoration of Camp Sherman and its role in World War I. Beginning on July 1st and continuing through July 9th, the Camp Sherman Days event will take you to various locations around Chillicothe and Ross County to give attendees a glimpse at how the Camp changed the city and the Great War. This event is not a “celebration” but a commemoration of Camp Sherman and all of The Doughboys who fought in WWI.
Camp Sherman covered over 2,000 acres of land and had over 1,300 buildings that were 
constructed between July and September of 1917. These grounds and buildings were used in training those drafted to become soldiers of the 83rd, 84th, 95th and 96th divisions. However, the war ended before the 95th and 96th divisions were ready to go overseas.
This centennial event, Camp Sherman Days, will give attendees the opportunity for a small glimpse of Camp Sherman, what the soldiers in training did for recreation, and how training techniques have advanced while incorporating fun activities for residents and visitors in Chillicothe and Ross County.
The schedule
July 1st kicks off the event prior to the “Run, Walk & Boom” 5k Run/Walk. Later in the day Adena Mansion & Gardens will be hosting their annual Ice Cream Social which will feature live music, fruit cobblers and root beer floats. The day ends with the Chillicothe Paints home game, followed by a fireworks presentation.
July 2nd offers an Independence Day Celebration at Adena Mansion & Gardens. The Majestic Theatre hosts a Vaudeville production (produced by Chillicothe Civic Theatre & The Scioto Society). Soldiers didn’t have our modern technology and attended Vaudeville productions to hear music, jokes and other entertainment that we can get these days through our smartphones. Following the Vaudeville production will be the Great Seal Band performing in the Majestic Theatre Courtyard.
July 5th Adena Mansion & Gardens will play host to the 338th Army Reserve Band at the Overlook.
July 7th will offer Bus Tours of Camp Sherman. During this event, attendees will see a short film and then load onto a bus to get the perspective of the enormity of the Camp. The grounds of the V.A. will host a Veterans Salute Parade and the day ends with a special showing of “Sergeant York” at the Majestic Theatre.
July 8th is the day for the main event – the Living History Encampment. (FREE admission!) This event will take place at Camp Sherman Joint Training Center and will offer visitors the opportunity to compare World War I and today’s tools of warfare. There will be WWI re-enactors in period uniforms who will demonstrate their weapons and equipment. The National Guard will be displaying a large number of tools and skills at their modern facility that sits on the original rifle range of Camp Sherman. There is a weapons simulator room that will be open to visitors that will show you how today’s soldiers learn to fire modern weapons and gain proficiency without using live ammunition. Two combat helicopters will be on site with their pilots and crew to explain their role in today’s modern army. The event will include a display of military vehicles, full line of weapons systems, a special presentation by the 2nd Special Forces Green Berets, and a supervised rock climbing wall for the kids. This is a once-in-a-lifetime event!
The event wraps up on July 9th with a special walking tour in downtown Chillicothe 
showcasing the Camp Sherman sites that once existed. Adena Mansion & Gardens will host the Base Ball (yes – two words) Game between the Ohio Village Muffins and Adena Worthingtons. This game is played with the rules of Base Ball from the 19th century.
You can obtain your copy of the full schedule by using this LINK. You may also want to visit www.CampShermanDays.com to get more information on Camp Sherman Days.
special exhibits
In addition to all of these, and more, special activities during Camp Sherman Days many of our local historical attractions will be either offering a Veterans Appreciation Night or special exhibits.
The Ross County Historical Society has a expanded their exhibits and displays of Camp Sherman for this event. Hopewell Culture National Historical Park will be offering a special speaker series led by Paul LaRue on “WWI and the Black Soldiers”. Lucy Hayes Heritage Center will host a special speaker, and the Mace House at the V.A. Medical Center will offer exhibits.
Veterans Appreciation Nights
Tecumseh Outdoor Drama will host their appreciation night on July 4th. They are offering free admission to Veterans and a guest to attend the drama.
V.A. Hospital will show their appreciation on July 8th. The V.A. will be offering food and activities for Veterans and their families.
Continue exploring our website to find out about other upcoming events, local restaurants and shopping, and attractions.
