What does membership with Company H offer?
1. The opportunity to experience the excitement Civil War reenacting.
2. The opportunity to learn more about the Civil War.
3. The opportunity to meet people with a common interest in history.
4. A monthly newsletter called "The Maryland Guard Dispatches."
5. Membership with the 2nd Regiment of the 1st Legion, Provisional Army of the Confederate States (PACS).

What's so great about 2nd Maryland, Company H?
Company H offers members the opportunity to have a variety of reenacting experiences. Some events on our calendar have very high authenticity standards, while other events are more moderate. For the more moderate mainstream style reenactments, such as New Market and Cedar Creek, family members are able to participate, and weekends with us can be a fun learning experience for the whole family. Events with high standards offer our members the chance for full Civil War immersion. Members are also often invited to schools for presentations. Usually, at least once a year, members serve as Confederate "prisoners of war" at Ft. Delaware on Pea Patch Island. Our members have participated in documentary and film projects. We put a significant amount of effort in preservation of Civil War battlefields through fundraising and preservation marches. While our primary impression is 2nd Maryland, we are often assigned to portray other units such as the VMI cadets at New Market. Some members even take the chance to portray Union troops in order to better understand the war from both sides. Company H offers safety, authenticity, and fun.

What happens at a reenactment?
Most reenactments take place over a weekend. Reenactors typically arrive Friday or very early Saturday morning. They make an effort to camp, eat, and live like a Civil War soldier. On Saturday there is company and battalion drill in the morning for training and safety reasons. Later in the day there is at least one and possibly two simulated battles. On Sunday church service is frequently provided, more drill is possible, and there is often a final simulated battle. By Sunday afternoon, usually by 3pm, the event is over and everyone packs up for home. There are different types of events such as battle reenactments, living histories, demonstrations (school or scouts), and preservation marches.

How much does it cost to give reenacting a try?
To give reenacting a try through Co. H you must be a dues-paying member to ensure that you are covered by insurance. We often lend equipment to new members, so they can experience a reenactment without investing a large amount of money. Our ability to lend equipment depends on sizes and availability of extra gear. Most events require a registration fee. An individual could easily give reenacting a try for under $50, most of which goes towards membership dues and the event registration fee. If you are thinking of going to watch a reenactment, think again. It often costs nearly as much to watch as it does to participate. Participating from the front rank of a Confederate battle line is far more exciting than watching from several hundred yards away.

If I enjoy reenacting, how much will it cost to get my own equipment?
A full reenacting kit for a soldier including musket, uniform, accoutrements, tent, etc can be expensive. Some equipment is more necessary than others. More authentic equipment is usually more expensive, but we can help you keep costs down. We encourage our members to take their time buying equipment, and we do not expect a person to buy everything all at once. New members are encouraged to obtain their basic needs within a year's time -- and not to buy anything without first attending an event and consulting with a "veteran" soldier of the company (we don't want you wasting money on things you won't need or should not buy).

Will I ever be forced to do something I don't want to do?
No, Company H is not the real army. Just about everything we do is voluntary. Our regiment has a policy of "no drill, no fight." This means that members are expected to participate in drill before a battle reenactment. At reenactments drill is used to make sure everyone is operating safely. We do expect members to stay in period dress while at events. The uniform and equipment used should meet the minimum standards set by the Company.

Do I have to attend every event on the Company Calendar?
No, event attendance is purely voluntary. You attend the events you want to attend. To be a voting member in good standing, however, we expect members to attend at least two events and one business meeting listed on our Calendar. Meetings are usually held at events. Some events are considered "Maximum effort," and these events are considered more important to attend than others.

Is reenacting dangerous?
Physically, reenacting can be a challenge if you do not take care of yourself. Members are encouraged to exercise and prepare themselves for marching in hot conditions. The biggest dangers are heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Sometimes we have to march over rugged terrain that involves rocks and streams. We use real firearms loaded with blanks, and while firearm related accidents are extremely rare, they can happen. Safety inspections are conducted regularly at each event at the Company and Regimental levels. Extra effort is made to train new members in reenacting safety at events. Hand to hand combat is discouraged and in most cases not allowed. The regiment has a medical officer trained to deal with reenacting emergencies.

What is the 1st Legion, Provisional Army of the Confederate States (PACS)?
1st Legion PACS is a larger reenacting "umbrella" organization that consists of 2 infantry regiments, 2 cavalry squadrons, and 1 artillery battalion. A legion is a combination of infantry, cavalry, and artillery. Our legion is led by General Greg Bair. Our Company is with the 2nd Infantry Regt. under Colonel David Reitz. The Legion consists of several hundred reenactors.

When I go to my first event, how do I find 2nd Maryland, Company H?
Recruits going to their first event often have trouble locating their Company of 20+ men among a sea of tents and possibly thousands of reenactors. Usually reenactors check in at the event's registration tent when first arriving. They are given a map of the camp sites. Using the map they should locate the Confederate Camp. Once in the camp, they should ask where PACS under General Bair is camped. Once you find PACS, ask for 2nd Regt. PACS under Colonel Reitz. Finally, ask for 2nd Maryland, Company H under Captain Tim Kirk. There are other Maryland companies, so make sure you find the correct one.

How should I prepare for my first reenactment?
Establish contact with a veteran member of Company H. Get together with them before the event if possible, or talk with them over the phone. Ask any questions you may have. Make sure you have made arrangements to borrow any equipment you may need. You will also need food and blank ammunition. You can have modern food at most events as long as it stays hidden. The use of period style food is encouraged. We usually make our own ammunition and are willing to share with new recruits. The best thing to do to prepare for your first event is simply to get in touch with a veteran and ask a lot of questions.

If interested in joining 2nd Maryland, Company H, contact John Wyman at winderranger@comcast.net or call 443-350-6277. John will send you a membership form and answer any questions you may have.