Paging Through

By Jack Melton · Originally published June 2016 · p. 2

We love our readers input and are looking for articles of interest for the July Gettysburg Section. If you are interested in writing an article pertaining to some new discovery, little-known fact, or anything you think our readers would enjoy, then please contact us. The May 23 deadline is fast approaching for that issue. On another note, we have received some letters, phone calls and emails about our publishing photos of reenactors inaccuracies and wearing incomplete uniforms. As Civil War enthusiasts, we are struggling to keep our history and hobby alive and we need all of the participants we can muster up for historic events. Uniforms and period dresses are expensive. It is unreasonable to think that everyone who wants to participate in living history events and is wealthy enough to afford to buy new uniforms when they shrink, proper equipment for their events as well as be able to take time off work for training. I believe that reenactors and living history participants are dedicated individuals who care very much about keeping Civil War history alive and that we should appreciate their enthusiasm, even if they are not able to be in complete dress. During the Civil War soldiers had the same problems reenactors and living history participants have today. The soldiers were often under-funded, overworked from lack of enough manpower, carried old or out-dated equipment, had worn out uniforms and sometimes were without proper training. As spectators, we should learn to not be so critical of these participants and the photographers who capture their images.