Holiday wishes from the General

TO ALL MEMBERS OF BIRNEY’S DIVISION
A MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL:

This past reenacting season we have seen many changes and celebrated some historical events together. Talk around the hobby was “all I want to do is make the 150th Gettysburg and then I’ll call it quits” and there were some who did leave the hobby. Understandably health issues took precedence over any desires of those who wanted to remain in the hobby and for others age and mobility might have caught up with them.

The question that I often wonder about is how do you leave the hobby? After so many years of doing what we do, planning your vacations, free time and family outings around a schedule of events and functions unrelated to anything in today’s world. Over the long season of winter quarters we look for any reason to put on the wool and spend some time with our reenactor friends, planning our next great adventure and reminiscing all the great battles and events of the past. Many of us have been in the hobby for most of our adult lives (some even longer) and we continue year after year to enjoy the hobby and the company of our friends.

For those who have left the hobby we wish them the best and hope that the transition from reenacting to civilian life goes easy for them, as they should always remember our special brotherhood of Civil War reenactors will never forget them.

2014 will be another special season with 150th year events and we hope that all our members will be there to commemorate them with us.
May all of you and you’re families have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy and Prosperous New Year.

Respectfully,
Michael D. Maffei
Commanding General Birney’s Division

Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes

-          The meeting was called to order by Maj Gen Kelley at around 8:00 PM at the Gettysburg Fire Hall.

-          1^st item discussed was the early retirement of commanding General Ed Kelley. Brig Gen Maffei presented Gen Kelley with a plaque of appreciation and ALMOST had a tear from Gen Ed. Until he fired back with a usual “Edism”. We appreciate Gen Ed’s service and dedication for making Birney’s Division one of the premiere reenactor organizations in the country and we will carry that reputation and distinction forward.

-          With the retirement of Gen Ed, Brig Gen Maffei will step in as overall commander of Birney’s retaining his current rank. Other promotions were as follows:

o   Col Rohrbaugh – Chief of Staff

                  o   Col Josh Freeman – Commander, 1^st Battalion

 

-          It was noted that with Birney’s being a member of the Army of Potomac, Middle Division, is only a change in name only and will not affect our structure or status in any way, shape, or form.

 

-          Col Baltzer talked about an NCO/Officer school to be conducted at Perryopolis in early May (See schedule). With that school he is asking that all company commanders and units send him any ideas for topics to be covered at the school.  The school was last done about 5 years ago and was a general success overall. Gen Maffei noted that Perryopolis does have the capability to house soldiers without the need for canvas, with period barracks and other buildings on site.

 

 2014 Birney's Division Schedule

12-13 April: 1^st Battalion Muster, Chambersburg, PA (1^st BN)

3-4 May: Officer and NCO School, Perryopolis, PA (Division Event)

17-18 May: 150^th New Market Anniversary, New Market, VA (1^st BN)

14-15 June: Old Bedford Village, Bedford, PA (Division Event)

26-27 July: Argus Park, Canfield, OH (2^nd BN)

9-10 Aug: Hale Farm, Bath, OH (Division Event)

6-7 September: Beaver Creek State Park, East Liverpool, OH (2^nd BN)

4-5 October: Perryopolis, PA (Division Event)

18-19 October: 150^th Battle of Cedar Creek, Middletown, VA (Division Event)

14-15 November: Remembrance Day, Gettysburg, PA (Division Event)

Optional Events:

5-6 April: 150^th Battle of Cloyd’s Mountain, Dublin, VA

1-4 May: 150^th Wilderness and Spotsylvania Courthouse, Spotsylvania, VA

21-22 June: Shippensburg, PA (Col Rohrbaugh)

4-6 July: Battle of Gettysburg, Gettysburg, PA

12-13 July: Lee’s Retreat, Williamsport, MD (Col Rohrbaugh)

19-20 July:  Lee’s Retreat, Funkstown, MD (Col Rohrbaugh)

6-7 September: Luray Caverns, Luray, VA (Col Rohrbaugh)

Major General Kelley retires

Later today, Captain Murphy will be posting the full minutes from the 2013 Annual Birney's Division Meeting held in Gettysburg this past weekend. However, the biggest news to come out of the meeting came from Major General Ed Kelley. The founder and commander of the Birney's Division organization announced his retirement from the hobby. General Kelley also promoted Brigadier General Mike Maffei to command of the organization.

Other staff changes announced included the appointment of Dennis Rohrbaugh as the organization's Chief of Staff. Colonel Josh Freeman will be taking command of 1st Battalion.

During the Remembrance Day Parade in Gettysburg Saturday, the formation of Birney's troops stopped to render a salute to General Kelley in the gallery in front of the Regimental Quartermaster store. A great debt of gratitude is due to the General for all of the hard work and sweat he has put into Birney's Division. His partnerships with some of the leaders in the reenacting community has enabled the organization, and its members, to play a key part in Civil War history events throughout the eastern United States.

Best wishes to Ed. Remember sir, there is always a seat around the campfire for you!

Birney's Division Annual meeting next weekend

The 2013 planning meeting for all Birney's Division members will be held in Gettysburg the weekend of the 150th Anniversary of Remembrance Day. All are welcome to attend as we set our event schedule and discuss plans and programs for the 2014 season.

The meeting will be held Friday, November 22nd at 8 pm. The location will be the Gettysburg Volunteer Fire Hall located at 35 N. Stratton St. off of York.

Other Birney's Division activities this weekend will be our Masonic Service at 10:30 am on Saturday the 23rd at the Friend to a Friend monument near the national cemetery. This is also open to all.

Following the Masonic service, we will be forming up behind the high school for the Remembrance Day Parade. Please look for a Division staff member to find out where to form up.

Safe travels to everyone.

Ohio Civil War Reenactors Conference this weeked!

November 2, 2013 - Ohio Historical Society, Columbus, OH

The Army of the Ohio and the 2nd Battalion of Birney's Division are once again hosting the Ohio Civil War Reenactors Conference THIS WEEKEND. This event was a great success last year and is open to all ranks, military and civilian. All branches, Union and Confederate. We highly encourage you all to attend.

The conference will again be held at the Ohio Historical Society. However, we will be in the main history center utilizing the large auditorium inside for the main sessions. We are grateful to OHS and the Columbus Blue Jackets for sponsoring this years conference which helps to absorb some of the costs.

You can download the Conference flyer and registration form at www.birneysdivision.org/schedule. Please take note that the registration fee is based on you staying for the Saturday evening dinner or not. There will also be entertainment in the evening and a chance to view the "Follow the Flag" exhibit featuring original Civil War battle flags and their stories.

More details to follow as we build the schedule and you can get the latest news at www.facebook.com/OHCWRC.

2013 Ohio Civil War Reenactors Conference

November 2, 2013 - Ohio Historical Society, Columbus, OH

The Army of the Ohio and the 2nd Battalion of Birney's Division are once again hosting the Ohio Civil War Reenactors Conference. This event was a great success last year and is open to all ranks, military and civilian. All branches, Union and Confederate.

The conference will again be held at the Ohio Historical Society. However, we will be in the main history center utilizing the large auditorium inside for the main sessions. We are grateful to OHS and the Columbus Blue Jackets for sponsoring this years conference which helps to absorb some of the costs.

You can download the Conference flyer and registration form at www.birneysdivision.org/schedule. Please take note that the registration fee is based on you staying for the Saturday evening dinner or not. There will also be entertainment in the evening and a chance to view the "Follow the Flag" exhibit featuring original Civil War battle flags and their stories.

More details to follow as we build the schedule and you can get the latest news at www.facebook.com/OHCWRC.

The hits just keep on coming!

It is amazing how many great photos were taken at the 150th Gettysburg this year. Here is another online album of pics featuring Birney's Division.
https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B0x38t9jvN9PZWowa2dIY1VxTlU&usp=sharing

Perryopolis early registration closing soon

We are less then a month away and we just wanted to send a reminder that registration for the 2013 Perryopolis Civil War Reenactment is due.

• Early Registration - $8.00 before September 23, 2013
• Walk On Registration-$10.00
• Children 12 Years of age and younger are FREE, please provide proof of age.
• Make All Checks Payable To: Perryopolis Area Historical Society (PAHS)
• A Saturday evening meal will be provided to all registered reenactors. This will include vegetable soup, bread, a beverage, and a dessert.

Download the registration form HERE!

If you have a any question involving the Perryopolis Reenactment, please feel free to email us at perrycivilwar@gmail.com or just visit our website at www.perryopolis.webs.com. Directions and the schedule of events can be found on our website.

Regards from Zoar

Another great Civil War reenacting weekend comes to a close. The weather was perfect and we had around 75 men in the battalion. We were also joined by General Maffei from Birney's Division HQ this weekend who brought best wishes from General Kelley.

Saturday evening, we were honored to be invited to a soiree hosted by Colonel Tim Perry. Staff members from Birney's and the Army of the Ohio journeyed to the Confederate camp for a wonderful spread of delicious food prepared by the ladies and spirits in the form of Captain Wormley's homemade mead! I would have loved every reenactor to have been there only to see that, in spite of past differences, we truly enjoy our friendship. It was a hell of a good time and laughter was the order of the evening. Thank you to our friends in gray for a very enjoyable evening!

This weekend was my final tour as the commander of Birney's 2nd Battalion. As always, I enjoyed leading the lads on the field Saturday afternoon in the Brotherton Farm scenario from the Battle of Chickamauga (of which we are now commemorating the 150th anniversary). It was a pleasure to shake each of your hands as I dismissed you for the final time. I am very proud, and you should ALL be proud, of the work you have done over the years to educated the public and honor those who served.

On Sunday we held a Brigade dress parade with the Army of the Ohio and conducted the change of command ceremony as I passed the battalion to Colonel Paul Baltzer. Thank you to that long line of my blue friends! It was also an honor to have the Confederate troops made up of the Army of Northern Virginia and the Army of the Shenandoah attend, as well as my family and Kelly Falcone from Hale Farm and Village. I was absolutely humbled by the kind words spoken by Colonel Perry of the ANV, Colonel Minton of the Army of the Ohio, and our own General Maffei. I don't think I can express my gratitude accurately. Thank you gentlemen.

The guidon is now passed and Colonel Baltzer and he and the staff will move the battalion on to the next adventure.

Thank you all for your participation this weekend. As always, we achieved our mission goal of teaching the public about the life of the Civil War soldier, and had a damned good time doing it!!

See you on the field in the future.

Your Servant,
Christopher L. Smith, Colonel
Birney's Division

The Light of Freedom showings

Passing this along for those of you from Birney's Division who worked as an extra in the film. FYI, you MUST buy tickets ahead of time!

The time has come! We are very excited for all of you to see “The Light of Freedom”! Bob Minton, Mark Holbrook, Josh Mann, and Elizabeth Topping did such a great job organizing, designing sets for the reenactment scenes, the civilians, and making all of you look great... and it shows! We believe you will love it and trust it will be something you all will be proud of.

We at KICKS want to thank you for all your hard work and we are giving you exclusive early access to guarantee you first come while hosting all the special reenactment events we can, and give you first serve tickets to the theatrical release of "The Light of Freedom". We will be giving public access to tickets beginning the evening of August 25th (Sunday). This gives you Thursday through Sunday afternoon to purchase your tickets. Please know, if we sell the theater out, we will work on selling the second showing and do this as long as the tickets are sold! We have sought out our own theaters and we felt this gave us the ability to do a reenactor event in historical clothing. We hope you enjoy them, and please, get all your friends, neighbors, fellow reenactors, family, church, and social groups to come!

Here is the link to all the areas the movie is being released. This page will have theaters added to it daily and will increase before Sunday’s public access and through the theatrical release.
http://www.thelightoffreedommovie.com/purchase-tickets.html

You will find the links to PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS ONLINE below:

Columbus, Ohio: October 14th, Reenactor Event, come in historical clothing.
http://www.thelightoffreedommovie.com/columbus-ohio-showing.html

Rochester, NY: October 14, Reenactor Event, come in historical clothing.
http://www.thelightoffreedommovie.com/rochester-new-york-showing.html

Wadsworth (Canton/Akron), Ohio: October 15th, Reenactor Event, come in historical clothing.
http://www.thelightoffreedommovie.com/wadsworth-ohio-showing.html

Cincinnati, Ohio: October 15th, Reenactor Event, come in historical clothing.
http://www.thelightoffreedommovie.com/cincinnati-ohio-showing.html

Pittsburgh, PA, we would like to do a Reenactor Event but are currently working on a theater at this time and have not obtained one as of yet. Check back to the website if you are interested.

October 21st, one week after the above showings we are doing a Reenactor Event in historical clothing in Maumee, Ohio. This is for the Northwestern area of Ohio. To note; there will be two showings, at 4:45PM and 7:15PM on the same day.
http://www.thelightoffreedommovie.com/maumee-ohio-showing.html

Marietta, Ohio: October 23rd, Reenactor Event in costume.
http://www.thelightoffreedommovie.com/marietta-ohio-showing.html

IMPORTANT INFO ON GETTYSBURG:

We want to host a special Gettysburg, PA event. This historical event is a celebration to be held November 14th, in honor of Commemoration Day. The theater is secured, but before it is to be officially announced, we need a certain number of tickets sold to reach the goal needed to complete this event. Ticket prices for this event are a higher price due to the theater cost, month, and location. Tickets will be $12.00-$15.00 in cost and 100 tickets are needed to reach the goal. Please email us to let us know if you or your group will be interested at info@thelightofreedommovie.com. After gaging interest we will then add the ability to purchase tickets for this event.
http://www.thelightoffreedommovie.com/gettysburg-pennsylvania-showing.html

Thank you all, and we hope you will enjoy these special Reenactor events set especially for all of you!

Fall in for Zoar!

As Birney's 2d Battalion heads away from a greatly successful Hale Farm, next on our schedule is another huge regional event in Zoar, Ohio, September 7-8, 2013. This year the reenactment will be based around the Battle of Chickamauga as it is the 150th anniversary.

The website has all of the pertinent information and you can register right online! Go to www.zoarcivilwar.com.

As you know, this will be my last event as the commander of the battalion and we will be holding a Change of Command ceremony on Sunday during dress parade. I sincerely look forward to seeing all of you there.

Your Servant,
Christopher L. Smith, Colonel
2d Battalion, Birney's Division

After Action Report - Hale Farm and Village 2013

After 20 years in the Civil War reenacting world, you can get pretty un-excited about the whole thing. Especially the battle scenarios. This includes national events. Let me say this to start off the report. If you didn’t go to the 25th Annual Civil War Reenactment at Hale Farm this past weekend, you need to know that you missed something that you are probably going to find it hard to experience again. To quote dozens of reenactors who came up to me on Sunday, “These beat the battles we fought at the 150th Gettysburg”, and “This was the best event I have been to all year”.

When we began the planning meetings for this year between the Hale staff and the reenactor command staffs, we wanted to create a scenario that would capture the imagination of the public and utilize areas of the property that no one had ever considered before. With this year being the 150th anniversary of Gettysburg, and with such a large cavalry presence at Hale Farm, it was only natural to set the scene as Gettysburg: Day 1 and the beginning of the battle around the McPherson Farm.

The camp came together very nicely thanks to Capt. Strichko. I don’t have final numbers for the event itself but we had roughly 90 rifles in the Battalion. The Army of the Ohio experience similar infantry attendance. As the Federal army filled up the village area of the property, we needed to be mindful that the later part of the battle would spill into the village. We needed to hold some space for the scenario. Total number of reenactors (military and civilian, both sides and all branches) I believe finally came out somewhere around 700.

Saturday morning started off with a “surprise” attack on the village. Of course, reenactors can always smell trouble and I think we were ready. Mike Church’s 6th Ohio Cavalry would portray Confederates as well and Capt. Church would send over troopers disguised as a “Federal Detachment” to shoot me down making sure my pending retirement from battalion command was not a quite one. That’s ok. What goes around comes around (insert evil laugh here). I am not a big fan of tactical engagements from a Civil War standpoint. They usually become cowboys and indians with no one taking casualties. This was the same situation but it got the blood flowing in people. Eventually, folks were more interested in coffee and breakfast than who was trying to take the town.

The event officially opened at 10 am and the crowds began to stream in. And I mean STREAM! Attendance records were set this year with over 2500 people on Saturday alone and what looked to be another 2000 to 2500 on Sunday. Concessions at Hale Farm were cleaned on Saturday so emergency supplies had to be acquired. This was also true of the Flying Turtle Tavern who was cleaned out Saturday! There were a lot of sutlers at this event including national people such as Fall Creek. At this point, quite a few more sutlers on a waiting list and expansion room is being discussed next year.

As mentioned, the McPherson battle scenario was going to be challenging. Everything needed to be precise to the plan as there were so many complexities it could go very wrong. Here was the plan.

The spectators would watch the battle from two locations. The first being from the south side of the creek near the broom barn and Visitors Center (the brush all along the creek had been cut down). This was sort of the area where the sutlers had been in years past.

The second area for spectators was out in the MIDDLE of the north pasture where we had the battle in previous years. The scenario itself would take place between those two lines of muggles, er, spectators with them looking toward each other. Essentially, you could watch the battle from either side over two different days and get a completely different experience.

The battle began with the Federal cavalry (about 65 horses) patrolling around “Gettysburg” and finally arriving at the McPherson farm (the Hale House and barns) after hearing of contact with Confederate forces west of that position. The Confederate infantry and artillery were seated in the woods north of the farm (near Hale Farm’s pioneer cabin). “Buford’s cavalry” dismounted and sent horses to the rear. The troopers move forward along with artillery to engage the Confederate infantry pressing their position.

Our infantry from Birney’s Division was stationed down the road near a barn. The Army of the Ohio troops, along with overall Federal Commander Col. Minton, was stationed down the road in the other direction. Both elements would portray the lead soldiers of John Reynolds’s 1st Corp of the Army of the Potomac.

After the Federal cavalry had been engaged for some time, riders were sent to the two battalions asking them to move forward to help halt the Confederate advance.

As Birney’s 2nd Battalion would fight around the Hale House on Saturday, we spent our drill time in the morning walking through the steps. Forming the battle line once through the gate in front of the Hale House, and moving the Battalion in two wings around the house to engage the Confederates on the other side. All the while, coordinating with the artillery and their location in the apple orchard next to us. We also practiced our retreat back to the village I am glad we took the time to step through it with the entire unit as everything went FLAWLESSLY in the actual battle! There was one little tiny thing that was so cool that some of you may have missed. We were pleased as always to have Mike Dallas and the 150th PVI Bucktails with us this weekend. The 150th fought at the McPherson Farm at Gettysburg. You probably all know the story of the “Citizen Soldier of Gettysburg” John Burns who ran from his home on the first day of Gettysburg with the rifle he carried in the War of 1812 to join the ranks of the Bucktails. Jeff Jones from Hale Farm (and a reenactor for many years) portrayed Burns alongside the Pennsylvanians this weekend complete with a flintlock musket, crumpled tall hat and long coat. Very cool. The spitting image of John Burns.

The Confederates pushed and pushed us toward “Seminary Ridge” and the outskirts of “Gettysburg”. As we fought a retreating fight toward the big stone house in the village, many spectators could follow us behind a fence and over the road as we moved, eventually ending up in a coral and right on top of the battle itself. They were really in it and I saw many of them flinch and duck as dueling volleys played out right in front of them.

As us Federals panicked back toward “Gettysburg”, many were cut down by Confederate rifles. Some of our lads even took refuge in the buildings only to be captured.

After the battle on Saturday, The Army of the Ohio held a pie auction at Federal HQ to raise money for the restoration of the Colors of the 25th OVI currently being cared for at the Ohio Historical Society in Columbus. The auction was well attended by hungry soldiers and Birney’s 25th OVI attended with their reproduced Colors. I am excited to announce that $900.00 was raised for the restoration!

In Sunday’s battle, we flipped places with the Army of the Ohio and pressed the Confederates through the apple orchard and part of the pasture where the crowd watched. Thank goodness Jason at Hale Farm took down sections of the fence. It beat trying to climb over several of them!

As I said at the end of Saturday’s fight, I don’t know of any group of reenactors that could pull off such a complex scenario, let alone be on time and on target every step of the way. You did it!!!

In closing, my thanks to the 2d Battalion Staff, Paul Baltzer, Bob Penix, and Dave Strichko, and all of the officers, NCOs and soldiers who served in the Battalion this weekend!

A big thank you also to Bob Minton, Mike Church, Nick Medich, Greg Van Wey and their staffs.

A HUGE thank you to Kelly, Jason, Lisa, Margaret, Catherine and ALL of the folks at Hale Farm and Village for giving us a great sandbox to play in.

Submitted respectfully,
Christopher L. Smith, Colonel
2d Battalion – Birney’s Division

1st Call! Hale Farm

At this time, we are calling all Birney's Division units and units who will participate with Birney's Division at Hale Farm to report their estimated numbers to the 2d Battalion Adjutant. Please send the following information to Capt. Strichko at strichkod@yahoo.com ASAP.

1. Is your unit attending?
2. How many military personnel are participating?
3. How many civilians are attending?
4. How many tents do you have and what kind?

Looking forward to seeing all of you there. Remember, the National Park Service has the road north of Hale Farm closed due to repairs. Go to www.halefarm.org and download the new driving directions map.

Birney's troops at Hale Farm

Hello pards. You may already be tired of hearing me say this, but today is the final day to pre-register for the event at Hale Farm and Village (August 10 and 11). This event, as well as the site, has always been near and dear to my heart as it is one of the most important historical landmarks from the time period of the Civil War in Northeast Ohio.

After attending the event for 18 years, this will be my final Hale Farm reenactment as your Battalion Commander. I would really love to see the ranks filled with members from our organization!

Looking forward to seeing everyone there! To register, go to www.halefarm.org.

Hale Farm pre-registration closing July 31st

Pre-registration for the 25th annual Hale Farm and Village Civil War reenactment will be closing on July 31st (this week). This year will be unlike any scenario ever held at Hale. The 1st Day of the Battle of Gettysburg will feature fighting around the farm buildings rather than in the open pasture. This promises to be the biggest year yet as reenactors from all over the region are registering.

The registration cutoff was June 30th but a special extension was granted due to the 150th Gettysburg events in PA. Go to http://www.halefarm.org/ and click on the Civil War graphic for more information on the event and download the registration form.

NEW THIS YEAR! You can also register ONLINE! It's easy and secure.

Hale Farm and Village Annual Civil War Reenactment
August 1-11, 2013
Bath, OH

Perryopolis registration now open

October 5-6, 2013
Perryopolis, PA

Perryopoils Registration is NOW OPEN!

- Early Registration - $8.00 before September 23, 2013
- Walk On Registration - $10.00
- Children 12 Years of age and younger are FREE, please provide proof of age.

Please visit our website at www.perryopolis.webs.com to download the registration form and LIKE us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/perryopoliscivilwar

Hale Farm registration closing soon

August 10-11 (Bath, OH) Don't forget that registration for Hale Farm closes on July 31st. You can register online at www.halefarm.org. We plan on having over 100 rifles in the Battalion this year and we need your support.

Due to a northern road closure, make sure to download the new driving directions. http://www.wrhs.org/Properties/Directions_Hale_Farm_Village

Keep an eye out for a "First Call" to companies in the next few weeks!

The 25th anniversary of the Hale Farm & Village Civil War event will be a treasured experience

BATH, OHIO—Hale Farm and Village, a museum of Western Reserve Historical Society, brings the Civil War to life at the annual Civil War Reenactment and Encampment, August 10-11, 2013. The Reenactment at Hale Farm & Village is the largest annual Civil War reenactment in Ohio.

Beginning on August 9, Hale Farm “Civil War Education Day,” in partnership with the 6th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry presents a sneak peek into the making of a reenactment. Visitors have the unique opportunity to observe Union and Confederate camp set-up, meet soldiers and civilians in period dress, and enjoy all that Hale Farm and Village has to offer.

During Saturday, August 10 and Sunday, August 11, visitors can experience the sights and sounds of The Battle of Gettysburg being reenacted at 2pm both days. Visitors can shake hands with “President Lincoln” who will be at Hale to mark the 150th anniversary of this seminal battle in the nation’s history. Over 500 reenactors will be set up at the encampment, and visitors are invited to walk through the campgrounds and talk with those dressed in period clothing and uniforms.

The Battle of Gettysburg will be reenacted at 2pm both days. Other highlights of the weekend include Camp Chase Fife and Drum corps and shopping on Sutlers Row with vendors of Civil War era merchandise. Cavalry mounted drills, foot soldier drills, and weapons and uniforms of the Civil War will also take place throughout the weekend.

Prior to the 2pm Battle Reenactment on Saturday, August 10, Ohio’s Civil War 150th Advisory Committee will present Hale Farm and Village with a Heritage Award to recognize its efforts commemorating Ohio’s Civil War involvement.

This year, the reenactment will use all locations of the Hale Farm and Village property to recreate the engagements during the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg. In years past, visitors have been required to gaze on from afar as the reenacted battle scenario unfolded. Each individual structure at Hale Farm & Village will represent farms, buildings, and locations from Gettysburg during this year’s reenactment.

Chris Smith, an Ohioan and reenactor taking part in the event at Hale Farm and Village, said, “I grew up in a family that loves history. After reading books, eventually you look for a more tactile understanding. Living history allows you to taste, smell, and feel a part of what they must have gone through. Now when I read about the soldiers, I can better grasp their experience in some small fashion. I’ve been that hot. I’ve been that cold. I’ve been that dirty and wet.”

Advance tickets are available for the weekend-long event, with regular admission for one-day visitors and special pricing for those who choose to purchase two-day tickets. For adults, a two-day ticket is $15.00 ($10.00 for one day) and children two-day admission is $7.50 ($5.00 for one day). Each day offers activities for the whole family and the opportunity to experience the life during the American Civil War. Visit: www.HaleFarm.org or http://www.wrhs.org/Properties/Civil_War_Reenactment_Encampment

“The Civil War Reenactment & Encampment brings the past to life in a memorable way. Reenactment weekend is something that our entire organization contributes to,” said Gainor Davis, President & CEO of WRHS. “This event gives us the opportunity to give the community a learning experience that goes hand in hand with one of our current exhibits, Photography in the Civil War: The WRHS Civil War Collections.”

The weekend of historic reenactment and battle reproduction caps off WRHS’ ongoing efforts in educating the public about the Civil War. The Photography in the Civil War exhibit at the History Center in University Circle features prints of civilian life, military encampments, battles, and the lives of slaves. Regimental papers, diaries, and letters from the time period are also included in the exhibit, all of which are part of the widely acclaimed WRHS Civil War collection.

Hale Farm and Village is located on 90 acres, with 32 historic structures, farm animals, heritage gardens, food preparation, and early American craft and trade demonstrations including glassblowing, blacksmithing, broom making and home crafts. Hale Farm and Village is open Wednesday-Sunday from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. For more information on the location, visit www.halefarm.org or call 330.666.3711. Admission is $10 for adults, $10; $9 for seniors, and $5 for children 3-12. Those under 3 are admitted free of charge. Turn-by-turn directions to Hale Farm and Village are also available online.

Events on the tail of Gettysburg

Boys! The action doesn't stop after the 150th Gettysburg. Just a reminder we have these events coming up starting this weekend.

1st Battalion:
July 13-15, Retreat through Williamsport, Williamsport, MD
July 20-21, 150th Battle of Funkstown (Lee's Retreat), Funkstown, MD

2d Battalion:
August 10-11, First Day at Gettysburg (Hale Farm and Village), Bath, OH

For registration information, go to http://www.birneysdivision.org/schedule

Thanks from the Chief of Staff

To all the members of Birney’s Division,

I had tried to shake as many hands and thank everyone after the event for the fine job they had done all week at the 150th celebration, however the good Lord thought it was time to cool us all down and opened the sky on us. This past week’s event was HOT, VERY HOT, but our people endured and came out in force, creating a great impression on the field. No, not all the battles were stellar events, but our troops directed by their commanders fought each one like it was 1863.

It was an honor to command such a fine group of individuals and it is with sincere appreciation and gratitude that I say thank you for supporting Birney’s Division our Major General Ed Kelley and his staff. We are very fortunate to have one of the best organizations in reenacting today. We see several other established reenactor groups continue to decline, while ours continues to grow, only proving our members are special and appreciate the atmosphere we have all developed over the years.

Respectfully,
Brig. Gen. Mike Maffei
Chief of Staff, Birney’s Division

Forward men... on to Hale Farm!

Now that Gettysburg is behind us and we are licking our wounds, companies need to start getting ready for our next event at Ohio's Hale Farm and Village on August 9-11.

Due to all of the Gettysburg activities in PA, the deadline for pre-registration shown on the form has been extended to July 31st! Please make sure to get this taken care of. You can even register on-line with a credit card.

Go to http://www.wrhs.org/Properties/Civil_War_Reenactment_Encampment for all of the information including a new map on how to get to Hale Farm.

This year, the battle scenarios will be unlike any other experienced at Hale as we recreate the 1st Day at Gettysburg with fighting around the "McPherson Farm" and the outskirts of town. Camps have rotated as we have done before. The Federal troops are back in the Village.

This is a 2d Battalion max-effort event. Get your men up and going!

The 150th Gettysburg: Report from the Seminary

As some of you know, a few units from our organization have been in Gettysburg participating on the official 150th activities including the military camps on the grounds of the Lutheran Seminary. Here is a fantastic report from Capt. Keith MacGregor of the 142nd PA from the last couple of days.

Report for Sunday and Monday at Gettysburg:

Sunday we had church service under the trees in the beautiful Seminary campus. Sunday afternoon battle had the 142nd deployed as skirmishers. The Rebs eventually charged our line and we engaged in hand to hand combat. The crowds were appreciative and large all day through the camps. Band concerts continued throughout the day. Sunday night we ventured to Lee's Hdq, (now a micro brewery), and engaged the Rebs again, this time in toasts to the Republic, and those that have gone before. A fun night of camaraderie, toasts, and talking history with the patrons. We walked back to camp, and waited for 12:01 midnight July 1st the actual anniversary. Recognizing the moment we turned in.

This morning six cannon were placed on the battlefield, and continuously fired for 30 minutes, precisely at 8:00 AM to the time when the great battle began 150 years ago. Before the firing I was asked if I wanted to carry the 1st Corps flag for living historian portraying General Reynolds. I jumped at that chance. Did not have ear plugs (mistake) as I was standing directly behind the firing cannon.

At 9:30 the new Lutheran Seminary Museum had a ribbon cutting ceremony. Pennsylvania Gov. Corbett, and many dignitaries were there. The 142nd fielded the Color Guard for the event. It was quite an honor. The Wildcat Regimental Band of the 105th PVI provided a great band concert, full of period patriotic songs. The Battle Hymn of the Republic never sounded better.

At 3:00 PM we held a brief ceremony in camp around the 142nd flag, a moment of silence for the 200 plus soldiers from the 142nd who were killed, wounded, or captured on this very ground. At 4:30, the Sons of Confederate Veterans Color Guard marched with a (bag) piper with their colors, the length of Seminary Avenue. Marking the moment that the Seminary Ridge would belong to the Confederates. Broke camp at 5:00 PM. An amazing kick-off to the week long 150th commemoration. Tomorrow rest, Wednesday return to Gettysburg. 7 battles in 4 days await with 12,000 reenactors, 130 cannon, and 400 horses.

150th Gettysburg Ccompany Streets

On behalf of General Palese, Commander of the 1st Division, please be informed that the company streets for the Gettysburg reenactment on July 4-7 will be laid out prior to the troops arrival. The streets will be numbered from 1-30 and stakes will be placed to designate each street. The streets are assigned as shown below:

• 1st Regiment, FVB will have streets 1-11 (Musicians will have street 12)
• 2nd Regiment, FVB will have streets 13-19
• Birney’s Division battalions will have streets 20-30

Please inform your troops accordingly!

Staff Opportunity at Gettysburg

I think we can all agree that the events being held for the 150th Anniversary of Gettysburg will be a once in a lifetime experience for us as reenactors. During the 140th Antietam, I was given the opportunity to serve as the Sergeant Major of a large organization at the event. It was hard work but it was also an honor and privilege to do so. I will never forget the experience.

With that in mind, I want to reach out to our folks in 2d Battalion. First to say thank you to a wonderful group of reenactors. We have always had a lot of fun together and Gettysburg will be no different. Because the of this unique benchmark, I would like to give one of you the same opportunity that I was given by Mark Melroy and Duayne Anderson at Antietam years ago. I am taking "applications" (for lack of a better term) for someone who would like to server as the Sergeant Major of the 1st Division's 2d Battalion at the 150th Anniversary Gettysburg Reenactment on July 4-7.

A sergeant major was a battalion staff member responsible for keeping reports for the battalion and maintaining order within the ranks. In battle, he advanced on the left, behind the line of battle, to help guide troop movement.

 You will need to have a solid grasp of the job. Experience as an NCO or officer is good but not required.  You need to have good understanding of the appropriate paperwork, safety, and how to form the battalion. Information can be found all over the web. I had no experience in the Sergeant Major roll when I was asked to do it only three weeks before Antietam. I sewed on the stripes and hit the books hard! Confidence is a plus!

YOU are the senior NCO in the battalion! You will be a team player with the Battalion Adjutant Capt. Strichko. Your new name will be Johnny-on-the-spot.

If you are interested, please email me at clsmith@5thohio.com or message me on Facebook. This will be the thing that all of your pards will never hear the end of around future evening fires.

Boys! Keep the Colors up and follow me!!

Christopher Smith, Colonel
Birney's Division, 2d Battalion

Five Beneficiary Presentations on Sunday

The Gettysburg Anniversary Committee had previously announced that $5 of every reenactor registration fee will be donated to 5 local beneficiaries on behalf of the 150th Gettysburg National Civil War Reenactment. They are the Adams County Historical Society, The new Gettysburg Civil War Museum At Seminary Ridge, Land Conservancy Of Adams County, The SGT MAC National Wreath Project and Preservation and Improvement Of The Eisenhower Iron Bridge and Sachs Mill Covered Bridge. These significant contributions will be made on the field Sunday afternoon prior to Pickett's Charge.

Seminary Prelude Event

The Seminary Prelude Event is close to capacity with Living History closed and room for more Confederate military and a few more Federal. Please contact Generals Baldwin & Gesuero for more military information.

Excitement is building for this 150th National Reenactment Event prelude event "Historic Seminary Ridge Experience". This community event is a very unique and limited opportunity to provide living history, engage in two First Day skirmishes and camp on the historic grounds of the Gettysburg Theological Seminary both Saturday & Sunday. There will also be an opportunity for campaign style camping around Schmucker Hall. There will be concerts both Saturday and Sunday evening. Schmucker Hall with its famous cupola overlooking the town and battlefield is the most significant privately owned historic building in Gettysburg. Registered participants may camp until Tuesday morning on the seminary grounds. The Grand Opening of the newly renovated Gettysburg Museum on Seminary Ridge (Schmucker Hall) will be at 10:00 Monday, July 1. Schmucker Hall has going through a year-long $17 million renovation during restoration and conversion into a world class Civil War museum. This is Gettysburg's most important addition. Inquiries for military should be directed to Generals Baldwin & Gesuero, gac3@comcast.net while living history participation information and all event registration should be directed to Kirk Davis alhes1776@yhoo.com 717-338-1776. There will be a $5 registration donation fee with all proceeds being donated to The Gettysburg Museum on Seminary Ridge. It has been announced that registered Reenactors for this event will be given an opportunity for special tour preview privileges from 2-5 on Friday, 1-4 on Saturday and 11-1 on Sunday. You may select your time at registration which begins at noon on Friday in the lobby of Valentine Hall next to Schmucker Hall. There Will Be Hell To Pay...at the historic Lutheran Seminary!

Gettysburg Reenactor Registration, Walk-Ons and Cars In Camp

General reenactor registration closed June 3 for the purpose of preparing on-site registration check in materials. Living History closed May 15 and will not be open to walk-ons. There are now approximately 10,000 registered reenactors, 135 cannon including several horse-drawn and approximately 400 horses. The living history area will be 700 strong. Final numbers before walk-ons are still being entered. Military walk-ons will be accepted at the event registration beginning Tuesday July 2 at 8:00 AM. Walk-ons not belonging to a recognized registered unit will be assigned to a provisional unit with no exceptions. Walk-ons must show identification and sign all the necessary waivers and safety acknowledgements before being allowed to enter the camps. All reenactors will receive a Reenactor Information Sheet with a variety of useful information at registration.

Some participants voiced concern regarding Thursday and Friday arrival. We heard their concern and cars will be allowed in camp to unload both Thursday & Friday until dusk. After unloading, the vehicle must be removed from camp immediately to Reenactor Parking. Your cooperation promptly removing your vehicle is appreciated out of respect for your comrades and for the integrity of the event. Military Command will closely monitor this policy. Friday evening will conclude vehicles being allowed in camps - until horse trailers are allowed back in camp after the morning cavalry battle, to avoid horses sitting in the heat at the site or on the highway. Absolutely no other vehicles will be allowed in camp until the final battle is completed on Sunday afternoon. Each reenactor in the vehicle entering camp must have their own Reenactor Pass to be allowed into camp. If any of the occupants do not have their pass the vehicle will be sent back to registration. Registration is open until 10PM each evening. Please plan you arrival hours accordingly. After 10 pm reenactors will be staged near registration until the next morning. Attempting to drive in and set up camp in the dark is dangerous and disturbing to your comrades already there. Horse and artillery registration is beside the command center and will be well marked. This is an area abut 1/4 mile from general registration with more room for the rigs and allows horses to be taken out of trailers and watered if necessary after a long journey. There will be food service available in the CSA Camp and near the Living History Area for the Federal Camp after Tuesday at 12 pm.

Opportunities for the Summer at Hale Farm

Volunteer Recruitment and Orientation on Saturday June 1st, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Gatehouse Visitor Center. Bring your friends and family to explore volunteer opportunities in the farm and horticulture program, crafts and trades venues, historic preservation, signature programming, interpretation, food service and more. All WRHS volunteers are required to complete a volunteer application.

www.halefarm.org

2d Battalion being called to Old Bedford Village

Old Bedford Village Civil War Reenactment
June 15-16, 2013

220 Sawblade Rd., Bedford, PA 15522

www.oldbedfordvillage.com

 

Good afternoon to all of the soldier of Birney's 2d Battalion. General Kelley is calling our force to Old Bedford Village next month in order to quell the Rebel hoard now moving its way into Pennsylvania! General Kelley reports that we are looking at 200 plus Confederate troops so it will be a target-rich environment.

 

As many of you know, OBV is a max effort event for Birney's Division as a whole organization and 2d Battalion used to go every year. Because of the schedule of events here in Ohio, it has been hard to get over there but you requested that we make every effort in 2013. The time is here!!

 

Pre-registration ($6.00) is still open and walk-ons are welcome. If you are a Birney's Division unit, you are already covered under the organization's insurance policy. You can download the registration form at http://www.oldbedfordvillage.com/reenactorRegistration.pdf

 

At this time, I would like any 2d Battalion units or associated units to report a ball park number of MILITARY personnel who will be attending the Old Bedford Village event.

 

Please send your preliminary numbers to Captain Dave Strichko at bidelectric@windstream.net. If you just have a few members of your unit planning to go, please let Capt. Stritchko know and we will get you folded in to the company of your choice.

 

Your Servant,

Christopher L. Smith, Colonel

 

 

 

Beaver Creek a success

The first 2d Battalion event of 2013 is in the can as they say. My thanks to all the troops who turned out to the Beaver Creek reenactment. What perfect weather for reenacting! I will have a full AAR coming this week, but in the meantime, please enjoy these photos taken by Andy Donaldson.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/macian/sets/72157633716317661/

Birney's 2013-14 insurance information

Greetings Birney's Division member units,

We are pleased to again offer Commercial General Liability Insurance to protect members for the rest of 2013 into the 2014 season. We have received the renewal notice and again I 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 29th, 2013 along with a list of all events your company will be attending for the rest of the season from June until next season. Battalion and Division staff members should send this information directly to Dennis. Please get this information and premium to me by the June date, there is a lot going on this year and time is limited.

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 Col. Rohrbaugh at cpldlr160@comcast.net

2nd Call for Beaver Creek!

Just reminding all units to make sure and send your information regarding Beaver Creek on Memorial Day weekend ASAP to Capt. Dave Strichko at bidelectric@windstream.net. If you are not sure if your unit has reported in, please check with Dave immediately. We know of several units who will be there that we have not heard from yet.

PLEASE take a few minutes out of your time to answer the following questions:

1. Is your unit attending Beaver Creek?
2. How many military personnel?
3. How many civilians?
4. Type and number of tentage?
5. Are you participating the entire weekend or just Saturday or Sunday?

If you have not registered for the event, PLEASE DO SO IMMEDIATELY. The form is available at http://www.beavercreekcivilwar.com/reenactors.html

Your servant,

Christopher L. Smith, Colonel
Commanding 2nd Battalion
Birney's Division

1st Call! Beaver Creek

"The Road to Gettysburg"
Beaver Creek State Park - East Liverpool, OH
Memorial Day Weekend
May 25-26, 2013

Hello pards,

Now that Chancellorsville is behind us, we are concentrating on the events for the rest of the month. The annual reenactment at Beaver Creek State Park is a MAX EFFORT event for Birney's 2nd Battalion and other Federal units in the region. At this time, I would like a head-count as to who is attending and how many people. This includes any Federal units from other organizations!

PLEASE take a few minutes out of your time to answer the following questions:

1. Is your unit attending Beaver Creek?
2. How many military personnel?
3. How many civilians?
4. Type and number of tentage?
5. Are you participating the entire weekend or just Saturday or Sunday?

Please email this information ASAP to Capt. Dave Strichko at bidelectric@windstream.net

If you have not registered for the event, PLEASE DO SO IMMEDIATELY. The form is available at http://www.beavercreekcivilwar.com/reenactors.html

Your servant,

Christopher L. Smith, Colonel
Commanding 2nd Battalion
Birney's Division

Memorial Day weekend Civil War event at Beaver Creek

Don't forget that the annual Civil War event at Beaver Creek State Park is Memorial Day weekend. That is just a few short weeks away! Hope to see all of you there. Please pass along links below to family and friends as well. Admission to the event is FREE to the public.

http://www.beavercreekcivilwar.com

https://www.facebook.com/BeaverCreekCivilWar

Message from the Divisional Medical Officer

All commands,

MAJ Gallaher is looking for the following for Gettysburg:

Minimum of 5 ice angels but more the merrier

Minimum age of 16 do to age contraints at the event

Any and all available canvas ice bags

Volunteers should be able to dress in military attire, some exceptions will be made

Please contact MAJ Gallaher at the email address below.

 

MAJ Darren Gallaher

Medical Officer, 1st BN Birney's Division 

Degpa141@comcast.net

Call for Musicians

This is a call for volunteers for Field Musicians for the 150th Gettysburg. Drummers, fifers, and buglers would be greatly appreciated to aid the Division for this event. Currently we are looking at 200+ rifles on the field and it would be a nice addition to have field music (even part-time) for this occasion. Experience is preferred as we don't have a full-time field music to help teach first-timers. If anyone is interested or you have members within your companies interested please let me know ASAP at ltmurph54th@yahoo.com.

Thank you.


CPT M. Murphy
Adjutant, Birney's Division

Beaver Creek just around the corner

Just a reminder that "The Road to Gettysburg" reenactment at Beaver Creek State Park is just around the corner. Memorial Day Weekend, May 25 and 26, 2013. There will be several intense scenarios based on action around Banks Ford which took place in May after Chancellorsville and lead into Gettysburg.

For more details on the event, go to http://www.beavercreekcivilwar.com. Registration is till open.

150th Chancellorsville

1st and 2nd Battalion:

For those attending the 150th Chancellorsville event, i need your units numbers ASAP. We will have one BN on the ground with all Birney's troops throwing in together for that weekend. Even if you have just one member attending i need to know. Please email me at ltmurph54th@yahoo.com.
Respectfully,

 

CPT M. Murphy 

Adjutant, Birney's Division
 

150th Gettysburg National Reenactment April Update

The excitement, anticipation and enthusiasm continues to build in the reenactment community, the Gettysburg community and the international community for the 150th Gettysburg National Civil War Reenactment on July 4, 5, 6, and 7. By the time you receive this correspondence we will have hit the 9,000 registered Reenactor mark, 133 registered full size artillery pieces (with 10 horse drawn) and 375 registered horses. Having been the group that actually ran and executed the operations and logistics at the Bushey Farm in 1998, as well as the Gettysburg 140th and the Gettysburg 145th, we know from experience that planning and logistics for an event of this size is critical, difficult and costly. That is why pre-registration is so important for effective planning. We are announcing that although the registration fee is scheduled to increase on March 31, and will do so on the web, for you procrastinators we are extending the $35 registration fee for any registration received or postmarked by April 15. We have been told over and over that we do logistics as good as anyone and better than most. There are many reasons for that. One is knowing the numbers. We are simply trying to make sure you and your pards get your registrations in so we can effectively plan for your safety, comfort and enjoyment. On a related note there will also be an event commemorative program listing all Reenactors registered by May 15. Having your name included in the program will be a very nice keepsake for this unique and memorable event.

Beaver Creek website provides event details

Memorial Day Weekend: Two months and counting, "The Road to Gettysburg" Civil War Reenactment at Beaver Creek State Park will again be one of the most unique events in the region. The new website features details for both reenactors and the general public. Here are some highlights.

- Reenactor registration form ($5 for adults, $3 for children, under 12 free)
- Artillery bounty
- Sunday pancake breakfast for those who pre-register
- Map and driving directions (event site just north of East Liverpool, OH)

Please share this with your friends and family who would like to attend. Admission is FREE to the public!!

Check out http://www.BeaverCreekCivilWar.com. This is a Birney's Division 2nd Battalion max effort event. We are looking forward to seeing all of you out there.

Spring Muster registration

Just a reminder, the 1st Battalion Spring Muster registration is coming up fast! April 13 and 14, located at the Steam Engine Grounds in Twin Bridges, PA. All Birney's units are invited to attend. For registration information, go to http://www.birneysdivision.org/schedule

Calling Federals for Beaver Creek

The Road to Gettysburg
Civil War Reenactment at Beaver Creek
East Liverpool, OH
May 25-26, 2013

Though it isn't time to do a "first call" yet, this is just a reminder for Birney's Division troops and any Federal partners in crime (Army of the Ohio, USVs, Mifflin Guard, etc.) to start getting your registration in for Beaver Creek. May is just a short few months away! Beaver Creek is a max effort event for Birney's 2d Battalion.

Registration forms can be found at http://www.birneysdivision.org/uploads/1/1/8/3/11838445/road_to_gettysburg_2013_registration_form.pdf

Stay up to date on information at http://www.facebook.com/BeaverCreekCivilWar

Perryopolis online information

The new website for the Birney's Division event at Perryopolis (October 5-6) is now up and running including registration. Check it out at http://perrycivilwar.wix.com/perryopoliscivilwar

Beaver Creek registration now open

The Road to Gettysburg - May 25-26, 2013 - Memorial Day weekend
Civil War Reenactment at Beaver Creek State Park
12021 Echo Dell Road
East Liverpool, Ohio

The Civil War returns to the banks of Beaver Creek as Union and Confederate infantry, artillery and cavalry clash in a prelude to the cataclysmic Battle of Gettysburg!

Join us as reenactors bring the soldiers and civilians to life at our 6th annual Civil War reenactment, Saturday and Sunday at Beaver Creek State Park.

Battle scenarios Saturday and Sunday, voluntary tactical, use of period buildings before, during and after the battle, Barn Dance Saturday night and the MOST beautiful camping in all of reenacting!

The event is sponsored by the 27th Virginia Infantry and the Friends of Beaver Creek. Supported by Birney’s Division.

Reenactor registration is $5.00 per adult, $3.00 for children over 12, under 12 are free. Click the link below and download the registration form.

http://www.birneysdivision.org/uploads/1/1/8/3/11838445/road_to_gettysburg_2013_registration_form.pdf
 

Community and preservation organizations benefit from annual Gettysburg Civil War reenactment in 2013

Each year the Gettysburg Anniversary Committee, local organizers of the Annual Gettysburg Reenactment, choose several community and preservation causes and support these organizations with a portion of the proceeds from the event.   Some of the past beneficiary’s have included Seminary Ridge Historic Preservation, National Park Service GNMP Cannon Restoration, Friends of the National Parks at Gettysburg, The Daniel Lady Farm, Adams County Historical Society, Land Conservancy of Adams County, The Civil War Trust, Brandy Station Battlefield, The National Historic Trust for preservation of the Tillie Pierce House, the Lincoln Train Station, Marine Sgt. Eric McColley Scholarship Fund & National Wreath Project and The Wounded Warriors Support Fund. In the past well over $100,000 has been donated to preservation and local beneficiary's from the GAC event.

The Gettysburg Anniversary Committee is very proud this year to announce for the 150th Gettysburg Anniversary National Civil War Reenactment (July 4-7) its  support of five very worthy organizations. It is anticipated this will be the largest donation to date. At least $5 of every Reenactor Registration will be donated to The Adams County Historical Society, Gettysburg Civil War Museum On Seminary Ridge, SGT MAC Scholarship Foundation & National Wreath Project, Land Conservancy of Adams County and restoration of the Eisenhower 1886 Metal Bridge & Sachs Mill Covered Bridge. The donations will be divided equally and presented Sunday on the field prior to Pickett's Charge.

Hale Farm 2013 registration now open

Hale Farm and Village Civil War Reenactment
August 9-11, 2013 - Bath, OH
Birney's Division 2d Battalion max-effort event


Hale Farm and Village will again be hosting their Annual Civil War Reenactment, August 9-11, 2013. As you know, Hale Farm is proud to host one of the finest Civil War reenactments in the State, and are pleased to join the living historu community in commemorating the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War, the seminal event in our nation's history.


Hale Farm credits reenactors with the success of this annual event, and they are pleased to provide special amenities, including but not limited to two complimentary events for your benefit and enjoyment: The Annual Civil War Ball, Saturday, August 10, 8:00 p.m. and Sunday Breakfast, August 11, 2013, 8:00 a.m. Additionally, all registered reenactors receive one complimentary token for firewood, and potable water and ample restroom facilities are available 24 hours a day throughout the grounds.

Registration Process
1. New! Online Registration - http://www.wrhs.org/Properties/Civil_War_Reenactment_Encampment#registration

2. Please contact Hale Farm and Village at 330-666-3711 x1720 or halereservations@wrhs.org if you wish to have a registration packet mailed to your address. Please include payment with signed registration forms and risk waiver agreement to the following address no later than June 30, 2013:

Hale Farm and Village
Civil War Reenactment
2686 Oak Hill Road
P.O. Box 296
Bath, Ohio 44210

Individual and Unit Registration Forms, Guidelines and Instructions, and a Participation and Risk Waiver Agreement are also available to download (http://www.wrhs.org/Properties/Civil_War_Reenactment_Encampment#registration). You may choose to register and pay as a unit. The registration fee for this weekend event is only $10 per person age 18 and older. Minor participants must be accompanied by a legal guardian and are required to complete an individual registration form. Legal guardians are responsible for signing a Risk Waiver Agreement for each minor participant. All reenactors must check in at the Hale Farm and Village Registration Tent upon arrival to guarantee a complimentary meal ticket, firewood token, event and parking passes.

Gettysburg National Reenactment Command Post from General Allen Baldwin

To my brother and sisters in arms,

January is all but a memory and a very short memory at that. My staff, General Gesuero's staff and the GAC team have been very hard at work to bring you the event we have promised, an event by Reenactors for Reenactors. If you drive by the site on Table Rock Rd. you will already see that the fire wood has been distributed, site work to prepare the battlefield and its crossings and services roads is well underway or completed, the clearing of brush and other prep work on the site is occurring daily. This is all in preparation for a world class event. The world will be watching. Everything is falling into place on the site, in the community and in the troops. While the Commands have been working on ensuring great scenarios and adjusting the battlefield layout of the scenarios, the entire staff has made sure that the event has received its permits from the municipalities. Not letters of intent or lists of a few more loops to close and conditions to meet - but issued permits which show the work and commitment that has been made by the whole event staff - and the confidence and respect local officials have in this organization. Let's just call it what it is, let there be no doubt that our event permitting process is complete. There is no doubt.

On the second weekend in February 8-10, my staff and General Gesuero and his staff will be holding a series of scenario planning meetings and site visits with Division and Branch Commands. The Commands will be returning to Gettysburg with their "Homework" from Remembrance Day weekend complete with their thoughts, guidance and input on the scenarios helping to script and layout the scenarios. Reenacters crafting scenarios for Reenactors. These scenarios will not just at the whim of command. Everyone present will have the opportunity to work on the scenarios as a team, step by step. Everyone all together, in one place, all together in one room, working together, every voice heard and having input. These will be historically based scenarios that you have requested and this is where it will happen, through a team effort all the way. General Gesuero and I continue to hear how happy and excited Reenactors are to have this input and to be given a chance to work on ideas etc. and bring them to the table.

Just as exciting is the weekend before when Reenactors will have a chance to camp and battle on such significantly historic ground as the Gettysburg Lutheran Theological Seminary on Saturday and Sunday - and the Village of Huntertown on Saturday evening. I live within less than a mile of the Seminary and I am personally excited to have this opportunity. I was not able to participate in the event at the Seminary last year during the 150th Kick-off event, due to taking responsibility for coordination of the battle at the Seminary and the battle on Baltimore St. To me it was more extremely important to make something like this happen once in a lifetime for my brothers and sisters in arms. Now to have our hard work pay off once again. To be on first days ground again is all worth it to help create this lifetime moment of Respect, Honor and Loyalty. Inquiries for both military and living history participation should be directed to Kirk Davis, alhes1776@yahoo.com 717-338-1776. Artillery and Cavalry, please contact me directly at bigredgbg@comcast.net.

Due to the hard work, dedication and determination, the 150th Gettysburg Anniversary National Civil War Battle Reenactment will be an event we will all remember and be proud of. You have my word, and commitment as the overall and Federal Commander that the military staffs and event staffs are committed to making this an exciting, organized, responsible and memorable event. As we look anxiously to July, think about 120 cannons belching smoke and fire during Pickett's Charge, and standing at the Seminary ready for battle on the Saturday before the event- and remember these words " Forward, ForGod's Sake Forward".

Your Obedient Servant,
Allen W. Baldwin
Major General Commanding
Federal Forces, 150th Gettysburg

120 Full Size Cannons Registered For 150th Gettysburg National Reenactment

There will be plenty of artillery at the 150th Gettysburg National Reenactment on July 4, 5, 6, and 7. During the cannonade that began at 1PM on July 3, 1863, preceding Pickett's Charge infantry assault, there were approximately 150 Confederate cannons and 80 Federal cannons in the center that engaged in this massive artillery duel. There were about 300 cannons overall on the hills about equally divided. Tons of ammunition was expended and it was reported the effect of the cannonade could be heard in Pittsburgh and Baltimore. This summer more than 50% of that center artillery number will be on the battlefield at the 150th Gettysburg National Reenactment for the re-creation of Pickett's Charge on July 7. Artillery will play a significant role in the scenarios the preceding three days as well. The big guns will also be featured during various commemorations and salutes each day, including honoring and recognizing Gettysburg 100th Anniversary participants. As an added dimension are number of horse drawn artillery units our registered that will provide a unique visual for Reenactors and visitors. This will be the most full size artillery ever assembled at one reenactment.

Early Registration Extended to February 15th! for 150th Gettysburg

As the end of January approaches, there are close to 6,000 Reenactors registered for the 150th Gettysburg National Reenactment. Be advised it may take several weeks for your name to be entered into the database as this is only one of the tasks our reenactment administrative staff is performing. A reminder that early registration was extended to February 15. The cost of early registration is $25.00 with $5.00 of every Reenactor registration fee being donated to five local preservations and beneficiaries. The donation presentations will be made on the field at the event. On February 16 the registration fee goes to $35 until April 1. For an event of this size, planning, resources and logistics, for the large number of military Reenactors, living history Reenactors, dependents and cavalry, is critical to provide responsible operations and service. Please help us serve you by registering early and urge your pards to do the same!

Birney's officer commands post-Gettysburg event

I wanted to give you all a heads up on a new event that I have decided to assist with this year. The Battle of Williamsport was the last act of the Gettysburg Campaign for the ANV and AoP. There is much support for this from the locals and the NPS and appears to have a lot of perks connected with it. Proceeds are going to a very worthy case and I believe we can all have a lot of fun with this as well as doing a great job in interpretation for this very important final to the Gettysburg Campaign.

I have taken on the Federal overall command for the event to be held at Williamsport, MD July 13th-15^th and believe we can do an effect job of portraying the history of this pivotal event in history. And have a great time doing it! The amenities and perks are very attractive here. A meal Saturday night as well as a period barn dance. Running water sinks and showers (well concealed in a very period looking building) pool time, and a busy but interesting schedule.

We will be hashing out the final details for the event but below is a schedule of what is planned. Give this due consideration, something new for all of us. I visited this event last year as an observer and saw a lot of potential.

Here's a quick schedule of reenactor events. Friday from noon until ? units sign in and set up camp w/ no activities planned. Saturday: Camps open at 9 and speakers begin at 10. The first fight is scheduled to start at 11ish and will be the right flank portion of the Battle of Williamsport July 6th 1863 involving the 21st VA and the Wagoner's/Company Q that saved Williamsport. For the rest of the day I would like to offer different types of demonstrations at Springfield farm i.e. inf/cav/art/camp cooking/etc. Living histories. There will be an appreciation dinner for the reenactors and helpers at 5 PM. We're tossing around the idea of doing an evening fight at 7 o'clock but that's still in the air and then there's a barn dance at 8:30 (this was a blast last year) on Sunday we'd like to do a period church service along w/ the community churches sometime around 9. At 10 the NPS does an interpretive march down the C and O Canal to the Falling Waters crossing site. This is a nice walk but after you do it once you've normally gotten your fill. This is where the NPS works with us because they give us a little $ and a little advertising but the town is always working with the C and O Canal so this year I don't have much of a choice. The NPS REALLY wants soldiers to march along with the visitors and then they want to put on some kind of a "skit" when the visitors reach the point they want about a dozen CSA to be running towards the river while a couple Union soldiers are firing shots at them from a distance. I think it's somewhat lame but this is what they want. My answer to that request has always been that I'll try to get volunteers to participate but I can never guarantee their involvement. Troy thinks we can get some guys to do the March for the skit but the NPS promises that as soon as they do their skit they'll be on the first bus to get them back to Williamsport for the last reenactment that will be at 2 on Sunday afternoon. My goal is to have the event complete no later than 4 PM. So, the boys can fight it out for a bit, come back and chill a bit, and then pack it up and go home. I hope that this doesn't sound to intense but hopefully it will be a lot of fun for the reenactors, our guests, and US!

The CSA forces at Williamsport consists of 3^rd and 10^th ANV, Troy Fallon and Tony Morgan the former and the latter. A decent size force for this event.

Also, there are bounties!

$100 for any company fielding 20 armed infantry

$150 for every company of 6 armed and mounted Cavalry

$150 for every staffed full scale piece of Artillery (FYI we already have 2 if not 4 full scale pieces coming from the Artillery Reserve) but we always could use more.  

Again, I see this as a very unique opportunity to do something a little different and hope that you will give this due consideration. Registration information is on the Schedule page at www.birneysdivision.org.  

D. Rohrbaugh, Colonel, Commanding
1^st Battalion, Birney's Division

Background on the 150th Gettysburg planning

Planning for the 150th Gettysburg has been going on in our community for over a year. Community organizations like the Gettysburg Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Gettysburg/Adams Chamber of Commerce, The Gettysburg Foundation, The Gettysburg Anniversary Committee, and local institutions like Gettysburg College and The Lutheran Seminary, and government agencies like the National Park Service, Gettysburg Borough, Cumberland Township and Adams County have come together and have been meeting on a monthly basis for over a year to insure a coordinated and quality experience for everyone. The 150th Gettysburg has been called by some Gettysburg’s Olympic Moment. This collaboration led to the 150th Gettysburg Kick-Off last April where for the first time ever, there was living history and an actual skirmish at The Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary and fighting on Baltimore Street in downtown Gettysburg. Three other communities, Chambersburg, Greencastle and Fairfield, all with their own rich civil war heritage, also participated with events. The Gettysburg Anniversary Committee and its staff led the way in making all that happen and supplied the volunteer planning, leadership and resources as a proud and committed community members. This is just one example where it has been necessary to not only plan for the reenactment, but to also plan for the multitude of other events that have been announced and scheduled. The eyes of the world will be on Gettysburg next year. As members of the community we are attempting to meet that challenge in an organized and responsible manner.

Jim Fox, our Director of Planning and Command Center Supervisor for the past 18 years, was formerly the Emergency Management Director for the Adams County and is currently on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Response and Recovery Team. He has been meeting with the municipalities, Gettysburg Hospital, Adams County officials, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, the Department of Homeland Security, FEMA and the Pennsylvania Emergency Medical Services Federation to coordinate event planning efforts. When he is not giving commands on the field, General Allen Baldwin is the Director for Emergency Response for the Pennsylvania Turnpike. He is also Gettysburg Fire Chief and President of the Adams County Fire Chiefs Association. General Brian Gesuero is a professional emergency responder at BWI Airport with an extensive background in large event and emergency operations and management. For 18 years The Gettysburg Anniversary Committee prides itself as having one of the best living history areas of any reenactment in the country. Living History coordinator Kirk Davis has been there all 18 of these years making it happen. The living history area just gets better every year. The Deputy Director of Operations for the past 18 years is Gettysburg native Timon Linn. Tim has been the Chief of Police and Security for Gettysburg College, Elon University and is currently in the same position at St. Johns College in Annapolis. The Director of Operations/Incident Commander for the past 18 years is Randy Phiel. Randy is a 30 year veteran retired U.S. Law Enforcement Ranger for the NPS with an extensive background in event operations, emergency services, wildfire suppression, homeland security, dignitary protection and incident command. The York County Wildland Firefighting crew has been with us for at least 16 years. They arrive before the first reenactor sets foot on the property and do not leave until Monday morning. Many of the crew are also EMT’s and paramedics. One of the crew is an emergency room trauma physician who was extremely valuable after the lightning strike during the 148TH Reenactment. The extensive EMS staff are professionals from both the Gettysburg and Hanover areas who come back year after year offering a wealth of specific event experience. Our long-time office Administrator, Joanne Sease, is very dedicated and experienced when handling either reenactor, visitor, community or media matters. Media Coordinator Andrea DiMartino is another community member who has been part of the organization for all 18 years.

Site preparation for the 150th Gettysburg National event at the Redding and Entwistle Farms began even before this past year’s 149TH event. Some of the tasks include crop rotation compatible for a large event, repair and building of additional bridges, upgrading of roads, placing of additional firewood in appropriate locations, meeting with additional landowners, increasing the size of the CSA Camp, improving the CSA shuttle road, improving entrances and exits, and meeting with local, state and federal officials to insure good planning, compliance, safety, comfort and excellent logistics. We also have on site our own on-site Command Center and Radio Communications system approved by the Federal Communications Commission. There will be three fully staffed 24/7 EMS areas with immediate response capability. There will be one in each camp and one in the visitor area. We should mention that we are also blessed with wonderful and cooperative landowner partners who bring many needed resources to the table.

As an organization we learned one thing very early in our history. When you organize a reenactment there are three very, very critical constituencies. They are the Reenactors, the Visitors and the Community. Too often one or more is neglected. It is consistently our goal to equally and responsibly serve all three. There is a reason that very few groups organize large reenactments. It is normally difficult, it takes experience and it is risky. As the Gettysburg Reenactment organization we continue to consistently learn and improve every year. That is good for the Reenactors, The Visitors and the Community. It also enables us to walk down the street every Monday morning, when the event has concluded, and hold our heads high.

We look forward to and welcome your participation in the 150th Gettysburg Anniversary National Civil War Battle Reenactment and Commemoration on July 4, 5, 6 and 7, 2013. This may be one of the final opportunities for the reenactment community, our community and our nation to come together to experience a milestone in reenacting this iconic and pivotal battle that took place July 1863.

Respectfully,

The Gettysburg Anniversary Committee