Muster 2024 (Western Theater)?

[Diane123]

There seems to be a lot of interest in having a 2024 Muster, but so far no one has come forward with any offers to host it. The Annual Muster is a great tradition and we hate to see it fade away. So, after giving it a lot of thought, several of us have determined that we have the resources, contacts, and ability to easily organize a basic Western Theater Muster around the Battle of Nashville. Alternatively, we also have the ability to organize a Western Theater Muster following the path of Streight's Raid and Forrest's pursuit.

If there is enough interest in a no frills but high education experience muster, we will request that one or both options be posted in a new thread for a vote. If you are willing to host a muster, feel free to post your offer here. This he owners will arrange to have the voting process set up.

 

[Kathy the history sleuth]

What would the host need to do? I think people would need to know that to volunteer.

 

[gjpratt]

What would the host need to do? I think people would need to know that to volunteer.

I can give a little insight, even though I have only assisted in organizing one Muster -- Winchester.

1. Find an appropriate hotel that is convenient and has availability and will set aside a block of rooms, preferably without a financial guarantee from the organizers. The task can become greatly complicated if also reserving a conference or "War" room. At Winchester, we had the option of the organizers paying $1500 or wrapping the cost in the block room rate (and praying the hotel would not require a guarantee for a minimum number of rooms booked).

2. Organize the activities. This can become very problematic and near impossible without local contacts or assistants. Think about making an itinerary. Who is going to lead the battlefield tours and at what cost? How will they be scheduled? What other complementary activities can be planned and where do they fit in the schedule? Can special rates be negotiated at places that charge admission, i.e., museums? Do any sites require permits and at what cost (think Perryville)? Non-battlefield sites at Winchester were Stonewall Jackson's HQ, SVBF museum, two cemeteries and Belle Grove. We were very fortunate in that the SVBF arranged the battlefield tours and provided the guides and coordinated the other activities as the local contacts that helped with all the logistics. Despite that, two on-site visits were still required by the organizers.

3. For a full Muster, there are goodie bags, which can include T-shirts, medals/magnets, etc. Also arranging for support for field activities -- drinks and snacks. Also, a box lunch on the field one day and a group dinner Saturday night.

4. Maintain determined focus and have a thick skin.

I am probably not the best source for this advice as my experience is limited. But these are the basics.

 

[gjpratt]

It doesn't look like there is a whole lot of interest in a 2024 Muster.

 

[uaskme]

I'm in. That's 3.

 

[archieclement]

I'm in. That's 3.

I might be depending on where/when.

There's been alot of suggestions to places, some I have interest in, others not so much.

Think worth noting of Nashville, the last western muster was like 35 mi from it, so some did sidetrips to it then.

 

[Kathy the history sleuth]

I think Musters need to turn into meetups for now. People are traveling but it's difficult to commit to putting on a Muster. I have the utmost gratitude and respect for those who have done it in the past.

I'm not sure of my travel plans for fall yet. I'm planning on being in Vicksburg from May 15 to 21. I'll be in the park over the weekend. If anyone is interested in meeting up there let me know.

If my adult disabled son gets kicked out of the group home my plans might have to change. All my reservations can be changed. I'm hoping I'm able to get away. And I hope the cicadas are done in that area by then.

 

[Kathy the history sleuth]

I might be depending on where/when.

There's been alot of suggestions to places, some I have interest in, others not so much.

Think worth noting of Nashville, the last western muster was like 35 mi from it, so some did sidetrips to it then.

With my kids living in TN I've been to Nashville alot. I'd be interested in Ft. Donelson. If anyone does go, the TN state museum in Nashville is great.

 

[Desert Kid]

Still think it should be Nashville, Perryville or Mobile.

 

[Ole Miss]

Kathy, the 13 year cicadas come in May followed by the 17 years ones in June.
You will get to experience them this trip!
Enjoy
Regards
David

 

[UCVRelics]

Sounds like a GREAT muster site as long as we can get a night at the Grand Ole Opry and at the bars in Nashville. If so I'm in.

 

[JTkentucky12th]

I'm new here, but would be interested!!! I'm an hour south of Nashville!!!! How would I keep in the know if this is done???

 

[Diane123]

Okay! Sounds like there is some interest in a Western Theater Muster this year! So we have two suggested locations: 1. The Battle of Nashville or 2. Streight's Raid (North Alabama) with volunteers who are willing to lead. I am going to request that the staff put up a voting thread next week. If anyone else wants to volunteer to lead one at a different location, now is the time to let everyone know.

 

[Diane123]

It doesn't look like there is a whole lot of interest in a 2024 Muster.

Check again! I think it's going to be a "go!"

 

[Michael W.]

I'm always up for a muster and I would be willing to help in some way, I just don't have the resources/contacts many of you have.
The problem for me is the timing. The first two weekends in October (which has usually been around the time of past musters) I am already have other commitments. Later in October would be ok for me, or early September.

 

[Ole Miss]

I will do my best to attend! Pretty far out to say for certain
Regards
David

 

[Drew]

I'm in. That's 3.

Me, too. I guess two and three is five?

 

[Desert Kid]

We should take a poll.

 

[Kathy the history sleuth]

I think Musters need to turn into meetups for now. People are traveling but it's difficult to commit to putting on a Muster. I have the utmost gratitude and respect for those who have done it in the past.

I'm not sure of my travel plans for fall yet. I'm planning on being in Vicksburg from May 15 to 21. I'll be in the park over the weekend. If anyone is interested in meeting up there let me know.

If my adult disabled son gets kicked out of the group home my plans might have to change. All my reservations can be changed. I'm hoping I'm able to get away. And I hope the cicadas are done in that area by then.

It's looking good for the Vicksburg trip. I'm excited to be going. I'm trying to get my reading done.

 

[UCVRelics]

2. Streight's Raid (North Alabama) with volunteers who are willing to lead. I am going to request that the staff put up a voting thread next week.

First we are hearing on a Streights Raid. I have relic hunted all up and down the raid and NOT much to see and a lot of driving, the only museum is closed at Hog MT and changing hotels is NOT an option as you can't get a group rate when you are only there 1 night. I think that Mobile had more interest than the Raid. The vote should be Mobile or Nashville IMHO.