Cannons will thunder and sailors and Marines will converge on the banks of the Neuse River once again Nov. 21 and 22, when the CSS Neuse State Historic Site, in Kinston, hosts its annual Civil War living history program.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. Saturday evening, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Members of several North Carolina and Virginia reenactment/living history organizations will be demonstrating all aspects of naval life, including navigational techniques, daily shipboard living and other nautical skills.

This year's program will feature Civil War Navy and Marines, as well as the addition of civilian interpretations. There will be other sutlers/craftsmen at the program with items for sale to the general public.

This year's program will once more offer visitors a rare opportunity -- a special artillery firing after dark Saturday. Gates will reopen at 5:45 p.m. and the demonstration will take place at 6:15 p.m.

Visitors should bring a flashlight to help them find their way to the demonstration area.

Tours of the ship and site gift shop will be available both days. The recently renovated Governor Richard Caswell Memorial will be open with exhibits featuring Governor Caswell's life and career.

All activities are free of charge, but donations are gratefully accepted.

The CSS Neuse State Historic Site and Governor Richard Caswell Memorial is an agency of the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources and is located at 2612 West Vernon Ave. in Kinston, next to the old Massey Toyota and across from Auto Brite. Signs mark the directions from U.S. 70.

For more information contact Holly Weaver at (252) 522-2091 or e-mail cssneuse@ncmail.net.