If anyone in your family is a history buff, you need to take them to the Bergen County Historical Society’s “A Nation at War” in River Edge on Sunday. The event coincides with the 150^th anniversary of the Civil War, and pays tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives while fighting for the country.

“The Civil War was a divisive force in the nation,” said Jack Goudsward, trustee emeritus of the Bergen County Historical Society and chair of Sunday’s event. “Also it was the first modern war to take place — it is important to study history to understand the cause and effect of actions taken, and how they affect us.”

A Nation at War is a unique opportunity for armchair historians to reach a new comprehension: the Second Rhode Island Volunteers, a Civil War reenactment troop, will interpret the life of the soldiers and a priest, dressed in vestments of the era, will offer a prayer for those who lost their lives.

Other planned events include a tribute to the fallen and a live reading of the Gettysburg Address by an actor portraying Abraham Lincoln. Families may also tour the Zabriskie-Steuben House — a home that survived the American Revolution — and enjoy refreshments in the Campbell-Christie House, a restored 18^th century tavern.

Dutch furnishings and demonstrations of open-hearth cooking will be offered in the authentic Jersey Dutch Out-Kitchen of the Demarest House.

The event also includes several speakers, including Bill Gent, who will speak about medicine during the civil war and display medical tools from the period, and Joseph LeMay, who will present his research on the World War II home front in Waldwick and Ridgewood.

A Nation at War will take place from 1-5 p.m. on Sunday at Historic New Bridge Landing in River Edge. More details about the day’s itinerary can be found on Bergen County Historical Society’s website: www.bergencountyhistory.org. The Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving history and promoting historical literacy. Suggested donations for admission are $7 for adults and $5 for children.

Other events to check out this weekend include:

Applefest at Peddlar’s Village

Where/When: Glen Rock Community School, 600 Harristown Rd., Glen Rock; Saturday, 8:45 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Why Go: Enjoy season favorites: apple pie, apple butter, apple fritters, candy apples, etc.
Cost: $52

What’s All That Jazz About?

Where/When: Ridgewood Public Library, 125 N Maple Ave., Ridgewood; Sunday, 2 p.m.
Why Go: Multimedia learning experience about the history of jazz with Saxophonist Shenole Latimer
Cost: $5

The Donald Cooper Model Railroad Exhibit

Where/When: Mahwah Museum Society Inc, 201 Franklin Tpke, Mahwah; Saturday, 1 p.m.
Why Go: 13 x 28-foot model railroad exhibit
Cost: $5, Kids under 12 are free

Wayne Auto Clinic Car Show

Where/When: Wayne Auto Clinic, 536 Alps Rd, Wayne; Saturday, 9 a.m.
Why Go: Wide variety of cars, including classics, hot rods, Europeans and more.
Cost: Free

Riley Senior Center Spaghetti Dinner and Mini Auction

Where/When: Thomas J. Riley Senior Center, 100 Madison Ave, Westwood; Saturday, 6 p.m.
Why Go: Take a break from cooking dinner and raise funds for the senior center.
Cost: $15 per person, or $40 for a family of four