105th Pennsylvania holds winter encampment

The 105th PVI will be holding their annual Winter Encampment at their Headquarters in Perryopolis, PA on the 18-19 of February. They would like to extend the invite to any unit or member of any unit to join in this year for the drill weekend. This drill weekend will be conducted in full military fashion. All are welcome. Here is a little info of what you can expect: Drill (military maneuvers), post 24 hour pickets, patrols, establish outposts, build defenses, tactical skirmish with the enemy, recon on enemy position, we do not know when the enemy is going to attack.

Again ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND. If you are interested in attending or would like more information, please email 1st Sgt Jeremy Koch at 105thpa@gmail.com.

Register for Burton 2012

Need to register for the 2012 Civil War event in Burton? Go to http://geaugahistorical.org/events and click on "registration form" under the Civil War Reenactment section.

Ohio Regimental Military Ball

Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 2:00pm
McKinley Grand Hotel
320 Market Ave South, Canton, OH
 
Time to make your reservations for this year's great event! $35.00 per person post marked by January 4th 2012. $39.00 per person postmarked after January 4th but before February 8th 2012. The hotel is also offering discounted rooms as $82.00 per night plus tax. We have afternoon activities, sutlers, photographer, social hour, dance lessons, cash bar, dinner and dancing with the Anonymous String Band. Please visit the website at http://www.ormb.com/ for registration forms . We accept PAYPAL

2012 Birney's Division schedule of events

The 2011 Birney's Division Annual Meeting was held in Gettysburg on November 18th at the Gettysburg Fire House. Many units had representatives in attendance and Division staff members were on hand to lead the discussion and provide information.

One item of discussion is the 150th Antietam Anniversary. As some of you know, there are two different events next year in September. It was decided that a decision would be made in January and news will be posted here.

For a complete list of Birney's Division 2012 Civil War events, go to http://www.birneysdivision.org and click on the EVENT SCHEDULE tab.

Masonic Service at Gettysburg Remembrance Day

To all of our Masonic friends:

We are holding the annual Masonic ceremony at the Masonic Friend to a Friend Monument on Saturday in Gettysburg during Remembrance Day weekend. The official start time at the Monument off of Steinware Avenue is 11:15 am. This will still give us plenty of time to form up for the parade at the high school. The service is open to the public. All Masons and non Masons are welcome. Hope to see you all there.

Benefit for the Lawson Family

For those not going to Gettysburg, a benefit spaghetti dinner for the Lawson family will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Damascus Friends Church, 28857 Walnut St.

Tickets are $10 each and may be purchased in advance by calling Tracy Prendergast at 330-685-4072.

All money raised will go to the Lawson family for care of Braden, 14 months, son of the late Michelle Lawson.

Birney's Division Annual Meeting and Remembrance Day Parade

November 18, 2011 - 8 pm
Gettysburg Fire Hall
35 N. Stratton St., Gettysburg, PA

All members of Birney's Division units (infantry, artillery and cavalry) are invited to attend the organization's yearly meeting the weekend of the annual Gettysburg Remembrance Day Parade.

Birney's command officers will be leading discussions on 2012 events and other information that impacts all of the members. Each unit is encouraged to at least have one member attend if possible. This year, we will be holding the meeting at the Gettysburg Fire Hall (see address information above).

The organization will also be marching in the parade the following day (Saturday the 19th). We want to have an large showing this year as we begin the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.

First Call for Perryopolis

The annual Civil War reenactment at Perryopolis, PA is this weekend!

There will be a combined Battalion Command under Col Rohrbaugh. If you are coming, please send the following information immediately.

1. Name of unit

2. Number of military personnel attending

3. Will your unit have an officer/NCO in charge

Please email this information to the 1st Battalion Adjutant Capt Mike Murphy at ltmurph54th@yahoo.com. For more information on Perryopolis, visit http://perryopolis.webs.com/.

Zoar a Success!

Thanks to all of the reenactors who came out this past weekend to make make Zoar 2011 the huge success that it was.

Breaking down the numbers, there were over 1200 reenactors. Some even came in to register Sunday morning!

There were well over 3800 spectators. Right after the battle on Saturday, you almost couldn't get into the camps for the sea of people.

Most importantly, the fund-raising efforts to help our friend John Sutliff and his family raised over $5000.00. My thanks to Heather Nichols and her team for making this happen. If you are interested in more information on how to help, please visit the Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/BenefitForJohn.

For those of you who missed the event, here are a few highlights:

STUDENTS - Traditionally on Friday morning, Zoar's Civil War weekend hosts a number of grade school students and put on a demonstrations from camp life, to infantry, cavalry and artillery demos. This year, because of the 105th, we had over 1100 kids from school systems around the state. It was amazing.

THE TACTICAL - Though there are some issues to work out for next time (battle OUTSIDE of town), I think everyone enjoyed themselves even though one of the judges tagged our entire battalion "out" for 5 minutes because we stood toe to toe and hammered at the Rebs. We did rack up a bunch of points that put us far ahead of the Confederates even though they had taken the Union artillery park right out of the gate. Finally tally, Union 280 points, Confederates 170. Check out some of the photos HERE.

THE BATTLES - Saturday was a bit like your typical reenactment battle, but Sunday's "Manassas Skedattle" make it worth while. To save you the blow by blow commentary, let's just say there were PLENTY of empty cartridge boxes.

I want to thank everyone on the Battalion staff, Bob Penix on the Wing, Dave Strichko on the Adjutating, Andy Kaminski on the Sergeant Majoring, Bill Andrews on the Double Secret Adjutating, Nick Barto on the horn, and Kevin Skaggs from the USVs for being the other Wing-Dinger. We had over 100 men in the Battalion comprised of Birney's Division, the US Volunteers, and the 66th OVI from Vincent's Brigade.

Another big thank you to Bob Minton and the guys from the Army of the Ohio. We have such a great working relationship that it is beyond enjoyable working with Bob and the gang to put on an event like this.

Lastly, thanks to all of the guys from the 51st OVI and 6th Ohio Cav (that covers a lot of names) for the work they did to put things together. They did a great job for the Zoar Community Association and the reenactors!!

Your Servant,
Chris Smith
2d Battalion, Birney's Division

Students Coming to Zoar - Help Needed

For the last few years, school systems in the region have been busing students to Zoar during the reenactment weekend for several special living history educational programs on the Civil War. This year, on the morning of Friday, September 16th, over 1000 students will be coming to Zoar again. We are looking for people who can assist in doing demonstrations such as weaponry, cooking, field living, and so on. The programs begin at 9 am.

If you can help, please contact Mark Gaynor ASAP at mark@indianrivergraphics.com.
Please help us educate these kids on the real history of the Civil War.

First Call for Zoar!

The largest Civil War reenactments in Ohio is now upon us! This is a maximum effort event for Birney's Division and we are looking to have a strong showing from all units. If you have not registered yet, DO! Walk-ons will be permitted.

At this time, I would like to get basic numbers from everyone who is attending. Please provide the following information:

1.  Will your unit be attending
2.  How many military personnel
3.  How many civilians
4.  What number of tents and type

Please email this information to clsmith@5thohio.com. Looking forward to see everyone there!!

www.zoarcivilwar.com

Zoar event coming soon!

The largest non-national anniversary reenactment in this half of the country is less than a month away. September 17-18, 2011 in historic Zoar, Ohio.

This is a max-effort Birney's DIVISION event so please register so we can see what our numbers are going to look like.

Visit the website at http://www.zoarcivilwar.com/ or click HERE to visit the Facebook page.

Share the Civil War

Was there social media in the Civil War? Nope, but we’d love to have a strong Facebook and Twitter presence to show people online just how fun the Hale Farm weekend is! “Check in” and let your friends and fellow reenactors know what you’re up to this weekend.

From your iPhone, Android phone, or Blackberry:
Start up your facebook app
Choose “places”
Search for “Hale Farm & Village”
Check in

Once you’ve checked in, post your best pictures and stories on our Facebook wall.

To tweet about the weekend, use the Twitter hashtag #HaleCW and mention @HaleFarm.

Our Facebook pages are:
http://www.facebook.com/halefarm
http://www.facebook.com/HaleFarmCivilWar

Second Call! Hale Farm

August 12-14, 2011
Hale Farm and Village, Bath, Ohio

The annual big event for Birney's Division 2d Battalion is THIS WEEKEND!

Last year we had over 800 reenactors and for the first time in the event history, cavalry operations where added to the scenarios. The Federal Army will again be camped in the town green with civilian camps throughout the village. Col Bob Minton from The Army of the Ohio will be the overall Union Commander, and Col Nick Medich in charge of the Confederate forces.

The weather looks like it is going to be excellent. Especially in light of how HOT it has been. Here are a couple of things to remember...

• Early War/Bull Run impression is encouraged.
• There will not be a reenactor dinner Saturday evening. Instead there will be a big breakfast Sunday morning.
• A tactical will be conducted Sunday morning prior to the breakfast.
• Unless you have been authorized for an earlier arrival, set up will be no earlier than 10 am Friday morning.

At this time, I would like to call out to all Birney's Division units and those who wish to fall in with us. I need some basic numbers or an update if you have already written in:

1. Name of unit

2. Number of military personnel

3. Number of civilian personnel

4. Will you have an officer or NCO in charge

Please send this information to clsmith@5thohio.com as soon as possible. Below are a few links that will be of some service to all attending.

Hale Farm and Village Reenactment Page (INCLUDING registration forms) Walk-on registration is $15.00 per person: http://www.wrhs.org/index.php/hale/augustdrumspage

Hale Farm and Village Civil War 150 Page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HaleFarmCivilWar

Civil War Reenacting is Hot!

What would make a person put on a wool uniform in the middle of summer and run around recreating the Civil War? I have heard that question a lot in my almost 20 years of reenacting. It’s a question I ask myself sometimes on a hot Saturday afternoon in the middle of a field with a few hundred of my closest friends.

The sweat is pouring, my feet are tired and sore and the nine-pound musket feels like 90 pounds. And then the crowd applauds and the smiling faces remind me that a little inconvenience on my part is worth bringing history alive. Inspiring a young person to dive into a little bit of history -- because now it's not so boring -- is worth sleeping on the hard ground and eating soldier food.

One of the extra benefits in reenacting the Civil War in Ohio is the chance to see so many great towns and areas. My favorite? Hard to say as there are so many. Favorite memories might be easier. Like the weekend I slept in Ulysses Grant’s backyard. Or the time I slept in the Statehouse Rotunda. Or just sitting around the campfire at night telling stories and sharing memories.

If I did make a list of favorite reenacting places in Ohio, it would definitely include these two – Hale Farm in Bath and Zoar Village in Tuscarawas County. Both are filled with historic buildings and stage some of the best reenactments in the country.

Hale Farm is a great place to visit any time, but when it is filled with reenactors, it feels just like an 1860’s town. I especially like the stone buildings as they provide a cool spot on a hot summer day.

Zoar Village simply oozes with old-world charm. From the quaint small homes to the bakery (best bread I ever ate!) to the amazing gardens, you’ll find us reenactors walking through the town like tourists.

Of course, we’re there to portray soldiers and help visitors see into what life was like in the Union Army. And, that’s where the hot uniforms come in. Back then, wool was the most common fabric for clothing, winter and summer. Is it hot? Well, yes. It is hot, but we don’t mind as we know that air conditioning and other modern amenities await us at the end of the weekend. For the 325,000 Ohioans who served during the war, it was four years before they made their way home.

So, come August 13-14 (Hale Farm) and September 17-18 (Zoar Village), you’ll find me and hundreds of reenactors living the life of a Civil War soldier and loving every minute of it.

by Mark Holbrook, Ohio Historical Society

After Action Report: 150th Manassas

The following is the report on the action of 1st Battalion Birney's Division at Manassas, VA July 22 thru July 24.

22 July:
After setting up camp in a stiffling heat on the night prior, woke up to the sounds of the army arriving at our camp site. By the end of the day Union infantry numbers were at about 3500 soldiers, under the overall command of Gen. Tony Daniels. Our brigade would consist of Birney's Division, FVB, and the National Regiment, under Gen. Ron Palase. The men rested throughout the day trying to stay out of the heat as best as possible and bedded down for the night early.

23 July:
Reveille was at 6:00 AM and after compiling the company reports our strength was at 95 soldiers, officers included. Battalion was on line for battle at 8:45 AM and moved out in lead of the brigade at 9:00 AM. After being held in reserve for a small time, the battalion was ordered forward through the main line of artillery in the center of the Union line. After engaging a larger Rebel battalion to our front and pushing them back to a line of trees, the 1st wave of rebel infantry was pushed off the field behind their guns. Orders were to hold at the tree line to wait for further orders. COL Rohrbaugh then took a 3 company wing and was attached to the National Regiment, while CPT Murphy took a 3 company wing to be assigned in a reserve position on the the left of the FVB. COL Rohrbaugh's wing was ordered forward with the 11th NY to retake a battery of artillery taken by the rebel advance. Chanting "HI, HI, HI" the whole way forward they took and held the guns for a short time before being pushed back. CPT Murphy's wing as well as the FVB were ordered to move forward. As a Battalion of US Marines were pushed out CPT Murphy took his wing forward, companies with him were 1st Company commanded by 1LT Guilliams, 2nd Company under CPT Baltzer and 3rd Company under CPT Van Meter. After plugging the whole left by the Marines and consoilidating the line, the brigade held the line as long as possible before overwhelming odds forced to line to fall back. The NR with COL Rohrbaugh's wing was forced back first, then the FVB, and finally with their flanks exposed CPT Murphy's wing fell back to the tree line and back past the waiting reserves commander by COL Childs. The brigade was ordered back to a tree line about 200 yards back in reserve and was not ordered forward. The battle ceased and the army was forced to leave the field in the control of the rebels. The men returned to camp disheartened by the turn events on the field and wanting to get revenge on the rebel traitors. The men relaxed for the rest of the day and tattoo was sounded at about 11:00 PM.

24 July:
Reveille again was at 6:00 and morning reports showed lil loss in numbers for the battalion, final report was 86 with 5 total companies; 1st Company under CPT Taylor, 2nd Company under CPT MacGregor, 3rd Company Under CPT Baltzer, 4th Company under CPT Van Meter and a 5th Company was assigned to us consisting of the 39th NYVI; in line at morning dress parade at 8:00. To the shigrin of the brigade commander the entire NR was not on the field for the next days action dropping the brigade numbers to roughly 130. The battalion was 2nd in the brigade line of march and was ordered into the immediate reserve when actions commensed. The battalion got orders to repulse a rebel battalion trying to take our main line of guns and with the FVB in support pushed the rebels back pass the line of trees in the center of the field. The battalion was in the center as the 1st wave again was repulsed in support of a battery of artillery. Orders came down to reconsolidate with the FVB on the Union right with the combined force command given to COL Rohrbaugh. Portraying the 11th NY, the red shirts moved forward to retake a battery of union guns. After stubborn resistance and hot crisp firings the battalion was eventually pushed back under overwhelming odds and the lack of ammunition. After giving ground slowly and stubbornly the battalion was forced back into a reserve position until the battle ceased.

At this time I would like to thank the company commanders: CPT MacGregor, CPT Taylor, CPT Van Meter, and 1LT Guilliams. As well as the Staff MAJ Doyle, SGM Hicks, and MAJ Guilliams (man of many ranks…haha) for their extremely hard work in making sure that things went off without a hitch at our level. I would also like to thank COL Rohrbaugh for giving the opportunity of commanding the wing or reserves on the 23rd. I would also like the thank the Brigade staff, especially COL Steve Reinke and his courriers for their excellent job in making sure the battalion got the proper orders and put in the right positions all weekend.


Respectfully,


M. Murphy
CPT, Adjutant, Birney's Division

Changes at Century Village

Good afternoon to members of Birney’s Division. I wanted to inform you that I was contacted by the Geauga County Historical Society which runs the Civil War reenactment in Burton, Ohio annually on Memorial Day weekend. They have asked me to take over as the Federal Commander for the event. Per General Kelley’s directive, I have accepted the post. I look forward to taking the event in a different direction and creating a new experience for both us as reenactors and the public who support Century Village with their patronage.

I would like to thank General Burdell Waffler for his years heading up the Union forces. I look forward to serving our living history community at the event next year.

Sincerely,
Christopher Smith, Lt Col

First Call! Hale Farm

August 12-14, 2011
Hale Farm and Village, Bath, Ohio

The annual big event for Birney's Division 2d Battalion is only a few weeks away. If you have not been to Hale Farm in the past, this is a good time to get your musket cleaned up and come on down!

Last year we had over 800 reenactors and for the first time in the event history, cavalry operations where added to the scenarios. The Federal Army will again be camped in the town green with civilian camps throughout the village. Col Bob Minton from The Army of the Ohio will be the overall Union Commander, and Col Nick Medich in charge of the Confederate forces.

Birney's 2nd Battalion will once again be a large force on the field and we will be joined by our new gun and crew from the 9th Ohio Light Artillery.

At this time, I would like to call out to all Birney's Division units and those who wish to fall in with us. I need some basic numbers and the following information:

1. Name of unit
2. Number of military personnel
3. Number of civilian personnel
4. Will you have an officer or NCO in charge

Please send this information to clsmith@5thohio.com as soon as possible. Below are a few links that will be of some service to all attending.

Hale Farm and Village Reenactment Page (INCLUDING registration forms): http://www.wrhs.org/index.php/hale/augustdrumspage

Hale Farm and Village Civil War 150 Page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HaleFarmCivilWar

Civil War Activities for the Public at Hale Farm

BATH, OHIO — Hale Farm & Village, a museum of Western Reserve Historical Society, brings the Civil War to life at the 21st annual Civil War Encampment and Reenactment, August 12-14, 2011. More than 800 reenactors are expected to participate, making this one of the largest annual Civil War events in Ohio. Guests will meet soldiers and civilians, hear the sounds of battle, smell the gunpowder, shake hands with President Lincoln, and shop for a hoopskirt.

From 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Saturday, August 13 and Sunday, August 14, 2011, guests will relive the American Civil War experience. At 2:00 pm daily, the recreation of Civil War battles in the museum’s North Pasture is just one feature of the event. A cannon, on loan from the Ohio Statehouse, will roar across the re-created battlefield amidst the soldiers, smoke, and gunfire. Cavalry will charge as the battle unfolds just yards away.

Guests experience the entire flavor and ambience of the Civil War era: soldier skirmishes, appearances by “President Lincoln”, performances by the Camp Chase Fife & Drum Corps, the US Cavalry, a dinner with Abraham Lincoln, and the 3rd annual Hale Civil War Ball. They will meet the men and women who reenact this seminal event in the nation’s history when visiting Union and Confederate soldier and civilian camps, witness the medical practices of the era, and shop along Sutler’s Row for unique items such as shoes, corsets, dresses, foods, and other fine goods from the period.

Discounted advance general admission tickets are available for purchase at http://www.halefarm.org/. General admission will also be at the gate. Tickets are $10 per adult/senior and $5 per child age 3-12. Children 2 and under and WRHS members are FREE. A 2-day Civil War Pass is available for $15 per adult/senior and $7.50 per child age 3-12. Group rates for parties of 15 people or more are available. Call 330-666-3711.

On Friday, August 12th visitors can get a behind-the-scenes look at the move-in and preparation that takes place for the weekend events. They can watch the reenactors set up and prepare for the weekend, the cavalry arrival, the northern and southern camps being built, and the bustle of staff preparing for the Farm’s biggest event of the year. This day is also perfect for media to capture the magic that goes into the creation of this event. Please contact Angie Lowrie to arrange a visit. alowrie@wrhs.org.

Guests can stay longer Friday, August 12 and Saturday, August 13 for evening events.

Dinner with Abraham Lincoln
Friday, August 12 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Enjoy a meal of historic portions during Dinner with Abraham Lincoln, part of the series: Hale and Hearty Dinner Programs. Historic themed dinners Hale Farm & Village style! Dinners are in the Hale Farm & Village Gatehouse Visitor Center
Dinner with Abraham Lincoln Menu:
Beef a la Mode - 1865 Inaugural dinner feature
Escalloped potatoes
Minted Watermelon
Corn salad
Cucumber and green bean salad
Cornbread
Mary Todd Lincoln White Cake - actual recipe
Gingerbread cookies

Seating is limited. Reservations are required: 330-666-3711 or email halereservations@wrhs.org.
Each dinner is: $45 per person.
Member rate is: $40 per person.

Civil War Reenactment Ball
August 13 8:00 – 10:30 pm
Guests dance the Virginia Reel and spin back to the Civil War era at the Hale Farm & Village Civil War Ball. Reenactors and Hale Farm & Village costumed staff will join the festivities. 8:00-10:30pm. $5 Admission and reservations required. Call 330-666-3711 for more information and to purchase tickets.

All Western Reserve Historical Society Civil War programming is part of the statewide initiative to honor the Civil War Sesquicentennial. Information on events is posted at http://www.wrhs.org/ and http://www.ohiocivilwar150.org/.

March to Destiny This Weekend

June 24-26 - Shippensburg, PA

An annual Birney's Division 1st Battalion event (Lt Col Denny Rohrbaugh, Federal Commander). This reenactment is focused on the Confederate occupation of Shippensburg prior to the Battle of Gettysburg.

For more information go to http://www.marchtodestiny.org/

Tweet Birney's

Need your Birney's Division news on the go? Now you can by following Birney's Division on Twitter. Check it out at http://twitter.com/BirneysDivision

Urgent Second Notice on Reenacting Insurance

To Birney's Division Member Units:

We are pleased to again offer Commercial General Liability Insurance to protect members for rest of 2011 into 2012 season.

We have received the renewal notice and we am happy to report that coverages and costs remain the same as the current coverage.

We are asking that you get your head counts and submit the premium before June 30th, 2011 along with a list of all events your company will be attending for the rest of the season from June until next season.

The cost per member per year remains at $8 each.

Please make check or money order out to Dennis Rohrbaugh and mail to 5300 Greenvillage Road, Chambersburg, PA 17202-7311

Any questions; please contact Denny at cpldlr160@comcast.net.

Welcome to New Unit

On behalf of General Kelley, Birney's Division would like to welcome Captain Robert Brown and the members of Hampton's Battery F, Pennsylvania Independent Light Artillery. You can check out their website at http://hamptonsbatteryf.com/

First Call - Old Bedford Village

The annual Civil War reenactment at Old Bedford Village right around the corner!

There will be a combined Battalion Command under Lt Col Rohrbaugh. If you are coming, please send the following information immediately.

1. Name of unit

2. Number of military personnel attending

3. Will your unit have an officer/NCO in charge

Please email this information to the 1st Battalion Adjutant Capt Mike Murphy at ltmurph54th@yahoo.com. For more information on Old Bedford Village, visit http://www.oldbedfordvillage.com/.

First Call - East Harbor!

June 10-12, 2011

The reenacting season is starting off with a bang as we are already upon our next event. This weekend is the Civil War reenactment at East Harbor State Park near Marblehead, OH. Lt. Col Smith from Birney's Division will command the Federal troops.

Along with several "early war" battle scenarios, there will be a cannonade on the beach firing out over Lake Erie. Diner will be provided for the reenactors Saturday night and a few bucks will get you breakfast Sunday morning.

At this time, we need companies to report the following information:

1. Is your unit attending?
2. Number of military personnel attending.
3. Will your unit have an officer/NCO in charge?

Please email this information to the Christopher Smith at clsmith@5thohio.com. For more information on the event, visit http://eastharborcwevent.bravehost.com/ or on

2nd Call! Burton Civil War Weekend

Just a reminder that the annual Civil War reenactment at Century Village in Burton, Ohio is this weekend.

We have the following units as registered to attend: 4th OVI Co. E, 5th OVI, 5th Ohio Sharpshooters, 9th OLA, 83rd PVI, 105th OVI. Also, the 51st OVI from the Army of the Ohio.

If you are coming and are not on the list, please send the following information immediately.

1. Name of unit and affiliation if any.
2. Number of military personnel attending.
3. Will your unit have an officer/NCO in charge?

Please email this information to the Battalion Commander Christopher Smith at clsmith@5thohio.com.

After Action Report: New Market

From: Hqtrs 1st Battalion, Birney's Division
Date(s): 13-15 May
Station: New Market, VA

13 May:
Battalion began arriving in the vicinity of New Market, VA beginning Friday afternoon and throughout the evening. A short rain shower hampered camp set-up, but as canvas began to spring up the rain subsided to a nice clear evening. LTC Rohrbaugh and CPT Murphy attended a brief officers meeting at 1st Division HQ with acting commander Brig. Gen. Frye in charge of the army while Maj. Gen. Baldwin was attending to matters elsewhere. Initial orders for the next day were issued and camp was quiet by 12 o'clock.

14 May:
Revielle was at 7 o'clock sharp and roll call was conducted within the battalion. First reports showed 35 rifles in line broken into to companys; 1st company consisting of the 3rd Maryland, 54th PVI, and 3rd US Co. B and 2nd Company consisiting of the 2nd Rhode Island. Company Drill was held at 8:45 and Battalion Dress Parade followed at 9:30. The final reports after Parade showed the following numbers, 6 heavy guns of artillery, 10 mounted Cavalry and 9 dismounted cavalry. Confederate numbers were estimated to be almost double the Federal forces. At 1:45 the battalion was ordered to move out in support of a forward battery of guns north of the Bushong Farm. 1st Company detached a squad of skirmishers under 1LT Guilliams to extend the skirmish line with the cavalry and watch the battalion right. 1st company was ordered forward to support the skirmish line and the forward gun, which under withering fire was disabled and abandoned. 2nd Company, under CPT Don Hixson held a reserve position on the main gun line and supported the skirmish line with rifle fire. With overwhelming numbers to the front coming south of the Bushong Farm, 1st company was forced to fall back with the skirmish line, with 2nd Company moving up in support. After a stubborn defense and taking heavy casualties the battalion was forced to withdrawal, making the confederates pay for every inch taken til forced of the field. Evening set in and the companies had a nice dinner and were entertained by the battalion fife and drum corps til lights and tattoo was sounded at 10 o'clock. Weather all day was sunny and warm with no rain to slow the arrival of General Baldwin to retake command of the army for the upcoming next days action. The men bedded down for the night with a small rain shower rolling through as the men slept.

15 May:
After a reconisiance patrol by Maj. Bill Raymond's cavalry showing the confederates withdrew back to the south of the Bushong farm, the battalion was ordered to take up defensive positions in the orchard around the Bushong Farm. Supported by dismounted cavalry on the right and a small howitzer to immediate rear, the battalion took up positions and posted a picket line to the front. Confederate artillery opened up the action, and the battalion was soon engaged by two small confederate battalions, one of which was the VMI Cadets. The battalion again put up stiff resistance, giving ground slowly and taking heavy casualties until the overwhelming odds forced the men to break and flee to the rear with the Battalion colors. LTC Rohrbaugh fell into the hands of the Confederates but was soon paroled and exchanged for a rebel commander of equal rank. Once the battalion was consolidated camp was broken and the long retreat north began.


Submitted 15 May

Captain M. Murphy
Adjutant, 1st Battalion Birney's Division


On a side note, all and all the weekend couldn't have been better. The weather held off til after everyone was packed up and back on the road for home. General Baldwin and his staff couldn't have been more pleased with the performance of the men and made that known to us numerous times over the weekend. I think I can speak for LTC Rohrbaugh that we couldn't have been happier with the performance of the men that were on the field. I hope that how things were this year will continue on for years to come and make this event the great event that it used to be. I would like to thank LTC Rohrbaugh, 1LT Guilliams, Maj Doyle, and the rest of the officers and NCO's that helped make this weekend run without a hitch.

After Action Report: Beaver Creek

After Action Report – Jackson in the Valley Reenactment
May 6-8, 2011 – Beaver Creek State Park, East Liverpool, Ohio

Once again we returned to one of our favorite reenactment sites for the bi-annual event at Beaver Creek State Park. If you have not been to this location, you are missing a beautiful place to camp and fight. There was a concern at the end of last year that this event would disappear from the map as the organizers had left the hobby. I contacted several people who I thought may be interested in taking over and thanks to Mike “Stonewall Jackson” Lawson of the Stonewall Brigade, the event quickly came back to life. Normally, this event alternates with Argus Park in Canfield in July. With the 150th Manassas the same weekend, Mike and the State Park Service found an alternate date in May.

Arriving on site Friday evening, I went to the Federal Headquarters area in the pines and met up with My Old War Horse Major Penix and his wife Pam. HQ went up quickly and I started to look around. A lot of familiar faces from the 105th and 61st OVI. Mark and Kristi Gaynor from the 51st were there too. And I knew there were a group of guys coming from the 5th on Saturday… but that was it. Hmmmm.

To park the truck, I had to travel around the loop that is only one-way. As I drove through the Confederate camp, I came to the realization that there was a HELL OF A LOT OF REBS! As well as two guns!! No one has had these kinds of Confederate numbers at event here in Ohio for quite some time. Mike Lawson and the event CSA commander Jim Powell must have been shaking the trees.

At the officer/NCO meeting Friday night, I determined that we were going to have to use different tactics to fight this battle. We would have at the most, 30 rifles and officers. The official count from the Confederate command was 90 infantry, plus two guns and crews.

We couldn’t fight toe to toe on this one. Skirmish tactics would be the order of the day. Hit and run. Keep the Confederates moving. The battlefield at Beaver Creek is a rolling terrain with a mill pond, a small village and two narrow bridges that sit below high ground. Our tactics for the weekend were to use all of this to our advantage. With a larger force (many of whom have not worked together previously), it would take the Rebs longer to organize, move, and get on line. With the trees, buildings and terrain, they didn’t always have a clear shot at us.

The Saturday battle would see the Confederate infantry (supported by their guns) come into the village with our boys in the heights above. As soon as we saw them we opened up. Their un-mounted cavalry moved forward in a skirmish line to engage us while the rest of the infantry came out of the covered bridge and into the village. As the skirmishers tried to cross the small foot bridge (the only way to enter the rest of the field), the sharp aim of our infantry cut them down as they tried to cross. However, faced with overwhelming numbers, we pulled back to our next defensive position and formed another skirmish line running from the pond up hill to the other side of a small house. That pond was great to keep from being flanked and forcing the Confederates to run their battle line up a steep slope would slow their movement.

We continued to fight and withdraw until our backs were against the larger bridge at the other end of the mill pond. With the 2nd Company holding off the Confederate infantry (and now taking fire from a second gun), the 1st Company began a reverse “street fighting” maneuver across the bridge to slow the Confederate advance but they came on hard and we had to move across the bridge with haste to reform on the edge of the woods. We continued to fall back as the trees gave us cover. The scenario was at an end.

On Sunday, we fought the battle in reverse. This gave us the high ground on the bridge and we stacked the Rebs up and slowed them down. But numbers don’t lie and we eventually got pushed back into the village and retreated. As I said, there was no way to win against those numbers. I told Jim Powell, we don’t NEED to win. We just want to have a good fight! In reality, our force did what a lot of probing elements did back then. Cause the enemy to deploy. Count their numbers and make them use up ammunition and men. This was a way to get good information for the brass up the chain.

All in all, it was a great event. If I can have a good time with good friends, honor those who fought, and educate just one person, it is a winner in my book.

One thing I do want to make a comment on is our Union numbers. There could be several factors involved here. Gas prices. Mother’s Day. Or is it the fact that every little apple butter festival is trying to scoop up Civil War reenactors to put on a show. With the 150th now underway, I get at least two emails a week asking for Civil War reenactors to attend this and that. Most of these request have nothing to do with the Civil War. Local organizers have not suddenly become Civil War buffs or are trying to educate and honor. They are looking to make a buck for their event off of the hoopla over the 150th. Unfortunately, established reenactments are suffering. That is a crime. Ok. I’m off the soap box.

I want to thank all of the folks who put on Beaver Creek and especially Mike Lawson, Chris Jones and Jim Powell. It was a pleasure to fight against you guys and I have rarely seen a scenario (let alone TWO) go exactly as walked-through. Our hats are off to you and your boys. Thanks also to the Federal officers and men including Bob Penix. We have shown the Rebs how we fight even when outnumbered.

Submitted, May 12, 2011
Christopher L. Smith, Lieutenant Colonel
Commanding, 2d Battalion
Birney’s Division

First Call - Burton!

May 27-29, 2011

The annual Civil War reenactment at Century Village in Burton, Ohio. At this time I would like to as for the following information from any units that are planning to attend as part of Birney's 2d Battalion...

1. Name of unit and affiliation if any.
2. Number of military personnel attending.
3. Will your unit have an officer/NCO in charge?

Please email this information to the Battalion Commander Christopher Smith at clsmith@5thohio.com.




When you arrive on site PLEASE see Maj Don Van Meter before you set up.

Director Cut of Gettysburg and Gods & Generals on Blu-ray

To commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War, Warner Brothers is releasing an extended director's cut version of both "Gettysburg" and "Gods and Generals" on Blu-ray. This will also be the first time either film will be seen in high definition. Both sets include a book and a second disc with special features.

On-line websites such as Best Buy are currently taking pre-orders ($29.00 for each film) and will be available May 24th.

Photo from the Ohio Civil War 150 Ceremony

Thanks to all who turned out at the Ohio State House. You guys looked grand!

Beaver Creek Reenactment Around the Corner

It is almost time again for the bi-annual "Jackson in  the Valley" Civil War Reenactment at Beaver Creek State Park on May 6-8, East Liverpool, Ohio. That is just a few weeks away!!


Please visit the website at http://www.1stbrigade.com/jackson-in-the-valley-reenactment.php and get registered today!

If you have not attended this event you don't know what you have missed. The camps are some of the best you will ever experience and the mill area of the park is one of the most beautiful spots for a reenactment. Bring lots of power as the battle in the village and across the mill pond bridge are fast and intense! Plus, the event puts on a great breakfast for all reenactors Sunday morning!

We are calling all Ohio and PA units to attend!

Sincerely,
Christopher Smith, Lt Col
Event Federal Commander
Birney's Division, 2d Battalion

American Civil War Begins 150 Years Ago Today

The bloodiest four years in American history begin when Confederate shore batteries under General P.G.T. Beauregard open fire on Union-held Fort Sumter in South Carolina's Charleston Bay. During the next 34 hours, 50 Confederate guns and mortars launched more than 4,000 rounds at the poorly supplied fort.

On April 13, U.S. Major Robert Anderson surrendered the fort. Two days later, U.S. President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation calling for 75,000 volunteer soldiers to quell the Southern "insurrection."


As early as 1858, the ongoing conflict between North and South over the issue of slavery had led Southern leadership to discuss a unified separation from the United States. By 1860, the majority of the slave states were publicly threatening secession if the Republicans, the anti-slavery party, won the presidency. Following Republican Abraham Lincoln's victory over the divided Democratic Party in November 1860, South Carolina immediately initiated secession proceedings. On December 20, the South Carolina legislature passed the "Ordinance of Secession," which declared that "the Union now subsisting between South Carolina and other states, under the name of the United States of America, is hereby dissolved." After the declaration, South Carolina set about seizing forts, arsenals, and other strategic locations within the state. Within six weeks, five more Southern states--Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, and Louisiana--had followed South Carolina's lead.

In February 1861, delegates from those states convened to establish a unified government. Jefferson Davis of Mississippi was subsequently elected the first president of the Confederate States of America. When Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated on March 4, 1861, a total of seven states (Texas had joined the pack) had seceded from the Union, and federal troops held only Fort Sumter in South Carolina, Fort Pickens off the Florida coast, and a handful of minor outposts in the South. Four years after the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter, the Confederacy was defeated at the total cost of 620,000 Union and Confederate soldiers dead.
 
History.com

Event Musical Chairs

Members of Birney's Division and other Interested Parties:

April is the unofficial start to our reenacting season and this year and we have several events taking place on the same dates, at different locations throughout the tri-state area.

The weekend of April 15th through the 17th there are three Birney's events taking place, on the same weekend, West in Ohio at Hale Farm, in Western Pennsylvania at Perryopolis, and East in Chambersburg Pennsylvania.

In the West: Lt. Colonel Smith, will be holding a 2nd Battalion Spring Muster and Drill at Hale Farm, just outside Akron Ohio. Along with weekend drill, 2nd battalion will participate in scenarios of the Underground Railroad at the time of the civil war.

Western Pennsylvania in Perryopolis PA. (12 miles from the New Stanton ext. on the PA. turnpike) at our Reenactor Village, we will hold a Spring Muster / Drill and tactical battles with confederate troops, throughout the weekend. New Perryopolis web site http://www.perryopolis.webs.com/

In the East: Lt. Colonel Rohrbaugh, will be participating in the 150th kick off series of events around Gettysburg with 1st Battalion. Along with a Spring Muster and Drill, the weekend of the 15th, will be the invasion of Chambersburg, in Chambersburg PA. with living histories and planned recreated historical events.

Check your event calendars and get out and shake off the dust and rust of winter quarters. With 3 Birney's Division events in 3 different locations, no one should be sitting at home in April. As Reenactors we will be very busy with the 150th series of events ahead of us and Birney's Division will continue to be one of the leaders in Reenacting, on and off the battlefield.


Respectfully,
Brig. Gen. Michael D. Maffei
Birney's Division

FIRST CALL - 2d Battalion Drill!

A BIG reminder that the Birney’s Division 2d Battalion drill on April 16th is coming up fast and we need to get numbers ASAP.

All units participating should send me your numbers no later than this Wednesday. We need to know how many people we are having so we can plan for dinner Saturday evening after the training.

Again, here is a quick rundown of activities:

Friday, April 15th – Personnel who wish can arrive the night before. We will be bivouacked around the “1st Settlement” cabin close to the gate house. If you need to arrive earlier than 5 pm, please email me ahead of time.

Saturday, April 16th – Formation will begin promptly at 8 am. We will start off with School of the Soldier, then Company, then Battalion. For those units who wanted to have their own drill to work at the Company level. Don’t worry; you will be doing just that during this training. Hale Farm will be open to the public during the day and visitors will get a chance to see how we prepare for Civil War reenactment battles.

This year, our organization is honored to be asked to participate in the final evening of Hale Farm & Village’s nationally recognized program “A Fugitive's Path: Escape on the Underground Railroad”. Thousands of members of the public each year participate in a “first person” experience as they portray run-away slaves seeking freedom in the North during the enforcement of the Fugitive Slave Act. As Federal soldiers, we have been asked to participate in a couple of the scenarios. This is the first time Civil War reenactors have been included in this program.

Sunday, April 17 – For those who wish to stay Saturday evening, you are more than welcome to depart on Sunday and opt for some additional Company drill at your discretion.

If is IMPORTANT to participate in our annual training as there will be many events over the year that will require tactical proficiency as a larger unit in the field. This activity on the 16th will give us a chance to learn and instruct so that our performance in the field will be the envy of our fellow reenactors!

You can download the registration form HERE: http://media-techconsulting.com/Birneys/docs/CivilWarSpringMusterRegistration.pdf

If you cannot get this in on time, please bring it with you to the activity. Regardless, I still need a head count from each unit this week.

For those of you in 1st Battalion, There will be a drill this same weekend in Perryopolis, PA. Contact Lt Col Rohrbaugh at cpldlr160@comcast.net for more details.

Your Servant,
Christopher Smith, Lt Col
clsmith@5thohio.com

Clean Up of Johnson's Island Civil War Site

(Marblehead, Ohio) – Almost exactly 150 years after the first shots of the Civil War were fired, another wave of volunteers is about to descend on America’s storied battlegrounds and prison sites – only this array of dedicated men and women will be armed with paint brushes, trash bags and weed whackers.

On Saturday, April 2, 2011, history buffs and preservationists from around the country will team up with the Civil War Trust (CWT) to help clean and restore America’s priceless battlefields, cemeteries, POW sites and shrines. The nationwide effort – dubbed Park Day – is underwritten with a grant from History™, formerly The History Channel, and has been endorsed by Take Pride in America, a division of the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Park Day, now in its 15th year, is an annual hands-on preservation event created by CWT to assist local groups with the maintenance of Civil War sites. This year, more than 100 sites in 24 states are expected to take part in the effort, with activities ranging from trash removal to trail building. In exchange for their hard work, volunteers receive t-shirts and learn the site’s history from local experts.

The Johnson’s Island Civil War Military Prison Site will participate in Park Day 2011 for the 6th year. Volunteers will assist in prison compound cleanup, removal of fallen trees from Fort Johnson, preparation of walking trails and placement of interpretative markers. For more information about Park Day at the Johnson’s Island Civil War Military Prison site and to register to participate, please contact David Bush by phone at 419-448-2327 or by email at dbush@heidelberg.edu.

Perryopolis registration

Looking forward to the Fall, Birney's Division will be hosting the annual Civil War reenactment in Perryopolis, PA (September 30 - October 2). Please check out the website and registration information at http://perryopolis.webs.com/

Ohio Civil War 150 Ceremony

Ohio 150th Anniversary Kick off Ceremony and Brunch, both at the Ohio Statehouse on April 10th.

Some reenactor information:

First on the brunch: Tickets are $40. Proceeds go to Ohio Save the Flags fund. With sponsors for Wes Cowan and such, if all 240 tickets sell, several thousand dollars will be raised. The Ohio Historical Society will be displaying, among other things the Flank Marker Flag of the 88th OVI and Regimental Colors of the 6th OVI, 10th OVC and 21st OVVI. These will be on display in the Statehouse Rotunda where they were at rest for so many years. If you want tickets, please call 800-858-6878 ASAP. You CAN attend the brunch and take part in the ceremony both. You also CAN see the flags without attending the brunch.

On the reenactment ceremony:

We will be assisting Colonel Minton and the Army of the Ohio. There will be a registration table for you to check in when you arrive. You may bring tent etc. to set up a static display for the day. You may arrive any time after 8, but please don't set up without getting approval. The ceremony starts at 2, we'll begin sorting/organizing by about 1 p.m. Unless otherwise directed... DO NOT BRING ROUNDS. There will be a firing detail, once we see registrations we'll let those folks know to bring rounds.

Uniform: The 6th OVI has registered nearly 30 folks and will be portraying the 1st OVI. Everyone else please wear your normal uniform and remember... this is an early war ceremony... not a late war show of how disgusting you can look. So, please have your uniform in decent shape. The only uniform exceptions will be a couple officers who will have specific roles. These too will be assigned once we see registrations.

Please bring both your National and Regimental colors if you have them. They would like to see NCO's carrying the colors. The colors will be formed in numerical order starting near the speaker.

The Statehouse Gift Shop will have the Save the Flag Shirts on sale that day for us. Please bring your $$ to get your shirts and encourage your folks to do the same.

Please pass this word to your folks. The wider distribution we can get with this the better.

If units and/or members from Birney's want to go PLEASE contact Lt Col Smith from 2d Battalion ASAP. clsmith@5thohio.com

Welcome to new Battery

Birney's Division would like to welcome 1st Lt. Harold George and the members of the 9th Ohio Independent Battery of Light Artillery to the ranks of our organization. The 9th will be operating with 2d Battalion at Ohio events including Hale Farm in August.

For the readers out there (and who isn't), Lt. George has written several books on the period including "Men of the 9th Ohio", "Civil War Monuments of Ohio", "DEAD Soldiers at Gettysburg", "Ohio and the American Civil War", and last year's "Custer's Last Stand".

If you are interested in becoming a member of their gun crew, contact Lt. George at ninthohio@sbcglobal.net.

Ohio Civil War 150 Regional Informational Meeting

March 16th, 5:00 pm
Tuscarawas County Convention and Visitors Bureau

For Ohio events held in Wayne, Holmes, Coshocton, Muskingum, Stark, Tuscarawas, Geurnsey, Harrison, Carroll, Jefferson, Columbiana, Belmont Counties)

Come to this regional meeting and…

-Exchange flyers and event information with other organizations (county and regional)

-Develop plans for cooperative advertising

-Explore the possibility of a Civil War Membership for events in the county (and encourage your community and regional visitors to attend your events)

-Brainstorm about packages with lodging, restaurant and other organizations

-Assistance using the CW150 Website

-Email Blast and Regional Calendar

You will also have time at the end of the meeting to give a brief update of what your site is planning for the Civil War 150 Commemoration.

If you are planning on come, please contact Kate McFadden at civilwar@dennisondepot.org or 740-922-6776 (1-877-278-8020 toll free) at the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum.

New website for the 150th Manassas

Yesterday, the Prince William County – Manassas Convention and Visitors Bureau launched the new website for the commemoration of the 150th Battle of First Manassas/Bull Run (July 21-24, 2011). The site features information for the general public attending the events, and for reenactors who will be participating.

Visit the new website at http://www.manassasbullrun.com/

Schedule of Events for 150th Manassas

The official schedule for the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Manassas has been published. Download the file at the following link: http://www.visitpwc.com/reenactment/pdf/Schedule.pdf

The Manassas event will be held in Prince William County in Virginia, July 23rd and 24th.

150th Manassas - Call for early numbers

The Division Commander has asked General Kelley for some initial infantry numbers as they relate to the 150th Anniversary reenactment of Manassas in July. All Companies need to report the following information to their Battalion Commander NO LATER THAN this Friday (March 4th). If you are not sure which Battalion you are in, please check the website at http://www.birneysdivision.org/.

1.  Will your Company be attending the event?
2.  How many military personnel?
3.  How many civilian personnel?
4.  Will there be an officer or NCO in charge?

Thanks for the information and we are looking forward to a great season!!

2d Battalion Spring Muster and Drill registration

The following is a link to the registration form for the Birney's Division 2d Battalion drill weekend at Hale Farm & Village on April 16th, 2011. Please download and complete this form, then send in with your registration fee of $2.00 (to cover the early evening meal being provided).

Click here for registration.

All Federal units are welcome. Come help us kick off the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War!

2d Battalion drill update

More information is coming together about the Civil War Federal infantry drill camp on April 16th at Hale Farm and Village in Bath, OH.

The training is Saturday only but the camp will be established Friday evening for those units who wish to come in and set up, as well as enjoy social time. We will be camping around Hale Farm's "First Settlement" cabin which is an original structure from 1805 that had been located at Wingfoot Lake in Suffield Township.

Reveille will be on Saturday morning at 7 am. The Battalion will be formed and break into companies to start with School of the Soldier, School of the Company, and eventually end the day with School of the Battalion. This will give Company Commanders and NCOs a chance to exercise their craft. We will also cover safety and use of period equipment.

Hale Farm and Village will be open to the public around 10 am and visitors will have a chance to watch as reenactors train in the maneuvers and tactics of 18 Century military infantry.

Units are invited to stay over Saturday evening for the final night of Hale Farm's critically acclaimed "A Fugitive's Path: Escape on the Underground Railroad" program. It it's 12th year, hundreds of visitors attend and are guided through a series of scenarios as they experience the trials faced by runaway slaves escaping north to freedom. For the first time, military Civil War reenactors from the Battalion have been asked to participate in the scenarios and bring a larger scale to the program.

Registration information for the drill weekend will be released in the next few weeks. Units who are not members of Birny's Division may request to participate by contacting clsmith@5thohio.com.

For more information and directions to Hale Farm and Village, visit http://www.wrhs.org/index.php/hale

Beaver Creek website updated

For all those looking for information of the Civil War reenactment at Beaver Creek State Park (May 6-8), the "Jackson in the Valley" website has just been updated including reenactor and sutler registration forms.

The Federal Commander will be Lt Col Christopher Smith from Birney's Division. All units are welcome!

Go to: http://www.1stbrigade.com/jackson-in-the-valley-reenactment.php

3rd Winchester Event Registration Now Open

September 10th - "Battle of Front Royal"
September 11th -  "Battle of Luray"

Here is an update on the Birney's Division 1st Battalion event in September. This event will be located at the new Luray Valley Museum located at Luray Caverns, VA on 200 acres of land (the same site as last years “Front Royal and Fishers Hill” events). The event is open to all branches of service. There will be a bounty for the first 4 full scale Artillery pieces and the first 30 mounted Cavalry per side. This is a not to miss reenactment. All profits from this event will help fund the The Page County Sesquicentennial Committee for Civil War preservation.


Provided will be hay, water, firewood, port-a-johns and a Saturday military ball with a Valley string band. All participants in period attire will receive a 50% discount on admission to the Caverns. Registration fee $10.00 till June 15, late registration $15.00 till August 31, $20.00 walk-ons. The site will open at noon on Friday, Sept. 9th with a living history Civil War Education Day for Page and Shenandoah County, Virginia school systems.

For further details and registration and regulation forms please visit http://www.luraycaverns.com/ click on menu item “Plan Your Visit” and use the option for “Events”, or email rod.graves@luraycaverns.com or bullfish@wiltway.com or call 540-244-7090 after 6pm.

Ohio Civil War 150th Kick Off Event

April 10, 2011

The Ohio National Guard, Ohio Civil War 150th Anniversary Committee and others are hosting this event to formally kick off the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War in Ohio. It will be held on the grounds of the Ohio Statehouse. The day will have 2 distinct events.

The morning will have a brunch in the Statehouse. There will be artifacts, including conserved Battle Flags on display. The brunch speaker will be Wes Cowan from History Detectives. Cost has not been set yet, but it will be a fundraiser. Any funds raised will go to Ohio's Battle Flag Preservation efforts.

In the afternoon we will have a living history program, also on the Statehouse Grounds. Hopefully, this event will include remarks from the Governor of Ohio among other things. The Army of the Ohio will be coordinating the reenactor side of things and members of Birney's Division have been asked to join in. Activities will include a small encampment, a recreation of the mustering in of the 1st OVI (they mustered in April 17, 1861), a mass formation of reenactors and their flags (units are asked to bring their colors, both regimental and state), a firing detail and also displays from modern Ohio National Guard Units. Seven current ONG units trace roots back to the Civil War.

For those units who wish to participate, please contact Lt Col Christopher Smith at clsmith@5thohio.com as soon as possible.

Event at the James Garfield Home

September 10-11, 2011

The National Park Service is in need of an additional l 10-15 soldiers to fill out our roster for this living history event at the home of Civil War General Games Garfield in Mentor, Ohio (http://www.nps.gov/jaga). Includes the usual amenities along with breakfast both days. Camping is on the grounds behind General Garfield's home.

Plans are to hold the encampments over the next five years in conjunction with the 150th anniversary.
There will be no admission which should provide for good attendance both days.

For more information, please contact:
 
Scott Longert
Park Guide
James A. Garfield National Historic Site
440-205-3827

Scott_Longert@nps.gov

American History and Reenactor Appreciation Weekend

March 4th, 5th and 6th, 2011

Friends, fellowship and discounts from local merchants.

Friday, March 4th – Meet and Greet with dinner discounts at THE PIKE RESTAURANT.

Saturday, March 5th – 1863 INN OF GETTYSBURG
- 9am to 11am – Continental Breakfast featuring discounts, coupons and specials from your local merchants.
- 11am – Presentation by the 150th Sesquicentennial Committee about PA kickoff events in April 2011 including Greencastle, Fairfield, Chambersburg and Gettysburg.
- 1pm – “HOW TO” seminar on Military First Person Civil War impressions.
- 3pm – “HOW TO” seminar for Ladies and Civilian impressions in Civil War and WWII reenacting.
- 8pm – 11pm – Dance featuring Gettysburg Big Band with cash bar and free refreshments only $10/person ~ Door Prizes!!

Sunday, March 6th – Historical Church Service and Fellowship Hour.

Sponsored by: Gettysburg Anniversary Committee & American Living History Educational Society.

Ohio 150th Update for February

Upcoming Events


Feb 12: Lincoln’s Birthday
Feb 21: President’s Day
Feb 26: T-County History Patriot Rally


 
 
Regional CW150 Informational Meetings


What exciting Civil War 150 events are you planning? Come share your ideas at CW150 Regional Meetings. This is your chance to promote your upcoming event network with event and advertising partners and gather some great resources. Two meetings will be held for you to come share your CW150 ideas.

- March 16th @ 5pm at the Tuscarawas County Convention and Visitors Bureau
- May 18th @ 5pm at the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum
 
 
Great Resources for Your Great Programs


Each month, check for an updated list of Re-enactors/Impersonators/Speakers or other resources that you can use to plan your events.

- How to be added to the Ohio Civil War 150’s Calendar of Events
- Bookmarks
- Potential partners and packaging ideas
- Contacts
- Ohio Humanities Council’s Civil War 150 Speaker Corps
- Resources Binder for CW150 Regions 5 and 10

 
Save the date!!!


Here are some upcoming events to mark on your calendar!

- March 12- Dennison Depot Murder Mystery Dinner
- April 9- Zoar Village Civil War Kick Off
- April 10- Ohio Historical Society CW150 Kick Off
- May 7&8- Re-enactment at Beaver Creek and McCook House Encampment
- May 18- Regional Informational Meeting at the Dennison Depot
- June 24, 25, 26- Dennison Depot Soldiers Festival



For more information and to get on the email list, contact Kate McFadden at the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum, civilwar@dennisondepot.org, 877-278-8020.

150th kick-off events in Pennsylvania

Members of the Division have been invited to participate in a sequence of events through the month of April 2011 to start off the Civil War 150th Anniversary series. These events will take place in Greencastle PA, Chambersburg PA, Fairfield PA, and Gettysburg PA during each weekend through April including activities on the actual Gettysburg battlefield. Lt Col Rohrbaugh from 1st Battalion will be coordinating for those who would like to participate. For more information, go to http://www.gettysburg.travel/150/index.asp