150th Gettysburg Events

[Grumpydave]

Just so you're aware, and you make sure you're registering​

for the event you WANT TO attend. ust so you're aware, and you make sure you're registering​

for the event you WANT TO attend. ​

Yea!, there's already at least 3 Gettysburg, no sorry 4 Gettysburg events. ​

​

Living History on the NPS field, 2nd or 3rd weekend in June 2013 hosted by the Potomac Legion​

Living History on the NPS field, Hosted by the National Regiment, 7/4 to 7/7/2013​

Bushy Farm Event, hosted by the Blue Gray Alliance 6/27 to 6/30/2013​

Gettysburg Anniversary Committee, 7/4 to 7/72013​

Living Histories aside. If the GAC wouldn't have created a demand for another product,by never improving their events over the last 15 years, there would only be one event.the GAC's mantra? "As long as we have your money, anything goes." Folks are just plain tired of what the GAC offers.​

Yea!, there's already at least 3 Gettysburg, no sorry 4 Gettysburg events. ​

​

Living History on the NPS field, 2nd or 3rd weekend in June 2013 hosted by the Potomac Legion​

Living History on the NPS field, Hosted by the National Regiment, 7/4 to 7/7/2013​

Bushy Farm Event, hosted by the Blue Gray Alliance 6/27 to 6/30/2013​

Gettysburg Anniversary Committee, 7/4 to 7/72013​

Living Histories aside. If the GAC wouldn't have created a demand for another product,by never improving their events over the last 15 years, there would only be one event.the GAC's mantra? "As long as we have your money, anything goes." Folks are just plain tired of what the GAC offers.​

​

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EDITED TO MAKE IT VISIBLE TO ALL THE READERS/POSTERS--​

M. E. Wolf​

POSTED IN THE CAPACITY OF MODERATOR​

Sept. 15, 2012 1:19 p.m.​

​

 

[Capt terry]

The 150th Commemoration and Reenactment of the Battle of Gettysburg

June 27 - 30, 2013

Registration Now Open! Historically accurate battles Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday including McPherson's Ridge, Culp's Hill, A.P. Hill's attack, Longstreet's attack, Little Round Top, Fairfield and East Cavalry Field cavalry battles, and Pickett's Charge. Weapons demonstrations, living history interpretations, fighting through the civilian-only "town" of Gettysburg, sutlers, lectures, period music, civil war ball, and church service. Amenities include firewood, straw, water. Registration is adults $20, children under 14 free. This event is by re-enactors, for re-enactors. It is family-friendly and spectators are welcome. For event and registration information, visit http://www.bluegraygettysburg.com/

 

[Pvt.A.Wells]

The Groups that are supporting this event, is what got me interested in going to this one. Chris Ander's Southern Division, King's Division with Medich Battalion going, and the friendly Longstreet's Corp. Going to be great.

 

[M E Wolf]

The Groups that are supporting this event, is what got me interested in going to this one. Chris Ander's Southern Division, King's Division with Medich Battalion going, and the friendly Longstreet's Corp. Going to be great.

Medich Battalion... heard so much about them.

I was impressed by Major VanWay and his adjutant-Rice at Boonsboro, MD last week. Protocol was spot on.

M. E. Wolf

 

[Pvt.A.Wells]

Medich Battalion... heard so much about them.

I was impressed by Major VanWay and his adjutant-Rice at Boonsboro, MD last week. Protocol was spot on.

M. E. Wolf

Yep, He is awesome, as are his men. I had the honor to fall in with them at Hale Farm, and was to fall in with them at MMM, but my wife emergency called me home.

 

[M E Wolf]

Yep, He is awesome, as are his men. I had the honor to fall in with them at Hale Farm, and was to fall in with them at MMM, but my wife emergency called me home.

Is wife emergency taken care of???? Hope all is ok now, sir.

M. E. Wolf

 

[Pvt.A.Wells]

Is wife emergency taken care of???? Hope all is ok now, sir.

M. E. Wolf

She is resting easy. That is about the best I can hope for. She took a turn for the worse that Friday while I was leaving, and I got a call that her nurse bailed on me. My mother was overwelmed (I had not planned on her helping due to her age). So I had to turn around and go home. Sometimes you just got to man up and take care of things.

I hope to have my bride at least through the winter. She is tough, and a year ago, was in a coma. Doctors gave he a few days since she stopped eating and taking fluids. I even had her funeral payed for. However she pulled through, and fights each day. Much tougher than me. Brain Cancer.

 

[M E Wolf]

She is resting easy. That is about the best I can hope for. She took a turn for the worse that Friday while I was leaving, and I got a call that her nurse bailed on me. My mother was overwelmed (I had not planned on her helping due to her age). So I had to turn around and go home. Sometimes you just got to man up and take care of things.

I hope to have my bride at least through the winter. She is tough, and a year ago, was in a coma. Doctors gave he a few days since she stopped eating and taking fluids. I even had her funeral payed for. However she pulled through, and fights each day. Much tougher than me. Brain Cancer.

Well, continued prayers for you and your bride.

Must tip my kepi to you for being devoted. And, I do hope that you take as many breaks as caregiver/husband/companion as to keep you going. World needs more men like you, in my opinion.

M. E. Wolf

 

[M E Wolf]

Would someone define the meaning of the initials GAC? (Gettysburg Anniversary Committee) Not everybody knows the meanings to some of these initials, used by veteran re-enactors so please be mindful that everybody reads these posts that might be interested in going, and can use language that helps rather than be a puzzle and also what 'politics' are going on behind the scenes.

Thanks--

M. E. Wolf
POSTED IN THE CAPACITY OF MODERATOR
Sept. 16, 2012 7:45 p.m.

 

[kealbo54]

Man,this is getting awfully discouraging,for me.2&3 of everything.I am having second thoughts on wheather or not to continue on in this hobby.Makes me wonder what those guys that were old enough to attend the centennial events might be thinking,now.As one with very limited experiance in reenacting or as a spectator,for that matter,I'm just not sure what to think,or where to go.I can say,though,that I get enough politics on other sites.I can only pray that by the time we reach the bi-centennial of the Civil War,these things might be ironed out,hehe.Anyway,I hope someone can sell one of these events to me with something better that come to X because Y sucks.Maybe the different organizers could arrange to hold these events at the same time,side-by-side,so that those of us that cant afford to light our stogies with $100 dollar bills could attend both.Kinda like a multi-plex.On the other hand,I have had it said to me by a fellow Bohemian,that he thought these seperate events mighjt be a good thing.I just am confused.When I was diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer,I didnt think I would be here for any of the sesquecentennials,and now that I seem to have gotten a reprieve,I vowed to get to as many as my time would allow.At that time,I was unaware that there were going to seemingly be multiple competing events.I would really appreciate some objective,and as un-biased guidence as I can get,here.It was cool that of all the civilian reenactors at the 150th Antietam,there were only three war correspondants,and of those three,I was the only "special"artist there.It made me feel good to be able to represent a truly under-represented group.It encouraged me to keep doing it,and to keep improving on it,and that somehow,I could contribute something truly unique to the experiance.So.Someone please help me choose a Gettysburg!I am trying to consult with my fellow Bohemians,but we are a rather small and loose community,lacking the cohesiveness of a military unit.Sorry for the semi-rant,but I am trying to stay positive.

 

[M E Wolf]

Man,this is getting awfully discouraging,for me.2&3 of everything.I am having second thoughts on wheather or not to continue on in this hobby.[edited out the rest due to size]

Kealbo54,

Well sir, I think you need to decide what is best for your physical health and welfare. I am of the belief that these events will be held on different weekends so you need to pick which works for you.

I must admit my bias now, for I rather go to any Blue-Gray Alliance event, though it is too physically taxing for me to personally participate when the switch from modern to period. I'm too handicapped to embed myself in these fields anymore and fill a supporting role before the event. "Go for this and that using my car, etc." The reasoning behind throwing my personal support to the Blue-Gray Alliance (aka BGA) event, is that it isn't 'for profit' rather it is for the 'enveloping into the experience for the participants' type of event. True they include spectators however, they aren't 'playing a role' for the audience, their focus is on the re-enactor's experience. And, I believe them a bit 'tighter' when it comes to modern vehicles in plain view during these moments of battle and or modern obstructions. They may have to go a bit further 'in' from the road. Nobody will be 100% happy but, I rather envelope into the moment, however brief--to feel and surround myself with the talk in period vocabulary, grammar and etiquette and a working military command with working head-quarters and staff and protocols practice for their particular armies.

I also want to support a fellow CWT member (Capt terry), as he has much responsibility for the success of this 'once in a lifetime' re-enactor's event....the 150th Gettysburg. There are many CWT members that fall under the umbrella so, my feet are straddled in support of CWT members in the re-enactment community and the re-enactment community in general. For me, I don't relish the idea being there for entertainment as a re-enactor, and pay to play a part of a financial revenue engine. Yes, support is needed to fund saving Battlefields, memorials and Civil War cemeteries but, I prefer donating out of pocket separate from my experience at any event, be it living history or re-enactments.

One thing though, that can be said without bias--the range of selection of quality and purpose within 'the hobby' permits all to choose and live with those choices. I think no matter what choices one makes, all in 'the hobby' would want people to do what is best for them as individuals. There will be plenty of choices for any level of re-enactor and or spectator.

Just my personal opinions, observations and comments,
M. E. Wolf

 

[Pvt.A.Wells]

I hear ya, M E Wolf. I am aging, and feeling that hard ground I sleep on. I know I do not have many good years left and really, good years may have already past. That said, I will continue in some way, even if it is in a support role, either on or off the field. I have already started aquiring more and more civilian items to at least look the part, as I switch into the support roles. Helping young pards find thier way in the hobby, supporting and working with staff. Going to my first leadership conference this year, planning my first event for next year, and other supporting roles to make the reenactor's experiance worth thier time and effort. Being involved more also in safety. You should have seen some of the weapons I saw this year, and the fails in safety on and off the field... NOT on my watch.

Shawn

 

[Pvt.A.Wells]

So.Someone please help me choose a Gettysburg!I am trying to consult with my fellow Bohemians,but we are a rather small and loose community,lacking the cohesiveness of a military unit.Sorry for the semi-rant,but I am trying to stay positive.

I too am bias. But I do have 37 years of reenacting under my belt. I have seen it all from the small town circuses, to the immersion events, from the mainstream theme camps, to the long road marches. I believe I have experiance alittle of everything, and a lot of somethings both good and bad. The question you have to ask yourself is WHY do I do this? If your answer is the love of history, then there is only two choices. The Living history on the National Battlefield, OR the Blue Grey Alliance Gettysburg Reenactment, or both since they are on seperate weekends. The Gettysburg Anniversery Committee event would not even be on my radar. It is the typical small town circus event, just with more people, which other than the numbers is no different than the typical event near your home, in my opinion.

As I have mentioned I have only a few more years left under arms on the field. Why would I go to a event, that was not special I ask myself. That is why I will support BGA Gettysburg, anything Chris Anders does, or other more progressive events. It only comes around once, or twice, and I have seen the worse and the best in my days.

I hope I have given you what you asked for. But, it will be your decision, and you will have to live with it.. Best wishes pard.

Shawn

 

[kealbo54]

I too am bias. But I do have 37 years of reenacting under my belt. I have seen it all from the small town circuses, to the immersion events, from the mainstream theme camps, to the long road marches. I believe I have experiance alittle of everything, and a lot of somethings both good and bad. The question you have to ask yourself is WHY do I do this? If your answer is the love of history, then there is only two choices. The Living history on the National Battlefield, OR the Blue Grey Alliance Gettysburg Reenactment, or both since they are on seperate weekends. The Gettysburg Anniversery Committee event would not even be on my radar. It is the typical small town circus event, just with more people, which other than the numbers is no different than the typical event near your home, in my opinion.

As I have mentioned I have only a few more years left under arms on the field. Why would I go to a event, that was not special I ask myself. That is why I will support BGA Gettysburg, anything Chris Anders does, or other more progressive events. It only comes around once, or twice, and I have seen the worse and the best in my days.

I hope I have given you what you asked for. But, it will be your decision, and you will have to live with it.. Best wishes pard.

Shawn

thank you.thats the kind of advice i am looking for.i was seeking advice,not just ranting.I just feel a bit disappointed,dont ask me why.I,perhaps see a controversy,where there isnt one.Maybe my fellow Bohemian is right,thinking that two events is great.He feels that ,as you say,it offers something for all,and i can agree with that as long as these organizations more or less respect each other.I am goung to Fire on the Rappahannock in December,and really looking forward to it.Its not a huge event(500 per side),but it sounds really good.I am happy i registered when I did.Its closed now.Full up.There is one thing that I noticed at Antietam,different from the Olustee events.The food vendors.At OIustee they are all charity causes,and at Antietam What vendors were there,seemed like buisnesses.I didnt purchase anything at Antietam.I suppose it would be nice to know what kind of numbers to expect,but you are right.I have to decide why I am going in the firdt place.I wasnt aware of these multple eventd when I decided to attend as many sesquecentnnials as i could,and it has rather flumoxed me.The reason i go is because yes,I love and have studied the Civil War for 50 years,and also because of my art.These events are perfect places to gather imagery for paintings I havent even thought of yet.I have dozens of intimate portraits of reenactors in my studio,that i need to put on my site.Any way,PvtWells as always your thoughts are welcome and always useful.I think what I will do,is get Fredericksburg under my belt(BGAevent),and decide then,which Gettysburg to attend.I am also excited about whatever might be going on at Chickamauga next year.That ie a maximum effort for me.

 

[FrazierC]

I agree

Man,this is getting awfully discouraging,for me.2&3 of everything.I am having second thoughts on wheather or not to continue on in this hobby.Makes me wonder what those guys that were old enough to attend the centennial events might be thinking,now.As one with very limited experiance in reenacting or as a spectator,for that matter,I'm just not sure what to think,or where to go.I can say,though,that I get enough politics on other sites.I can only pray that by the time we reach the bi-centennial of the Civil War,these things might be ironed out,hehe.Anyway,I hope someone can sell one of these events to me with something better that come to X because Y sucks.Maybe the different organizers could arrange to hold these events at the same time,side-by-side,so that those of us that cant afford to light our stogies with $100 dollar bills could attend both.Kinda like a multi-plex.On the other hand,I have had it said to me by a fellow Bohemian,that he thought these seperate events mighjt be a good thing.I just am confused.When I was diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer,I didnt think I would be here for any of the sesquecentennials,and now that I seem to have gotten a reprieve,I vowed to get to as many as my time would allow.At that time,I was unaware that there were going to seemingly be multiple competing events.I would really appreciate some objective,and as un-biased guidence as I can get,here.It was cool that of all the civilian reenactors at the 150th Antietam,there were only three war correspondants,and of those three,I was the only "special"artist there.It made me feel good to be able to represent a truly under-represented group.It encouraged me to keep doing it,and to keep improving on it,and that somehow,I could contribute something truly unique to the experiance.So.Someone please help me choose a Gettysburg!I am trying to consult with my fellow Bohemians,but we are a rather small and loose community,lacking the cohesiveness of a military unit.Sorry for the semi-rant,but I am trying to stay positive.[/quoteI agree. It's disappointing to know that all the different organizations can't agree on things like this. The politics involved are almost as bad as the politics back then.

 

[M E Wolf]

thank you.thats the kind of advice i am looking for.i was seeking advice,not just ranting.I just feel a bit disappointed,dont ask me why.I,perhaps see a controversy,where there isnt one.Maybe my fellow Bohemian is right,thinking that two events is great.He feels that ,as you say,it offers something for all,and i can agree with that as long as these organizations more or less respect each other.I am goung to Fire on the Rappahannock in December,and really looking forward to it.Its not a huge event(500 per side),but it sounds really good.I am happy i registered when I did.Its closed now.Full up.There is one thing that I noticed at Antietam,different from the Olustee events.The food vendors.At OIustee they are all charity causes,and at Antietam What vendors were there,seemed like buisnesses.I didnt purchase anything at Antietam.I suppose it would be nice to know what kind of numbers to expect,but you are right.I have to decide why I am going in the firdt place.I wasnt aware of these multple eventd when I decided to attend as many sesquecentnnials as i could,and it has rather flumoxed me.The reason i go is because yes,I love and have studied the Civil War for 50 years,and also because of my art.These events are perfect places to gather imagery for paintings I havent even thought of yet.I have dozens of intimate portraits of reenactors in my studio,that i need to put on my site.Any way,PvtWells as always your thoughts are welcome and always useful.I think what I will do,is get Fredericksburg under my belt(BGAevent),and decide then,which Gettysburg to attend.I am also excited about whatever might be going on at Chickamauga next year.That ie a maximum effort for me.

Well, at the BGA "Maryland My Maryland," majority of the food vendors were people from local churches and citizens of Boonsboro, Maryland. Because the inward focus for re-enactor's experiences, they had to provide and make their own meals mainly, as would those marching in 1862.

So many volunteers in the BGA, Federal and Confederate organizations, worked hard to cooperate in getting corn planted in period rows which is a year round responsibility, replace modern fences with period looking ones, cutting all the wood for the re-enactors to use once they got there, set up and get organized. Countless meetings, personal funds spent and highly doubt if they were repaid, as insurance and leasing property is expensive, especially when owners of these lands see that they can have a sure profit for the year than risking on a crop and turning re-enactors away. It is a community per se. Again, there are so many groups and venues to choose from but, I rather experience quality over quantity--besides, I've had to deal with a 'circus' like atmosphere in Washington, D.C. for 20 years. I rather prefer a crowd of men in blue, gray and butternut over sandals, sneakers, shorts, bratty kids that can't keep their hands off of other people's things, e.g. cannon, weapons, etc., and parents that let them loose and expect others to keep them out of trouble; people with their soda or candy dribbling all over the blanket, a jacket hanging or on the field desk after you did a handwritten report or written order for a superior officer.

But, again--it is just my opinion. If I were to be an artist, I prefer less spectator and more re-enactors as to capture a 'in camera' moment of the horror of war and remind, however brief--that war is 'h_______________ll' and that to honor these fighting men and women (as they disguised themselves and rarely discovered and most times discovered dead on the field of battle, Ref: "They Fought Like Demons"). Just as people 'act' the Passion at Easter and other markers in time, so do re-enactors.

Just some thoughts and opinions.

M. E. Wolf