Maryland, My Maryland has plans in the works under a fabulous organizer, Stephanie Brennan, for an active civilian contingent.
Here's what she's been posting elsewhere:
I will be helping to coordinate the civilian side of things and am very excited. The event encompasses two battles that of South Mountain and Antietam.The civilians will be brought to live in a town that is situated between the two historic battle sites - Keedysville. Saturday, will give civilians a chance to react to the nearby battle of South Mountain but still maintain everyday life. The next day the battle of Antietam will take place. This should show a marked increase in involvement of the town with backlash from the battle.
Too Afraid To Cry -Maryland Civilians in the Antietam Campaign by Kathleen A. Ernest is a book that covers both battles and the civilians involved. It is highly recommended to help plan out appropriate impressions.
The unique prospect when portraying a town in Western Maryland is the ability to have a civilian impression that is either northern or southern in its loyalties. Needless to say this led to some rather unusual situations between neighbors. We are hoping to bring this reality to the atmosphere of the event.
We will be looking for people who would like to set up shops, businesses, churches, and homes. For those who are limited in gear but would like to do a portrayal of a teacher, sabbath school, lyceum speaker, society meeting, readings, play music, speeches, sing, itinerant workers giving instruction in painting, writing, deportment, and dance; etc. , a hall tent will be set up to help facilitate those needs. I will work with anyone who is intrested in being part of the town, you do not have to be in civilian camp but it is highly encouraged as this brings a great since of community.
Maryland campaign
http://www.marylandmymaryland.org/ Registration is now open
Guidelines for civilians have not been posted as of yet but will be similar to the Ball's Bluff event.
The Historic newspaper index of Washington County Free Library and other Md libraries are covering the 150th anniversary with special clips on a day to day basis of the Civil War years in Maryland. This is a wonderful resource for background information and covers both Antietam and South Mountain, plus the surrounding areas of Boonsboro, Keedysville, and Sharpsburg.
http://www.whilbr.org/CW150Hagerstown/index.aspx Go to upper left hand corner to browse collection
For the more complete Maryland listing hit the link
150 years ago this week in the civil war at the lower part of the above page or
http://www.prattlibrary.org/locations/periodicals/civilwar/index.aspx?category=Union Troops in Maryland
For those who would rather day trip consider canal quarters lockhouse at Point of Rocks, MD approximately a 30 minute drive to the site.
http://www.canaltrust.org/quarters/lockhouse-28.php Hint -register early if this something you want to do.
- Stephanie Brennan
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The book she references is a personal favorite that I've read many, many times for impression inspiration. The lock houses are a lot of fun... a real opportunity to get your history geek on.
Yeah, you have several events to choose from... this one is gonna be terrific.
Bringing the