145th Antietam....

[Historicaly Correct]

I ran across the site for the 145th Antietam. Can I get some veteran opinions about this reenactment?


http://www.emmitsburg.net/antietam_2007/index.htm

[AZReenactor]

I'm not sure what kind of opinion you are looking for here?

I like the fact that it is a non-public event but dislike that their invitation is open to anyone willing to pay the $10.

[Historicaly Correct]

To clear up what I was asking.......
Being new to reenacting and with my family being envolved I thought that some things sounded funny. It seemed like that the reenactment was being done so diffrent. They mentioned doing things but it seeems that if it was just reenactors that some corners might be cut since it was only reenactors there. I am so new and dont have that much experience it just seemed odd. My family going and doing it with me is what I want and I just want their safety and concern first.
I found another site for the 145th Antietam at...

http://www.wmhf.org/sspress.html

This reenactment seems more mainstream more like what I have attended before. I hope this explains what I was asking in my first post. As always your opinion is valuable to a fresh fish like me.
HC

[scone]

HC,

Looks like a interesting event. Being that its in 2007 theres not much info on the event.. as its all still in the early stages of planning.

Thers a member of this board RBenne - Raymond M. Benne thats in Barneys Division.. maybe he can give you more in sight on it.

regards, steven

[Mark Wadsworth]

I like the idea of an event with out the public. All they do in my tent is mess with my goods and ask me when the battle starts.

[rin1]

Chris Anders is trying hard to upgrade the mainstream side of reenacting. His events are proven and usually offer components usually found in hc events. Namely some marching and fatigue duty. Keep an eye on the web site.

The first event listed is tenative, at best.

[USDragoons]

HC

The first event you mentioned is near Harpers Ferry, but on the Virginia side of the river in Loudoun County. This is the same location for the last two USV/ANV Tactical events, has been used by PACS, Birney's Div, and Longstreet's Corp for training events. The USV Cavalry and my own company H, 2nd US Cavalry have used the site numerous times for our mounted training and tactical events. The owner is a cavalry reenactor and former Quartermaster fo rthe USV Cavalry. He now commands the Cavalry of the Potomac which is attached to Birneys Div.

It's a beautiful location. Logistics will be plentiful. Family camps are standard. It's a farm with cattle, ducks, geese, horses, streams, period structures, roads, and fences, and even a pond.

It's also historic ground where Federal and Confederat troops marched and camped. The 2nd US Cavalry and 1st Mass. Cavalry burned the barn buildings here in Nov 1864.

This first event is a non-spectator weekend, but that's the only thing about it that's NOT mainstream. The camps, organization, historical accuracy, and such are ALL mainstream. That's what Birneys and PACS are all about. So if you're looking for family friendly than you don't HAVE to look any further.

I think you and your family will have a great time. There will be civilian activities as well.

Now having said all this I must be fair to the second event you notice on the internet.

The Western Maryland Heritage Foundation events are NOT mainstream. At least they have not been so far. They may be leaning that way but I think that's still up in the air. Authenticity standards are certainly higher, and military camps are just that. These are typically attended by the National Regiment and other groups that tend to be more authenticity minded and less family friendly. You've got a good 6-9 months to decide and you can spend some time checking with the organizers to see what they say about your family's involvment.

The site has been more rustic which fewer amenities and the suttlers are fewer, more authentic and considerably more expensive. I've seen some of the most authentic suppliers at the WMHF events.

As a solider, you'll have a great time at the WMHF event, shoot less, march more, and probably learn a bunch more than you can at any mainstream event. You'll actually post guards and expect to carry passes.

Neither of these events is going to be huge like the 135th or 140th Antietams were when held over by Hagerstown. They will both be smaller, concentrated events on good land.

My oar is already in the water for the Birneys/PACS event so my choice is made. I hope you enjoy yourself (it IS a hobby after all) no matter which one you go to.

It's all about what level of compromise you're comfortable with. "You makes yer choices and takes yer chances."

David Michel, Trumpeter
Comp'y H, 2nd US Cavalry
Adjutant, Cavalry of the Potomac
USDragoons@adelphia.net

[blue_zouave]

Hey AZ, you heading up to Las Vegas next month?

Zou