On August 21 and 22, the grounds of the Old Sodus Point Lighthouse will be the site of a Civil War Encampment staged by Reynolds Battery L, 1st New York Light Artillery, Inc.

The original battery served in the U.S. Army from 1861-65. Typically, volunteer batteries were named after their first commanders. Battery L's first commander was Capt. John Reynolds, of the wealthy Reynolds family of Rochester who completely funded the battery and whose sons served in it as officers. Reynolds Battery L was re-formed as a non-profit educational corporation in 1982 under the New York State Board of Regents and is based in Sodus.

In its 17th year of operation, the battery's ranks have swelled to about 100 members, hailing from New York State, Pennsylvania and Ontario, Canada. Its artillery consists of five full-scale 3-inch ordinance guns and horse limbers, some of which will be on display at the Lighthouse encampment and will be used for firing demonstrations.

According to Jean Seymour, the Civil War Camp is authentic. Spectators may wander through the camp and are encouraged to ask questions, since Reynolds Battery L is an educational organization and many members are teachers.

Reynolds Battery L has been active in making films for both television and the movies and participated in events marking the 125th and 130th anniversaries of the Civil War.

Previous encampments were staged at Sodus Point in 1993, 1994 and 1995.