About Me

Hello, My name is A.J. and I am a historical reenactor. I mainly reenact the American Civil War, and the mid- to late-Victorian Era. I live in the beautiful foot hills and mountains of the South, where the tea is sweet and the people are more so. In the particular region where I live history surrounds me. I see monuments for those who came before; museums and battlefields where wars of the past were fought or where the brave Americans trained to fight; plaques, buildings, homes, and businesses that show a glimpse of the life of pioneers who paved the way for the success of the future generations.

    I have always loved history, especially the 1800's, it was a dream of mine to live like my ancestors lived... no modern conveniences like electricity, factory made clothing, even indoor plumbing! Imagine my delight and enthusiasm when I learned that there were still people who, like me, loved the past and  still took part in reenacting our history! I was ecstatic!
 So back in  November of 2018 I decided that I would give living history a try. I was busy for the next five months, researching, sewing, buying, and making my impression*. Finally, on May 18th - 19th, 2019 I attended my first event with my older brother, who also was 'seeing the elephant'**. Since then, I have taken part in other Civil War reenactments, sewed quite a few more article's of clothing, and recruited another brother into becoming a reenactor.

Union Artillery Soldiers

My work dress. I made both the apron and the dress, plus
most of my underpinnings.

My brother in a Civil War railroad tunnel
Where he is standing is an alcove where the railroad
workers could safely stay when a train would pass while
they were in the tunnel. This tunnel dates back to the
early 1800's!

Confederate encampents

My day dress and a shawl my sister made me.

Confederate Infantry

Union Cavalry and Infantry

*impression--- "an imitation of a person or thing, especially one done to entertain." In historical reenacting or living history an "impression" is what you see on a person, essentially who they are at the event. It might be that they are a knight from the 15th C., a nurse in WWII, or a soldier in the British Militia. Each impression is carefully crafted, much thought, time, effort, and funds are put into every single detail.

 **seeing the elephant---- This term was used during the 19th century and later on by Civil War reenactors. It basically means to see a battlefield for the first time.