NILES — April 10, 1865, is the day after the surrender to end the Civil War, which lasted from April 1861 to April 1865.

To mark that important historical date, the McKinley Memorial Museum in downtown Niles will showcase the Civil War from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday as part of a program, “A Living History of the Civil War.”

Ami LeMaster, director of the museum, said the museum will have displays and exhibits, re-enactors of President Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln at noon, musician Scott Ball, who will play music from the Civil War and talk about the music from that time period at 1:30 p.m., and Dr. Amy Fluker, Youngstown State University professor of history, speaking on “Why the Civil War is still controversial today” and book signing at 3 p.m.

“He (Ball) will also have a table set up with original sheet music from the Civil War era and marching guitars from the 1800s,” LeMaster said.

She said some of the items to be displayed include numerous photos and portraits of Lincoln and military personnel, saddle for a horse, a quilt with images of different Civil War battles, and small cannons outside and inside the museum.

Robert E. Lee surrendered the last major Confederate army to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Courthouse on April 9, 1865. The last battle was fought at Palmito Ranch, Texas, on May 13, 1865.

The Civil War was fought between northern states loyal to the Union and southern states that had seceded to form the Confederate States of America. The principal cause of the war was the status of slavery in the United States, especially in the territories.

“This is a way to bring people into the museum,” LeMaster said.

Grant Swift, an intern working with LeMaster, said he looks forward to the different speakers, including Fluker, who was one of his professors.

“She is very passionate about what she does. She did her dissertation on the Civil War,” Swift said.

LeMaster said last winter’s holiday display that included President William McKinley’s bed was popular.

“McKinley was the last president to serve (in the military) during the Civil War. We will highlight that connection,” she said.