GROUP HISTORY
WHO ARE YOU?
We are a group of like-minded individuals from Central Indiana who have a love for Civil War history and reenacting.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
We participate in reenactments, tacticals, and public living history displays in order to honor the memory of the soldiers who fought and died in the American Civil War (1861-1865). By educating the public we hope to keep the struggles and hardships that these soldiers went through current, and make sure that we never forget what they did. We also strive to increase public knowledge of preservation efforts to help keep our remaining battlefields safe from commercial and residential development.
WHAT IS A "PROGRESSIVE" LIVING HISTORY "MESS"? IS THAT GOOD?
We think it is! Basically, a "mess" was the Civil War term for a small group of soldiers who congregated together to share rations, cook, camp, and carry out the everyday camp duties of a soldier. "Progressive" living history means that we're always striving to improve our impression. We want to be as authentic and accurate as possible when portraying the soldiers of the 1860s, and continue to improve that impression through research and communication with other groups.
SO WHO ARE YOU? 69th NY? 27th VA?
Well, we could be both...or neither really. We don't represent any one particular regiment all of the time. Based on the event we are at we will pick a unit that is consistent with the time period and order of battle for that event. If it's Shiloh 1862 we may be the 32nd IL. If it's Gettysburg 1863 we may be the 19th Indiana. We may even portray Confederates if the event calls for it. We find that this is a much better way to "live the Civil War" than just picking one particular unit. That being said, our prevailing impressions are those of the 19th Indiana of the Iron Brigade 1862-1863 and the Western Federal soldiers of the Union Army of the Tennessee and the Army of the Cumberland 1862-1865.
CAN I JOIN THE "COMPANY D BOYS"?
If you're dedicated to authentically and accurately portraying a Civil War soldier of the 1860s, are eighteen years of age or older, and can put together a kit of the required gear and uniforms...then yes, you can! We're always looking for new members who want to "do it right!"
To join us or for more information contact Mike Charnisky at mjc525@hotmail.com