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What’s Living History all about?

For us, living history is about recreating the life and times of people from the Civil War era. We strive to live as closely as safely possible to how folks lived at that time. We pay great attention to material objects, using exacting reproductions. But mostly we try to understand, and help observers to understand, life of the period by living under the conditions they endured.

Who can take part in Living History?

Anyone of reasonable health who is willing to commit to interpreting the life and times of the Civil War is welcome to take part. Obviously, military camp life of the period requires sleeping on the ground, and living with what can be carried on your person. Occasionally we march moderate distances. Mostly, it requires the desire and the curiosity to experience the culture of the times.

Is Living History expensive?

At first glance, clothing and equipment costs can seem daunting. But when you compare it to the expense of other pastimes, it doesn’t seem so bad. Also, we have gear and clothing to loan to new recruits until you have a chance to purchase the items on your own. We have a list of approved vendors, to which we strictly limit purchases. This is to protect the recruit from spending money on goods that are of inferior quality.

What is daily life like?

For the military living historian, the day begins with wake-up and roll call, usually around 5:30. Then breakfast is cooked and the day begins. Depending on the scenario being recreated, the day can vary greatly. To generalize, breakfast will be followed by dress-parade, then some drilling. Time will be made to cook lunch. Events that feature battles will usually have them in the afternoon. Interaction with the public can take place all day at some events. Dinner is generally followed by time around the camp-fire, and occasional details.

What are the battles like?

The types of events that our unit attends are characterized by small unit battle recreations. We attempt to portray the events exactly as historically recorded. Our battles tend to stretch out over time and distance to recreate the push and shove of the armies in conflict. Safety is always the first priority, and recreated battles have very few hazards. Proper adherence to period drill tactics helps ensure this.

What is drill like?

We use the period drill manuals of Silas Casey, U.S. Infantry Tactics. While there’s plenty of things in the manuals to learn, recruits can take the field after mastering only a few basic evolutions. How to do the basic manual of arms, some basic marching movements, and how to load and fire safely are the important building blocks for safe actions in the field.

Is period food safe to eat? Our basic ration is the same as the issued ration of the Civil War soldier. During a campaign scenario our staple diet consists of salt-pork or bacon, hard-tack and coffee. These items are supplemented by documentable “foraged,” “sutler-bought,” or “sent from home” food items such as fresh vegetables, potatoes, cheese, &c. With reasonable care, this diet is perfectly healthy, and can be darn tasty!

Where do Living Histories take place?

Some of the events we do are local, meaning within an hour or less of the Syracuse area. But some of the events that offer the most in the way of truly experiencing the life of a soldier require some travel. For instance; each year we travel to Gettysburg to take part in a National Park Service event. This event is small, featuring a small battalion sized (150 men) unit of federal troops. The weekend is spent interpreting a soldier’s life for the many spectators visiting the National Park.

How do I learn the ropes?

The path of the living historian is one of constant learning. To get you off to a solid start, you will be partnered with a sponsor. Your sponsor will be an experienced living historian who will be able to quickly instruct you on proper drill, and the field-craft skills necessary to be comfortable “on campaign.”

How do I get involved with the 122nd NYSV?

That’s easy! Express your interest to one of our members:

President: Dave McKenna, email: president@122ndnewyork.com
Vice President: Dave Grieves, email: vicepresident@122ndnewyork.com
Treasurer: John Pell, email: treasurer@i22ndnewyork.com