Friday, December 20, 2013

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

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

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.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

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

Friday, August 02, 2013

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.

Monday, July 29, 2013

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

Monday, July 22, 2013

The 25th anniversary of the Hale Farm and 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.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

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!

Thursday, June 06, 2013

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.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

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

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

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/

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Bireny's Division 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

Thursday, May 09, 2013

Memorial Day weekend 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

Friday, April 26, 2013

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.

Wednesday, April 03, 2013

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.

Tuesday, April 02, 2013

Beaver Creek website provides 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.

Monday, February 18, 2013

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



Friday, February 08, 2013

Hale Farm 2013 registration now open

Hale Farm and Village Civil War Reenactment
August 9-11, 2013 - Bath, OH

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 Process1. 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.

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.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

IMPORTANT 5th Ohio info... Please read ASAP!!!

January 2013 planning meeting has been CANCELLED. This way it will give us more time to gather all the information on events that are scheduled for this year and there is a lot. We will move the planning meeting to the next meeting date which is set for February 21st, 2013. Please bring any info you have on potential events you would like the group to attend as well as your ballots if you don’t send them via email. Any questions about anything please don’t hesitate to contact me. I hope to see you at the meeting in February, and am very sorry for this late notice. Take care!