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Dear Friends and Potential Friends-
The number of people in the hobby of Civil War reenacting is declining. There are a number of interacting reasons for this, but that is not the theme we wish to pursue. A number of our like minded friends are not only disappointed in the decline of numbers, but also by the decline in the authenticity of Civil War reenactment units. Many are trading authenticity for enhanced numbers. This is very understandable, but not why we continue in the hobby. Most reenactments appeal to the lowest common denominator of reenactors, what we call the "Battle and BBQ" type events. These events have their place, but are not why we continue in the hobby. Many authentic reenactors exist within their units, but with no authentic outlet for their hard earned impressions.
Rather than create new units for these isolated people, we propose the following; that like-minded authentic campaigner style living historians remain in their home units, but communicate informally with others and attend high quality, usually distant, events as a mess who fall-in with another larger formation. This may happen only once or twice a year. This may not be a new concept, but it is one that will work towards the best interest of all. The mess members may be next door or widely scattered across the country. Location does not matter as much as the desire to share a campaign experience with others who strive for authentic impressions and like to learn from, and teach, others. For lack of a better term, I will borrow a local name and refer to this as the "Bustheads" Mess.
In the Busthead Mess would be the following conditions:
1) We do either Federal or Confederate infantry impressions.
2) There is no rank above a corporal and no officers.
3) No dues and no newsletter; communications between events will be digital.
4) We exist to share an authentic experience with pards, learn from each other and to help others improve their impressions.
5) Women are welcome in period appropriate roles.
6) The Bustheads would remain as members of their existing units. We do not intend to undermine existing units. Our goal to share an authentic experience at quality events that our home units may not attend.
7) The Busthead membership would probably be fluid.
8) Learners are welcome on all levels. One must walk before you can run and Bustheads are usually the most informed and the best examples.
If these concepts perk your interest, then contact us.
We may be contact at bustheads1863@gmail.com
The number of people in the hobby of Civil War reenacting is declining. There are a number of interacting reasons for this, but that is not the theme we wish to pursue. A number of our like minded friends are not only disappointed in the decline of numbers, but also by the decline in the authenticity of Civil War reenactment units. Many are trading authenticity for enhanced numbers. This is very understandable, but not why we continue in the hobby. Most reenactments appeal to the lowest common denominator of reenactors, what we call the "Battle and BBQ" type events. These events have their place, but are not why we continue in the hobby. Many authentic reenactors exist within their units, but with no authentic outlet for their hard earned impressions.
Rather than create new units for these isolated people, we propose the following; that like-minded authentic campaigner style living historians remain in their home units, but communicate informally with others and attend high quality, usually distant, events as a mess who fall-in with another larger formation. This may happen only once or twice a year. This may not be a new concept, but it is one that will work towards the best interest of all. The mess members may be next door or widely scattered across the country. Location does not matter as much as the desire to share a campaign experience with others who strive for authentic impressions and like to learn from, and teach, others. For lack of a better term, I will borrow a local name and refer to this as the "Bustheads" Mess.
In the Busthead Mess would be the following conditions:
1) We do either Federal or Confederate infantry impressions.
2) There is no rank above a corporal and no officers.
3) No dues and no newsletter; communications between events will be digital.
4) We exist to share an authentic experience with pards, learn from each other and to help others improve their impressions.
5) Women are welcome in period appropriate roles.
6) The Bustheads would remain as members of their existing units. We do not intend to undermine existing units. Our goal to share an authentic experience at quality events that our home units may not attend.
7) The Busthead membership would probably be fluid.
8) Learners are welcome on all levels. One must walk before you can run and Bustheads are usually the most informed and the best examples.
If these concepts perk your interest, then contact us.
We may be contact at bustheads1863@gmail.com