WHAT
DOES IT MEAN TO "JOIN THE REGIMENT"?
We are a group of amateur historians who devote a good deal of our time to historic research on Colonial America, particularly the period of the American Revolution. We portray an actual North Carolina Continental Line Regiment and at times a Militia unit. Our people consider their activities a hobby and are therefore willing to devote their time and money to "their hobby." We reenact camp life, tactics, drill and combat of the late 18th century. We do this on weekends usually from Friday night thru Sunday afternoon. We live in the field as was done in the 18th Century. Anyone joining us should share our likes and be able to assimilate to our ways.
HOW DOES ONE JOIN?
All applicants must fill out and submit an application for membership. Once your application has been received, the Adjutant will contact you and inform you of upcoming events. You may then decide to "try a weekend." For your first event you may wish to just observe or many times some of our members can lend you clothing for the weekend. This is referred to as "dressing out." You should notify the Adjutant that you are coming so arrangements can be made. You have the option on your first event to stay in one of the Regiments tents or you may choose to stay at a local Motel. If, after your first event, you feel that you would enjoy our activity and would like to pursue joining the Regiment you must attend a total of three events (the first one can count) over a six month period. An event is defined as a weekend in the field. You may attend more than three if desired. This way you will get to know us and we will get to know you. After six months if you express a desire to join, the membership will vote on your application at the next scheduled event. In most cases you will then be accepted into the Regiment.
WHY DO I HAVE TO WAIT SIX MONTHS TO GET IN?
Our Regiment is like a family. We live together, work together, eat together and must learn to work together to perform our task of presenting history to the public. It is extremely important that all of our members can get along and that new members can perform the tasks of the Regiment and the proper presentation of American History to the public. It takes time to get to know each other and from our experience six months is just about right. New members are assisted by the existing members to learn our ways and to help them be ready to be voted in. Also you get a good chance to decide if this is really what you want to do.
HOW IS THE REGIMENT ORGANIZED?
Our Regiment was started in 1972 and formed as a nonprofit corporation organized under the laws of the State of North Carolina in 1978. Its Officers, Board members and Field Officers are voted in annually by the membership. The Regiment presently has five Board members, a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The field officers consist of a commander (Captain), and a Sergeant. Also voted in is the Head of Distaff (Female) who is in charge of Ladies activities. Members in good standing who have attended at least one-half of the scheduled events in a calendar year have a voting right. A monthly newsletter - "The Regimental Dispatch" keeps members informed. Current dues are $30.00 per year for Individual or Family membership. No salaries are paid any of our officers, board members or other Regiment officials.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE IN THE REGIMENT RIGHT NOW?
There are 65-70 people at the present time.
IS THIS ONLY A FAMILY ACTIVITY?
No. We encourage family membership if all the family shares the interest and will participate most of the time. Single men or women can join as soldiers or distaff. Families where only one or part of the family wish to join and participate are welcome, however other members not "dressed out" 18th century cannot stay in the camp or participate in any activities of the camp.
WHAT DO WE DO IN CAMP?
Camp life means staying 18th century all weekend. (A few members, from time to time, change back to 20th century clothing after hours and when all the public has left but it is encouraged to stay 18th century all during the event and enjoy all the old ways.) Soldiers will drill and perform camp chores of getting water, wood, etc. as well as stand guard and perform battle reenactments. Soldiers must be present, in proper prescribed uniform, for all formations and work assignments. Ladies will be assigned duties by the Head of Distaff. Children must be dressed out and made to behave while in camp. They can play or "help out," if old enough, on various chores. We encourage the young people to participate and in fact we need drummers and fifers if they are interested. All members must be prepared to discuss history with the public but must only state historic facts - not guesswork or assumptions that are not authenticated. All members assist in setting up and breaking down the campsite. In the evenings we usually sit around the campfires, if no other activity has been planned, and trade notes on history or just enjoy good conversation and good times. Alcoholic beverages are permitted if used in moderation. This is only after hours and when there is no general public around. Drunkenness, vulgarity, profanity and causing an annoyance is forbidden and is grounds for dismissal from the Regiment. The use of any illegal drug is forbidden at all times and anyone caught doing so will be requested to leave and be expelled from the Regiment immediately. The Regiment desires fun but trouble is not wanted and will not be tolerated.
WHAT DO I NEED AND WHAT DOES IT COST?
No different than any other activity that we may choose as a hobby because we enjoy it, such as golf, photography, fishing, etc. certain supplies are necessary. For your first year in the Regiment (Official time starts when you are voted in by the membership) certain clothing and equipment is required. What we wear is considered clothing - NOT costumes. Your clothing and some of your equipment can be made by yourself as long as it is made authentically using authentic materials and methods. Patterns are available. No synthetic materials can be used in clothing. ONLY wool, linen or cotton in cross weave can be used. If you desire to make your own some of our members can guide you to proper sources. With your application you will received a clothing and equipment list and it contains estimated costs for any items you wish to purchase. The Regiment furnishes equipment that is shared by all. This includes Tents, Cook Gear and field kitchen set-ups. Personal equipment is not furnished. At an event straw is furnished in each tent. You need quilts and blankets to stay in the tent. Any 20th cent. gear must be hidden or removed each morning. (eg. Sleeping Bag with Zipper).
CAN I BECOME A CORPORATE OFFICER OR FIELD OFFICER?
Members in good standing with over three years continuous service can be considered for NCO Field Grades and must have over five years to be considered for Officer Grades in the field. For Corporate Officers you must have over three years continuous service. In addition to time of service, the ability of the individual, how well equipped, how well versed in the Regt and our history must be considered. These rules are necessary to maintain the high calibre of the Regiment and to insure its continued existence.
OTHER ITEMS!! Most of our firing is for demonstration purposes using 120 gr FFF black powder. We do occasionally have live shoots but we are not a shooting club. We eat in the field and eat well with our meals prepared over open fires. At times there will be a camp fee of $10.00 per person to cover costs.
OTHER QUESTIONS? CONTACT:
Patrick O'Kelley