by Jim Barnes
While, for various reasons, my health being foremost, I was unable to participate in this event, I did go over on Saturday November 15, 2008 and visit with the reenactors who did set up for this weekend. Partially due to the rain, there was a light turnout of reenactors for this weekend, however in talking to the guys in the 5th Rangers, there were many more reenactors on the previous weekend. Having the event spread over two weekends (10 days) was obviously a bit much and symptomatic of a first-time event. However, there were many good things about the event and hopefully, it will become an annual event.
Me with Abbott and Costello
In the last series of posts on this subject, one of our contributors mentioned the occasionally heard complaint that reenactors glorify war. Probably most folks in the hobby regard this as being unfair and misguided and slough it off as a as another example of ignorance on the part of the general public. This ... ...
We would like to take a moment and express our profound gratitude to all veterans out there. Thank you for your service! Reenactorpost staff ...
In looking at a link about Christmas Trains for my youngsters, I found out that the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad offers historic train rides this month with a WWII theme. Here’s the scoop: This November, WMSR Goes To War! As part of a community tribute to America’s Greatest Generation, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad will be ...
The 1940s Radio Hour (Find out more on Facebook) Presented by WV Wesleyan College Event InfoType: Music/Arts – Performance When: Thursday, November 13, 2008 at 8:00pm through Sunday, November 16, 2008 at 2:00pm Location: Atkinson Auditorium, Buckhannon, WV Description: The 1940’s Radio Hour takes the audience on a nostalgic trip down memory...
Some time ago, I began getting the Sharpe series from Netflix. If you are not familiar with this British production, it concerns the adventures (military and romantic) of Major Richard Sharpe, commander of the 95th (Rifle) Regiment of Foot in Wellington’s army during the Napoleonic wars. Sean Bean (Boromir in Lord of the Rings) stars ... ...
Hitler Moves East: A Graphic Chronicle, 1941-43 by David Levinthal and G. B. Trudeau is a new book ( or rather a newly illustrated reprint) about the Eastern Front in WWII. The unusual aspect is that the illustrations use dioramas with model soldiers and vehicles to recreate stock photographs of the campaign. Looks interesting. I may ... ...
CIVIL WAR BUS TRIP On Saturday Oct. 25, 2008 I went on a bus trip sponsored by the Mason-Dixon Civil War Roundtable to visit some Civil War sites in the eastern panhandle of W. Va.. Jim Barnes had signed up to go on this trip with me but had to ... ...
Well, I’m back, sort of. Not 100% but I can write some. Chuck asked about the criticisms I mentioned early on, so I thought that might be a good place to start this week. Do reenactors sanitize the carnage of battles? In my opinion, that has to be a big yes, unless we actually want ... ...
Due to an illness, I am not able to work on the blog this week. Hopefully next week. Jim ...
Much thanks to Randy, Misha and Chuck for some great comments and thought-provoking observations. My own personal path to living history probably dates back to reading Bruce Catton’s marvelous trilogy about the Union Army of the Potomac back in the seventies. (Mr. Lincoln’s Army, Glory Road, and A Stillness at Appomattox)* I think it wa...
This past weekend saw the biannual Droop Mountain reenactment at the DM Battlefield park in Pocahontas County, WV. It was in many ways an optimal weekend for the event. The weather could hardly have been better. Clear blue skies framed a fine golden and red leaf display. The temperatures were warm during the daylight hours ... ...
This week, on the eve of the Droop Mountain reenactment, I want to start a discussion about the value of reenacting and living history. Why do we do this? This is a question that usually pops into your head when the wind has just blown over your tent fly and everything you own is wet. ... ...
Reenacting is hardly just an American pastime. Napoleonic reenacting, for example, has been a huge hobby in Europe for a long time. From the look of these pictures, WW2 reenacting has become very popular in some areas as well. In fact, they are doing it big time! Having all those vehicles at hand must ... ...
Droop Mountain State Battlefield Park is one of only two battlefield parks run by the State of West Virginia, the other being Carnifax Ferry. Droop Mountain Park is located in Pocahontas County, West Virginia overlooking the broad valley where the little town of Hillsboro is located. At any time of year it is a beautiful ... ...
Do you collect militaria? Trick question – if you are reading this, there is about a 95% chance that you at least would like to collect military collectables. Well, the show of shows is just around the corner. The 2008 MAX (Military Antiques Extravaganza) Show will once again be at the Expomart in Monroeville, just ... ...
Earl F. Leavitt Jr. & Jim Forster Present: NEW ENGLAND EASTERN FRONT EVENT, 2008 Location: Haydenville, Mass. When: Friday 24 Oct. 3PM/ 1500hrs. Property open for early arrival, Overnight camping. If you are not familiar with the location please arrive before 8PM to insure you are camping in the ... ...
Missed this article the other day. Oops! In case you haven’t read it already, here it is. – Sarah Civil War Heritage West Virginia prepares for influx of tourists as 150th anniversary of the war between the states nears. Story by Paul Darst Fighting a battle in the rugged mountains of West Virginia is no easy task. Confederate Gen. ...
This Weekend! September 20-21. World War II Weekend Location: Eisenhower Farm, Gettysburg National Historic Site, Gettysburg, PA. WWII Weekend On September 20-21, the National Park Service will sponsor a World War II living history weekend at the Eisenhower National Historic Site. An authentic recreation of both Allied and German army camps, comple...
This event was held at the Great War Assn. site near Newville, PA over the weekend of September 12-14. The site was harder to get to than usual due a massive Penndot bridge project which is going on the area. Having downloaded the new directions from the GWA website and taking the extra precaution of ... ...
Some of West Virginia’s Civil War battlefields are scenes of new fighting. For the past four years, a group of Jefferson County residents has been fighting to save an historic battlefield there, said Edward Dunleavy, president of the Shepherdstown Battlefield Preservation Association Inc. “It’s been difficult for the past four yea...
One community in the state is busy promoting a battle that took place there during the Revolutionary War era. POINT PLEASANT — Not all heritage tourism in West Virginia revolves around the Civil War. One community in the state is busy promoting a battle that took place there during the Revolutionary War era. Point Pleasant observes ... ...
They might not be the first battles that leap to mind when thinking about the American Civil War, but the battles fought in West Virginia were important, one expert said. C. Stuart McGehee is a history professor and dean of his department at West Virginia State University. He has spent much of his professional life ... ...
Our first collection of images. Take a look and let us know what you think! ...