The next two Birney's Division events are just a few weeks away!
The Battle of Smithfield Crossing, September 9-10, 2017 (Middleway, WV). The Federal Commander will be Colonel Bouwhuis. More information at www.facebook.com/SmithfieldCrossing
The Battle of Antietam, September 9-10, 2017 (Zoar, OH). Birney's Division 2nd Battalion will be on the field. More information at www.zoarcivilwar.com
Tuesday, August 15, 2017
Monday, August 07, 2017
Civil War Reenactment at Perryopolis, PA to be No More
It started in 2002 with an invitation request from borough officials to have the Civil War reenactors come out as part of the attraction for the weekend’s activities during the town’s annual celebration of Pioneer Days. Could we put on a reenactment in the back of the park to attract some additional visitors for the borough’s festivities? That is how it all started 15 years ago and things went well, the reenactments drew a large crowd and the reenactors had a permanent home to teach history to all who came.
After a few years we were given permission from the then Heritage Society to build log cabins and build we did, we built structures as close as possible to how they would have been built in the mid-19th century. As the years passed we built a small town in what was once the local dump in back of Sampey Park. Over the past 13 years we maintained the building and the park, much to the delight and approval of many Perryopolis residents, who used the park for walks and recreation. We were reenactors volunteering our time and money into developing a living history museum for all to experience and enjoy. Most all our materials were from the land or donated by individuals who were more than pleased to see the park develop. The Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and even the Girl Scouts used our buildings throughout the years learning a little about history and about the beautiful natural surroundings of the park. The High School track team trained on our cleared trails and land throughout the park, special events were put on at Halloween by the High School students and many of us volunteered to help and be part of their program. Each year after the annual reenactment we would turn all the proceeds over to the Perryopolis Heritage Society to be used in the community, our success brought many thousands of dollars in over the years, it seemed like a perfect match.
Then suddenly last year we were approached by borough officials and told we could not use the park any longer and we had to cancel our annual Oct. event. We were shocked and asked why, what had changed, has the land been sold for development? After all the years of us building and maintaining the park we were shut out and no one could give us a reason why. Ever since our cancelation last year we have attended at least a dozen meetings with different departments and borough officials trying to determine the reason why we were being denied access to the park? Issues arose about insurance, this I did not understand as we have always provided the borough with our insurance naming Perryopolis as the additional insured on certificates for liability and property damage for our activities at the park. In addition to the insurance issue, we were then forbidden to build or repair any of the structures and at one point we were told not to even cut the grass (which is now 4 ft. high) unless we could provide independent contractor insurance for each individual volunteer? This was an impossible and unnecessary request, as we were just volunteers working in the community and for the 13 years prior, no one had ever requested such insurance.
The rough wood and log structures are now in the second season of no maintenance or repair, insects and rodents are attacking the neglected structures, the park is over grown, fallen and dead trees and limbs are littering the park and the road has become washed out and full of holes.
It saddens us deeply to watch this very unique one of a kind park, so many worked so hard to create, decline and degenerate back into the earth. We are sorry the residents and the children will no longer be able to experience and enjoy the park as it once had been.
We would like to extend a special thanks to all who have supported us over the years in helping with the park, attending events and bringing a little Civil War history of our ancestors who fought and died in that war from Western Pennsylvania. For all the residents of Perryopolis and the surrounding areas that came and watched our recreation of history year after year, we also must say thanks. It was good for all of us…while it lasted!
Michael D. Maffei and the Reenactor Volunteers
After a few years we were given permission from the then Heritage Society to build log cabins and build we did, we built structures as close as possible to how they would have been built in the mid-19th century. As the years passed we built a small town in what was once the local dump in back of Sampey Park. Over the past 13 years we maintained the building and the park, much to the delight and approval of many Perryopolis residents, who used the park for walks and recreation. We were reenactors volunteering our time and money into developing a living history museum for all to experience and enjoy. Most all our materials were from the land or donated by individuals who were more than pleased to see the park develop. The Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and even the Girl Scouts used our buildings throughout the years learning a little about history and about the beautiful natural surroundings of the park. The High School track team trained on our cleared trails and land throughout the park, special events were put on at Halloween by the High School students and many of us volunteered to help and be part of their program. Each year after the annual reenactment we would turn all the proceeds over to the Perryopolis Heritage Society to be used in the community, our success brought many thousands of dollars in over the years, it seemed like a perfect match.
Then suddenly last year we were approached by borough officials and told we could not use the park any longer and we had to cancel our annual Oct. event. We were shocked and asked why, what had changed, has the land been sold for development? After all the years of us building and maintaining the park we were shut out and no one could give us a reason why. Ever since our cancelation last year we have attended at least a dozen meetings with different departments and borough officials trying to determine the reason why we were being denied access to the park? Issues arose about insurance, this I did not understand as we have always provided the borough with our insurance naming Perryopolis as the additional insured on certificates for liability and property damage for our activities at the park. In addition to the insurance issue, we were then forbidden to build or repair any of the structures and at one point we were told not to even cut the grass (which is now 4 ft. high) unless we could provide independent contractor insurance for each individual volunteer? This was an impossible and unnecessary request, as we were just volunteers working in the community and for the 13 years prior, no one had ever requested such insurance.
The rough wood and log structures are now in the second season of no maintenance or repair, insects and rodents are attacking the neglected structures, the park is over grown, fallen and dead trees and limbs are littering the park and the road has become washed out and full of holes.
It saddens us deeply to watch this very unique one of a kind park, so many worked so hard to create, decline and degenerate back into the earth. We are sorry the residents and the children will no longer be able to experience and enjoy the park as it once had been.
We would like to extend a special thanks to all who have supported us over the years in helping with the park, attending events and bringing a little Civil War history of our ancestors who fought and died in that war from Western Pennsylvania. For all the residents of Perryopolis and the surrounding areas that came and watched our recreation of history year after year, we also must say thanks. It was good for all of us…while it lasted!
Michael D. Maffei and the Reenactor Volunteers
Thursday, July 13, 2017
Pre-registration for Hale Farm closing soon
We are closing in on the cut off for the Hale Farm and Village Civil War Reenactment pre-registration. Please share this link with your fellow reenactors! https://www.wrhs.org/product/civil-war-reenactor-2017-individual-registration
Thursday, July 06, 2017
Update on West Virginia Tactical
July 21-23, 2017
Oglebay State Park - Wheeling, WV
Non-Spectator Event
July 21-23, 2017
Oglebay State Park - Wheeling, WV
Non-Spectator Event
A few updates for those intending to attend this year's w.va. tactical at Oglebay Park in Wheeling, WV in three weeks.
As you are aware Oglebay is a privately run city park of 1,700 acres. It has a huge pool and water works park, a large extensive Zoo with Zebras etc., and many different restaurants and pubs, a golf course, and of course incredible vistas.
The weekend will have the tactical on Saturday and an early public battle on Sunday. All the amenities are right there at hand. The camping area is beautiful and looks like, well, a park. Parking is next to the camps and most attractions are within walking distance.
You must register within the next two weeks or at least advise major Dave Coleman you are coming by then. Artillery is of course welcome. Registration information can be found at www.facebook.com/CivilWarTactical
The length of the tactical will depend on weather. This weekend is set to be a vacation/reenactment fun type of event, but we must know at least a week before the event if you are coming due to the extensive logistics of putting this together. These events are built for the rank and file and civilians to have fun. There is nothing worse then going to the same o same o events year after year. Before you know it your going out of habit and then you slowly lose interest in the hobby. Rekindle that fun and excitement you first had when you got into reenacting, before politics, big hats, egos, and boredom robbed you of them. These events are for you.
Register ASAP.
Oglebay State Park - Wheeling, WV
Non-Spectator Event
July 21-23, 2017
Oglebay State Park - Wheeling, WV
Non-Spectator Event
A few updates for those intending to attend this year's w.va. tactical at Oglebay Park in Wheeling, WV in three weeks.
As you are aware Oglebay is a privately run city park of 1,700 acres. It has a huge pool and water works park, a large extensive Zoo with Zebras etc., and many different restaurants and pubs, a golf course, and of course incredible vistas.
The weekend will have the tactical on Saturday and an early public battle on Sunday. All the amenities are right there at hand. The camping area is beautiful and looks like, well, a park. Parking is next to the camps and most attractions are within walking distance.
You must register within the next two weeks or at least advise major Dave Coleman you are coming by then. Artillery is of course welcome. Registration information can be found at www.facebook.com/CivilWarTactical
The length of the tactical will depend on weather. This weekend is set to be a vacation/reenactment fun type of event, but we must know at least a week before the event if you are coming due to the extensive logistics of putting this together. These events are built for the rank and file and civilians to have fun. There is nothing worse then going to the same o same o events year after year. Before you know it your going out of habit and then you slowly lose interest in the hobby. Rekindle that fun and excitement you first had when you got into reenacting, before politics, big hats, egos, and boredom robbed you of them. These events are for you.
Register ASAP.
Wednesday, July 05, 2017
Get registered for the next July event!
July 21-23, 2017
Oglebay State Park - Wheeling, WV
Non-Spectator Event
Hot on the heels go the Gettysburg Anniversary is the West Virginia-Style Tactical. This event was so well received last year that we decided to do it again! This time it will be held in West Virginia!
Hosted by Birney's Division (Union) and the ANV (Confederate), this event is open to all members of established organizations (proof of insurance required).
A "West Virginia" style tactical is a judged, unit-based, multi-layered series of problem solving scenarios in addition to engagements with enemy forces. CIVILIANS play a MAJOR part in these scenarios!
To download the registration form and find out more, go to http://www.facebook.com/CivilWarTactical
Oglebay State Park - Wheeling, WV
Non-Spectator Event
Hot on the heels go the Gettysburg Anniversary is the West Virginia-Style Tactical. This event was so well received last year that we decided to do it again! This time it will be held in West Virginia!
Hosted by Birney's Division (Union) and the ANV (Confederate), this event is open to all members of established organizations (proof of insurance required).
A "West Virginia" style tactical is a judged, unit-based, multi-layered series of problem solving scenarios in addition to engagements with enemy forces. CIVILIANS play a MAJOR part in these scenarios!
To download the registration form and find out more, go to http://www.facebook.com/CivilWarTactical
Tuesday, June 06, 2017
Walk-on registration for Old Bedford Village
Did you forget to register for the Civil War reenactment at Old Bedford Village this weekend? The event is accepting walk-on registrations. Grab your kit and let's go!
www.oldbedfordvillage.com
www.oldbedfordvillage.com
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
Call to Arms! The Rebels are marching on Pennsylvania!
Reenactors! Time is getting short to register for one of Pennsylvania's largest Civil War reenactments at Old Bedford Village on June 10-11, 2017. Go to http://www.oldbedfordvillage.com/reenactors.php and download the form today! Friday night will feature a non-spectator "Battle for the Bridge". For more information, go to the event Facebook page at www.facebook.com/OldBedfordCivilWar
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