AUGUSTA — Viles Arboretum is pleased to announce that it will host the 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Public demonstrations including musket firing will take place on Aug. 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A news release describes the event as follows:

Company B, 20th Maine, is a living history group dedicated to preserving the memory of Maine Civil War volunteers. The original Company B was mustered into the 20th Regiment, Maine Volunteer Infantry, in August 1862, in time to march to Antietam with the Fifth Corps, Army of the Potomac.

Company B, commanded by Walter G. Morrill, was recruited in Piscataquis County, among the farmers of Dover, Milo and Sebec. At Gettysburg, Company B was sent out as skirmishers by Colonel Joshua Chamberlain to protect the regiment’s exposed left flank. Posted behind a stone wall, the company was too far away to participate in the initial fight, but was instrumental in routing the fleeing Confederates, its sudden appearance adding to the Rebel confusion.

Company B was with the 20th in all its battles, from the Wilderness to Petersburg to Appomattox. Its captain, Captain Walter Morrill, became the regiment’s last commander in March 1865.

The re-enactment group is made up of men and women from eastern, central and southern Maine, and as far north as Aroostook County and Canada. The group includes school teachers, an aircraft pilot, a lawyer and self-employed contractors. They all share a fascination in the Civil War, and a great interest in “learning by doing.”

They strive to be as “authentic” as possible in their Civil War impressions, and their main goal is to provide members and the public with activities that are enjoyable, educational and safe.

Admission is $3 per person. Children 12 and under are free. A barbecue lunch will be available and there will be an outdoor gift shop set up in addition to the living history presentation. Golf cart transportation will be provided for those needing transport assistance to the encampment.