Rules and Regulations

All participants are subject to both the event and the museum's rules and regulations. Following these rules will help ensure an enjoyable and safe event for all participants. We look forward to seeing you at this event.

General Regulations

• AUTHENTICITY WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED . Check the appropriate "Authenticity Guidelines" (Military or Civilian) before coming to the event to be sure you meet the requirements.
• First person is required by all participants and at all times during the entire event! If you must break first person, please use the code phrase, “Auntie made some pies, let’s go eat.” This is the cue for you and the other person to move to a private area to discuss something out of first person.
• Also required is a signed Release from Liability Waiver Form, which is included in your registration materials.
• No modern anachronisms
• Correct eyewear for the period – contacts or period style frames only
• No wristwatches
• All participants are expected to adhere to the rules and regulations.

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE

• The arrival camps and village buildings will be opened at Noon on Friday.
• NO vehicles will be allowed on the museum property between the hours of 8:00 am Saturday and noon Sunday without prior approval. If you need to leave the museum property prior to noon on Sunday, please coordinate with your respective chain of command.

REGISTRATION

• All persons coming to the event must be pre-registered and pre-paid. Walk-ons will not be tolerated. NO EXCEPTIONS.
• The Registration tent will open at Noon on Friday. Please do NOT arrive before then. There will be NO Thursday arrivals.

  Hours for registration are:

  • Friday: Noon to 8:00 pm
  • All participants are encouraged to arrive by 7:30 p.m on Friday.
  • No re-enactors will be admitted to the event after 8am on Saturday.

Museum Regulations

• There is NO modern camping on-site. Campers, RVs, and similar vehicles are not allowed.
• Pets of any kind are prohibited from all areas of the museum.
• Do not dispose of trash in fire pits. Trash cans are provided within the village. Pack all garbage out from the grounds beyond the village.
• All fire pits and sanitary pits MUST be filled before leaving event and any extra wood gathered up into piles.
• No live ammunition or fireworks allowed under ANY circumstances.
• THERE IS NO SMOKING ALLOWED IN HISTORIC VILLAGE. Smoking is permitted in the parking lots and in the maintenance barn area. As an added note, please refrain from smoking cigarettes. Pipes or cigars are greatly preferred.

Military Regulations

• All military participants must be sixteen (16) years of age to use firearms. Persons younger than sixteen (16) may serve as functional field musicians if proficient as such, but not as color-bearers, messengers, stretcher bearers etc. NO EXCEPIONS.
• There will be an overall commander designated for each side, North and South. He will organize his troops and designate command structure of those units. No rank above Private will be allowed at the event without prior approval.
• The host units will appoint a safety officer(s) who will be responsible for the inspection of all small arms and artillery. NO EXCEPTIONS.

MILITARY AUTHENTICITY GUIDELINES

General

• Over coats are strongly suggested.
• Braces/Suspenders should be leather or cloth.
• Period foot wear such as brogans is required.
• Three band muskets and bayonets are required for infantry.
• Carbines may only be carried by Cavalry.
• Revolvers may only be carried by officers, cavalry and artillery.
• Weapons MAY NOT be discharged at ranges of 15 yards or less.
• Sheath Knives and bayonets may not be drawn during battle. NO EXCEPTIONS.
• Cartridges may contain black powder only and must be properly rolled in tan or white paper; 80 grains maximum. NO coin wrappers, newspaper, tape or staples.
• All cartridges must be made up in advance. No bulk or loose powder (even in powder flasks) will be allowed on the grounds.
• All rounds must be inspected and approved prior to the battle.
• Tents: none. This is an early war tactical event. As shelter tents were not issued to Federal troops until 1862, shelter tents are not appropriate. Troops are encouraged to build shelters using rubber blankets or to sleep under the stars.

Confederate Infantry uniform and kit guidelines:

• Jacket: Confederate frock coat, or civilian sack coat. Early war impressions are strongly encouraged.
• Trousers: Jean cloth or civilian is preferred; Federal kersey trousers are acceptable. Use of either belt or suspenders to hold up trousers is fine.
• Shirts: English import or civilian shirt is strongly encouraged. Federal-issue domet flannel shirts are strongly discouraged.
• Headwear: Civilian hat, or Confederate kepi
• Canteen: Confederate tin drum or wooden canteen is preferred. Federal canteens are acceptable. Leather or cloth sling acceptable.
• Waist belt: Roller buckle, snake, or fork tongue buckle waist belt preferred. US belt is acceptable. Avoid wearing a belt with “CS”
• Haversack: White canvas, ticking or US issue.
• Knapsacks: Blanket roll encouraged.
• Blankets: civilian blankets, coverlets, quilts, or carpets are preferred. US blankets are acceptable.
• Groundcloth: Floor cloth, CS issue oilcloth preferred. US issue acceptable.
• Stockings. Hand knit wool or CS issue cotton.
• Bayonet Scabbard: Richmond or Enfield pattern. US is acceptable.
• Cartridge Box: Richmond Depot or Enfield preferred. US acceptable.
• Cap Pouch: Richmond Depot, Salisbury , or Enfield preferred. US acceptable.

Federal Infantry uniform and kit guidelines:

• Jacket: Sack or Frock coats are preferred
• Trousers: Federal issue dark blue prefered sky blue kersey accepted.
• Shirts: Domet-flannel Federal-issue shirt strongly encouraged. Civilian shirts and waistcoats acceptable.
• Caps: Forage cap with no unit specific insignia preferred. Black felt hats are acceptable.
• Canteen: Smooth-side, leather strap preferred.
• Haversack: Federal issue black tarred, sewn buckle strap preferred.
• Waist belt: US brass with leather or no keeper.
• Cartridge box: .58 cal federal issue without rivet, unembossed preferred.
• Scabbard: Two rivet pattern preferred. Seven rivet accepted
• Baggage: Double-bag knapsacks are preferred; blanket rolls acceptable.
• Ground cloth: Federal issue rubber blanket (1/4” grommets) or painted cloth

ARTILLERY REGULATIONS

• Full scale artillery is required and must be mobile to take part as there will be no static camps or positions. Absolutely no mortars are allowed.
• Cannon barrels must be in good condition and free from pitting or other structural damage.
• Carriages must be in good condition and free from cracks in their check pieces or the trail. Wheels must be in good condition, free of dry rot, major separations or large cracks.
• Each artillery piece shall be equipped with a limber.
• Ammunition boxes must be in good condition and with a complete copper cover. The boxes must be free of loose powder.
• All pieces must be approved by the Artillery Safety Officer before use.
• The Artillery Safety Officers have the right and obligation to correct what they believe to be unsafe and/or inappropriate actions or equipment. In all matters of controversy, the Overall Military Commanders will make the final determination / approval.
• Charges are to be made from 1F or Cannon grade black powder only - no additives, no flour, no Pyrodex, etc. No charge may be larger than 3 oz. of powder per inch of bore.
• All charges must be inspected and approved prior to the battle.
• Firing shall be in accordance with guidelines set by the Chief of artillery.
• Firing shall not exceed one round every two minutes.
• Crew Members must be at least 16 years of age to work any position on the piece.
• Artillery men carrying muskets will be reassigned to the infantry.

MOUNTED CAVALRY & HORSE DRAWN ARTILLERY REGULATIONS

• Stallions are not permitted.
• All horses must have current (dated within one year) negative Coggins papers to participate in event. Papers must be shown to an event official prior to bringing horses into the village. Failure to present current negative Coggins papers or refusal to allow for the inspection of animals constitutes grounds for expulsion from the event. If an attendee does not have an up-to-date coggins test but is still planning on attending, they must contact the director of interpretation at the museum at least one week prior to the event in order to schedule a qualified vet to be on the premises to conduct test. All vet expenses will be the responsibility of the animal’s owner.
• All horses will be picketed in the designated cavalry camp.
• All horses will be dismounted prior to entering any authorized camp area and led into the designated picket area. Absolutely no mounted individual will allow a horse to enter a camp area above the gait of a controlled walk.
• Inexperienced riders and green horses will be identified to the cavalry commander by the unit senior member present prior to participating in any aspect of the event.
• No person under the age of 16 will mount a horse as a combatant or serve in a mounted capacity.
• Physical abuse of horses as specified by New York state laws prevailing at the event will be grounds for immediate expulsion from the event.
• Cavalry should maintain at least a 15-foot interval between infantry and artillery troops, being especially careful of those simulating casualties. All activity will be restricted to a walk or trot whenever working in areas where there are casualties on the ground.

CIVILIAN REGULATIONS

GENERAL

• Civilian roles and activities at the November 2011 Immersion event at Genesee Country Village will be based on village life in the Kanawha Valley area of Fayette County in western Virginia (now West Virginia) in November of 1861. With the Confederate withdrawal from Charleston, Fayette County found itself the focal point of both Union and Confederate activities in western Virginia. On November 1, 1861 at Cotton Hill, a Confederate force, commanded by Brig. Gen. John Buchanan Floyd, attacked the Union camp, commanded by Brig. Gen. William S. Rosecrans, at Cotton Hill, near the Gauley Bridge. For a couple of days, the Confederates tried to dislodge the Federals from their position. On November 3, Floyd finally gave up on the effort to drive away the Federals. The Confederates ended their attack and withdrew.
• This will be an advanced event; those who attend will be expected to have correct clothing, accessories, etiquette and mannerisms for the type role they are doing, and to have period correct skills to use through the weekend that are appropriate for rural western Virginia in November of 1861. Participants will be asked to submit photos of themselves in the clothing they plan to wear at the event and a description of the role they wish to portray. Because of the rural area depicted in this event most female rolls will be limited to housewife or domestic. If you are unsure of a role, we can help find one that is suitable.
• Registration opens July 5, 2011 and closes October 7, 2011, no exceptions. Roles are not locked until we receive a paid registration. All roles must be approved and are limited in number.
• All participants must read and agree to the Event and Clothing Guidelines.
• Each person will be expected to do all the research and pre-event planning necessary to make sure they have all the correct items needed and to secure help from other re-enactors, if needed, for interaction during the event.
• For example: the postmaster will be required to have enough letters and packages to work with for the duration of the event, and to gain the cooperation of others in coming to mail letters and pick up their mail. He will have stamps to sell, an ink stamp for canceling the postage, glue for affixing the stamps, and perhaps paper and proper sized envelopes to sell. A house wife and older girls will be required to have the necessary equipment and supplies for a full day of ‘domestic arts’ including but not limited to food preparation, cooking, dishwashing, house cleaning, sewing, knitting, and entertaining. All participants will be required to work both individually and with others to recreate an active working town. We will provide assistance as much as practical in order to create the environment of a rural village in western Virginia in the early war years. Each person would have had extended family in the area, and would have known their neighbors and the local business owners.

First person is required in the Village during the entire event!

• If you must break first person, please use this code phrase, “Auntie made some pies, let’s go eat.” This is the cue for you and the other person to move to a private area to discuss something out of first person.

GUIDELINES FOR WOMEN

• The clothing and equipment for all civilians should reflect their approved impressions; however, the overall concept for the event is that of a rural western Virginia town in November of 1861. Unless you have been given specific approval to the contrary all clothing and accessories should reflect a rural working class style. This applies to both adults and children.
• DO:
  • Choose a standard one piece dress consisting of bodice and attached skirt - either a darted or gathered bodice
  • Choose an appropriate sleeve
    • For cotton or homespun consider the gathered cuff or coat sleeve
    • If using a pagoda sleeve remember this is a late l850’s style and fabric should reflect that pre-war style
  • Choose natural fabrics – l00% cotton, silk, wool, or linen
  • Choose colors and patterns available during the period.
    • For home-spun choose a color that ranges in the natural dyeing category
  • Choose appropriate buttons – glass, metal, or wood or close the bodice with hooks and eyes.
  • Choose to hem the dress approximately l to 2 in. off the floor for a better dress, and not more than ankle length for a work dress
  • Wear proper underpinnings for the correct silhouette, corded petticoat or work hoop preferred over a larger hoop. Corsets are required (Past Patterns offers patterns for a variety of corsets including maternity corsets and ‘work stays’ for working women). Quilted petticoats would be appropriate for the cooler weather.
  • Correct shoes and stockings for the November weather (and for buildings without central heat)
  • Dress the hair in a suitable l860’s style – usually parted in the middle whith a chignon at the base of the head
  • If wearing jewelry choose earrings with French wires or small hoops and simple broaches
  • Choose a correctly made bonnet, not a hat. Consider a quilted or knitted hood for cool weather.
  • Use hand-stitched button holes
  • Correct outerwear for November weather; hoods, gloves, cloaks, warm shawls, or paletots will be needed. The average November temperature in Western New York is in the high 30’s; cold rain and snow flurries are common.
  • Correct night clothes; the museum buildings are not heated to modern standards. Heavy cotton or wool flannel nightgowns, night caps, slippers, and wrappers are appropriate.
  • AVOID:
    • Fingerless mitts
    • Colored crocheted hairnets (often called snoods). If a “net” was worn during the l860’s, it was of fine material, usually the same color as the hair, and worn over fully dressed hair.
    • Sunglasses, modern glasses, modern jewelry or wristwatches
    • Felt bonnets or felt hats
    • Huge sutler hoops – consider instead a 90 to ll0 inch cage or corded petticoat
    • Make-up, nail polish, and excessively long nails
    • Synthetic fabrics, plastic buttons, Battenburg lace and lace on dresses – especially day wear. Avoid nylon or synthetic lace all together.
    • Garibaldi/skirt combos unless portraying a well to do young lady (under age l8-20) or Zouave jacket/skirt/blouse combos – if you want the jacket wear it over a one piece dress
    • “Tea” bodices
    • Bangs or any other modern hair style, avoid sausage curls on a grown woman
    • Avoid constructing your dresses or other garments without using a reliable historically documented pattern with proper fit. Suggested patterns include Homespun Patterns and Past Patterns. For children we recommend Elizabeth Stewart Clark’s patterns for infants through teens, found at her website. Elizabeth also offers several free patterns for ladies and children on her website, www.thesewingacademy.com.
  • UNDERPINNINGS:

    Basic underpinnings consist of drawers, chemise, corset or stays, and petticoat. For your own comfort and benefit we recommend only 100% cotton.

    For those who can sew their own clothing we recommend Elizabeth Stewart Clarks free instructions on her website, www.thesewingacademy.com. She provides instructions for making drawers, chemises, aprons, shawls, slat bonnets, and basic petticoats.

    For those who need purchased patterns please see Past Patterns, or Kay Gnagey has patterns in Simplicity (Kay Fig).

    A corded petticoat or small hoop is much more sensible and appropriate for a working impression and is strongly recommended over large hoops or cage. Patterns are available or for those who prefer to purchase items we can recommend reputable sources.

  • SHOES:

    Squared toed all leather lace up ‘boots’ (over the ankle), or elastic side ladies pull-on boot.

  • STOCKINGS:

    Several reputable sutlers sell appropriate long cotton and wool stockings. Wool is recommended for November.

  • DRESSES:

    This event will portray early war life western Virginia in November 1861. Shortages are not yet a big concern but most rural women do not have the luxury of new clothing.

    A one-piece dress (bodice with attached skirt) was the most common; fabrics should be 100% natural – cotton, wool, etc. in colors and patterns that would have been possible during the mid-19th century. Ladies should think work attire and dress in preparation for performing the everyday chores of home life during the war.

    By the 1860’s, the pagoda sleeve was passing out of favor, and during the 1850’s dresses with pagoda sleeves were most often made of upscale fabrics which did not hold up well to household work and the necessary laundering. A coat sleeve or a bishop sleeve is much more practical for working.

    Aprons will prove helpful and appropriate for many, especially those helping with meal preparation and washing up. Aprons should be wool or cotton. Slat bonnets, corded sunbonnets, or quilted or knitted hoods will be preferred over fashion bonnets for working class attire depending upon the weather.

  • SLEEPING GEAR:

    Quilts should be correct fabric and pattern; coverlets are excellent choices as are basic wool blankets. A feather mattress encased in cotton ticking or a bed tick stuffed with straw is acceptable for sleeping in the village buildings. For those with allergies a modern sleeping bag completely covered

  with appropriate quilts, blankets, ticking, etc is acceptable.

  Please note that straw will not be provided.