The Role Of Reenactors & Living Historians

By Al Stone · Originally published November 2016 · p. 21

So, just exactly “who” and “what” are reenactors and Living Historians? Until a quarter-century ago, I had no idea what the answer to that question was! Then one day in early 1990 a client made me aware of those “special” people and their influence on the average person – and from then on, I was totally absorbed in the hobby. Sure, I had always possessed an interest in the contest; its battles and key figures, but had no idea that this period in our Union’s history was being recreated; boy was I about to become enlightened! From that January 1990 Battle of Brooksville on, I took in all my body could absorb. Initially, I was focused on battles; the regular soldiers, artillerists, cavalry and of course those who led them. And then my interest was piqued by people who had assumed specific personas; there were the generals and other officers, the Presidents, the splendidly dressed ladies and other miscellaneous figures like Sam Clemens (a/k/a Mark Twain), along with the Founding Father figures such as Washington, Franklin and Jefferson, all of whom were inextricably intertwined in the grand scheme of things. My interest and strong resemblance to one particular individual brought forth the suggestion that I portray him, so I began an almost rabid quest to learn more about the man. Then some five years later, I offered my first “living history” impression of General R E Lee. I had completed the circle from having an interest, through reenacting and culminating in portraying one of the greatest general officers to have ever lived. For over 20 years I traveled some 40,000 to 50,000 miles annually, attending events and speaking engagements; one year attending a reenactment each week for 18 consecutive weekends - with additional speaking engagements during each week. So, were there any rewards? Far too many to count, let alone mention! I had the honor to meet tens of thousands of folks who shared the and cavalry, along with their families pitched canvas tents and cooked over open fires. They experienced extreme heat and cold while sleeping on hard ground and in many cases, squared off on distant battlefields much as did their ancestors. On one occasion I watched as a hay field caught fire, enveloping hundreds of dedicated reenactors reliving the Battle of The Wilderness. On another occasion, I observed - through tear filled eyesas thousands stacked their arms and folded their banners – representing the end of General Lee’s great Army of Northern Virginia. And just why do these 21st-century folks endure the hardships of yesteryear so many weekends each year? To Keep Alive A Critical Period Of The History Of These United States! Many do it in remembrance of ancestors; but what does that mean? It means they desire to perpetuate their family history – whether black or white, male or female! But for sure, all do it with the idea of helping to educate the general public about a period in the life of our Union that defined its future. Whether in defense of preserving the Union at all cost or preserving the Constitution as set forth by the Founding Fathers, for years, many have gathered together on a regular basis to enlighten the masses and enjoy the comradery of others who share the same goal. The culmination of the Sesquicentennial of the War Between the States has brought with it a lull in some of these activities and while our charge to rebuild may be challenging, it is up to us to “do our duty in all things.” Let us as survivors of so many hard-fought battles continue to lead the charge in our own respective ways and do so in a manner that will inspire our youth to cast their lots at the threshold of such a significant hobby. General Joshua Chamberlain once said, “we have seen with our own eyes, above and beyond the golden fields, the snowy heights of honor; and it is for us to bear that report to those who follow.” General Robert E. Lee once said, “I shall devout my remaining energies to training young men to do their duty in life.” Within days before his demise, he uttered “I will give that sum.” Recognizing “who” and “what” reenactors and living historians are, the charge at hand is to continue, unabated, the task of keeping our history alive. With special thanks to those who do it so well and a warm welcome to those who might be interested, I remain your obedient servant. Al Stone’s recently released book “GeneraLee Speaking” is a compilation of short stories of his portrayal of Gen. Lee and is available from Amazon or Al Stone directly. Al’s DVD documentary titled “The Dilemma” offers a researched overview on Lee’s decision to resign his commission in the US Army and subsequent alignment with the Confederacy and is available by contacting Al directly at [email protected] same desire to help perpetuate our Union’s history. Sure, there were some who may have possessed a somewhat laissez-faire attitude, but the vast majority were eager to offer up an accurate portrayal of people of the era. While stepping back 150 years in time, folks offering impressions of regular soldiers, including artillerists