Who we are

Who we are....

The Homespun Living History Guild is non-political and family oriented.

We are not affiliated with any military unit, and function solely on our own merit. We are happy to share our guidelines, and assist in research and various projects with other civilian groups when possible, however, permission is required before republishing anything from this site. Failure to do so, or to give proper credit for the information to Victoria Rumble and the Homespun Living History Guild is in direct violation of copyright law. Contact information is listed below.

Our primary focus is living history programs which allow us to interact with spectators, and the occasional immersion event for our own enjoyment. Our authenticity standards are high and strictly enforced. Anything less would not allow us access to some of the events we do. We use mentors to advise new members on proper clothing, shoes, camp gear, tentage (when acceptable), and various activities of the period. We share skills with each other, and attend seminars and workshops in order to add to our skills.

Our members may participate as refugees, displaced citizens, or citizens of any particular area depending on the scenario needed, and pursue crafts as would have been essential to the lives of the characters we portray. Members must develop a first person impression for themselves and build their wardrobe, gear and activities around this persona. The persona you select for yourself will directly influence the clothing you will need.

The Homespun Living History Guild is self-governed by its active members. There are no officers, no Board of Directors, or titles to aspire to. Active members share equally in the leadership of the group. Members may be as active as they choose, however, in the event no volunteer agrees to complete the work necessary for our activities in a timely manner the Mentors shall complete the tasks at hand. The Mentors will have ultimate authority in resolving disputes, and enforcing guidelines.

Our Point of Contact is Mrs. Victoria Rumble, who interacts between members and hosts, and passes invitations on to the group for discussion. She then makes arrangements with the hosts for our participation at events. Information obtained in this process is relayed to the active membership through e-mail or phone contact. Mrs. Victoria Rumble may be reached at: thistledewbooks at (@ sign) comcast.net

We welcome invitations from hosts to participate at historic sites, national military parks, etc. and will be happy to discuss our past participation and what activities we can offer your site. Members will be given a membership roster, copy of the society by-laws, and contact information for the three Mentors immediately upon joining the society.

The Homespun Living History Guild is a highly progressive nonpolitical, nonpartisan, family-oriented group, therefore, members are asked to conduct themselves in such a way that would be consistent with proper etiquette and morality. Failure to comply with society by-laws and authenticity guidelines will result in expulsion from the guild. Should such action be deemed necessary the Mentors will inform the party in question as to the group's decision. Members are expected to be courteous to other members, guests, hosts, and spectators at all times, and refrain from hurtful or spiteful behavior which might be injurious to the guild, its members, spectators, or hosts. Failure to do so is cause for immediate expulsion.

Prospective members will be asked to participate with us before applying for membership to see if our style is acceptable and to allow the members to observe whether or not the prospective member is willing to abide by the guidelines and by-laws. If so the prospective member will be sponsored by an existing member, and be placed on a one year trial membership. If at the end of that year the applicant's kit is not acceptable, or the applicant's behavior has been cause for concern the applicant will not be offered permanent membership until satisfactory corrections are made. This is not intended to discourage anyone genuinely ready to make that leap of faith to a higher level of participation. We realize that our level of participation does not appeal to most civilian living historians, and for anyone just getting involved in the hobby we recommend first working with a group whose guidelines aren't as rigid. This allows a person new to the hobby to become familiar with the structure of living history and the politics involved in an atmosphere that may be more enjoyable for them. Anyone struggling to meet authenticity guidelines is not going to be happy, and, that unhappiness tends to spill over within the membership sucking the fun out of it for everyone in the group. Regardless of your level of participation if it isn't fun then you need to look elsewhere for something to devote your time to.
Many participants may never desire to reach beyond that initial level, but for someone who has participated long enough to understand the structure and genuinely wants more from living history than "theme camping" we would welcome the opportunity to get to know you, and to let you see if our style is suited to your desired level of participation. If need be, we will be happy to help you make any needed changes to your kit with as little cash outlay as possible.
Military members who would like to also pursue a civilian role are welcome. Soldiers were civilians before the war and those who survived returned to those civilian roles after the war.