Creed of Living History

We are people to whom the past is forever speaking. We listen to it because we cannot help ourselves, for the past speaks to us with many voices. Far out of that dark nowhere which is the time before we were born, men who were flesh of our flesh and bone of our bone went through fire and storm to break a path to the future. We are part of the future they died for; they are part of the past that brought the future. What they did -- the lives they lived, the sacrifices they made, the stories they told and the songs they sang and, finally, the deaths they died -- make up a part of our own experience. We cannot cut ourselves off from it. It is as real to us as something that happened last week. It is the basic part of our heritage as Americans.
- Bruce Catton

Crew 862 is a Venturing Crew in the Northwest Suburban Council BSA

This venturing crew was started in 2000 with its main focus as Civil War Reenactment. We are interested in both Military and Civilian roles. At the same time we are part of the Venturing movement and plan on being an active part of venturing. In the off season from reenacting we are actively involved with other venturers in activities of interest to 14 to 21 year olds.

Anyone who is interested in history can be a part of this organization even if they do not want to be actively involved as participants at reenactments. For a calendar of activities see the crew schedule.

Mission

The Purpose and Mission of Crew 862 is to teach the history through portraying the lives of infantry soldiers during the Civil War. This is accomplished by attaining proficiency in drill, authenticity in dress, accuracy in food preparation, and having the general etiquette and knowledge of soldier in the Civil War Era.

Crew 862 Goals

We are Re-enacting history - we are not Re-enacting Re-enacting. We should never give a thought to how other groups do it; our only concern should always be how They did it.

Never forget that looking the part is only half the battle - we must truly act the role that we may correctly educate both the public and our fellow re-enactors, not to mention rendering true honor to Them.

The goals of Crew 862 are:

	To have fun and enjoyment of authentically portraying Confederate soldiers.
	To learn what it was like to be a Confederate soldier.
	To experience the comradeship and pride of belonging to a first rate infantry regiment.
	To preserve history.
	To stimulate interest in the War Between the States.

The goals of the Adult Leadership are:

	To train the youth members to become proficient in drill
	To teach the youth members the etiquette and dress of the era.
	To work with the youth so that they are capable leaders of the crew.

Steps in joining Crew 862

This page gives the information on what it takes to become a member of Crew 862. For more information contact Phil Smanski (military) or Elaine Masciale (civilian).

Step 1 - Understand what we do.

It is important for any potential member to understand the mission and by-lays of the crew. The leadership of Crew 862 recommends the following:

Read the Mission Statement.

Read the By-Laws of Crew 862.

Re-read the section of the Bylaws titled "Safety Guidelines.

Step 2 - Try it out.

Before deciding to make an investment in gear, see what it is like to participate in a re-enactment. Crew 862 has some gear that can be lent out so you can participate. The following items must be done by you.

Check the Event Schedule to find an event that you are interested in.

Contact the unit so they know you are coming.

List approximate clothing sizes (eg. hat, trousers, suitcoat, etc.).

Complete the permission slip that will be provided.

Step 3 - Complete application and pay fees

In order to become a member of Crew 862 it is necessary to complete an application and to pay the necessary fees. The actions that must be taken are listed below.

Complete the Venture or Adult application form.

Complete authorization with appropriate medical information and have the appropriate adult SIGN it.

Write out checks for fees to crew (and Boy Scouts of America if appropriate).

Mail documents to Crew Advisor.

Step 4 - Purchase basic equipment

It is important that you start out with purchasing the necessities. We are also interesting in being authentic where possible. Guidelines in obtaining equipment are listed below.

Read Equipment Standards and Sutlers.

The first purchases you should make are canteen, poncho, and shoes in that order.

Read the above sentence again (We are first and foremost concerned with the health and well being of the new members).

Talk with the Crew Advisor and Crew Members about equipment!

Step 5 - Continue building your impression and having fun

Required Forms

Parental consent form

Medical form

We are greatly indebted to David Rydin who had the vision to start this organization. When he left this world on December 25, 2003 due to a massive stroke it was a great loss to us. He was an inspiration to us all and will be missed. This Crew exists due to his desire to make the history of the Civil War come alive to those around him.