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A note here to extend congratulations to forum member Jim Worrel for winning the Robert L. Miller Award for reenactor this past week!
For those who are not familiar with this Civil War award, there are three possible givien out a year, they are for best research talk, for most educational collector exhibit, and for most authentic reenactor portrayal. The rotating panel of judges for these have been among the more noted museum professionals, authors, and other experts often whose names are household words within the Civil War community. It has been around since just after the Centennial, yet it is not given each year if the standards are not presented. I believe there are still less than 30 holders of the reenactor one.
To say the criteria is tough is putting it mildly, and some contestants prepare for years before attempting it.
For the reenactor award one must present themselves in total researched first person with an explanation as to who they are and why they are where they are and their plans for the immediate future etc. etc. and must answer questions put forth by the panel of judges--even to crazy things like the weather. Proficiency with weapon and drill must be demonstrated on demand. Then comes an inspection that would put even the most rabid stitch nazis to shame. Everything is checked; socks, drawers, linings, pocket contents, interior details of everything, button backs--even to idiot things like the correct washer on the canteen cork, a makers stamp on an accoutrement must be on an item of a pattern that was actually produced by that period maker. One must stand inspection with rations and live rounds--and yes even a couple of rounds are broken open to check the pattern of the minie balls--some (Union) contestants have even had Williams cleaner rounds in the correct blue colored paper wraps.
A single inachronism means instant disqualification.
This is the kind of accuracy that is demanded. It is not a really widely known award although it has been around for several decades, but Jim and anyone who has won it can truly be called a master of authenticy.
Congratulations Jim on a truly impressive presentation! I'm envious.
For those who are not familiar with this Civil War award, there are three possible givien out a year, they are for best research talk, for most educational collector exhibit, and for most authentic reenactor portrayal. The rotating panel of judges for these have been among the more noted museum professionals, authors, and other experts often whose names are household words within the Civil War community. It has been around since just after the Centennial, yet it is not given each year if the standards are not presented. I believe there are still less than 30 holders of the reenactor one.
To say the criteria is tough is putting it mildly, and some contestants prepare for years before attempting it.
For the reenactor award one must present themselves in total researched first person with an explanation as to who they are and why they are where they are and their plans for the immediate future etc. etc. and must answer questions put forth by the panel of judges--even to crazy things like the weather. Proficiency with weapon and drill must be demonstrated on demand. Then comes an inspection that would put even the most rabid stitch nazis to shame. Everything is checked; socks, drawers, linings, pocket contents, interior details of everything, button backs--even to idiot things like the correct washer on the canteen cork, a makers stamp on an accoutrement must be on an item of a pattern that was actually produced by that period maker. One must stand inspection with rations and live rounds--and yes even a couple of rounds are broken open to check the pattern of the minie balls--some (Union) contestants have even had Williams cleaner rounds in the correct blue colored paper wraps.
A single inachronism means instant disqualification.
This is the kind of accuracy that is demanded. It is not a really widely known award although it has been around for several decades, but Jim and anyone who has won it can truly be called a master of authenticy.
Congratulations Jim on a truly impressive presentation! I'm envious.
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