General
The event hosts ask that anachronistic or inappropriate items be removed,
adjusted or replaced. We don't want to embarrass anyone, so please
read and understand the regulations before the event.
All civilians must remember that this is the summer of 1864 and,
even if not doing 1st-person impressions, as much as possible keep
mannerisms
and conversation within that time frame during spectator hours. Living
history and public education are emphasized at this event. No one is
expected to be perfect, but honest attempts are required. Be prepared
to interact with other reenactors portraying townsfolk and soldiers.
Direction of all civilian scenarios, activity schedules and authenticity
standards are the responsibility of the Lead Interpreter (Dan Citron), or his designee, who reserves
the right of authoritative oversight in these matters.
With the exceptions of special scenarios, as noted above, the following
applies:
Federal Army:
Fabrics: All uniforms must be of period styles and made from materials
closely resembling period fabrics and using period tailoring as much
as possible. All buttons must be appropriate for the period.
Headgear:
•
Dark blue forage cap/bummer or kepi preferred for enlisted and NCOs,
but Hardee hats are acceptable.
•
Hardee hats are preferred for officers, but correctly outfitted dark
blue kepis or forage caps/bummers are acceptable
•
Limited use of period-correct civilian slouch hats is acceptable for
other than formal situations such as parade.
Coat/Jacket:
•
Dark blue wool sack coat (preferred) or frock coat for heavy artillery
and infantry. Shell jackets for light artillery.
•
Greatcoats are not allowed for scenarios between the months of May
and August. September is permissible if there is a decent likelihood
of cold weather.
Trousers:
•
Sky blue trousers with proper suspenders for non-garrison enlisted
men and NCOs. Dark blue wool pants with proper suspenders for garrison
enlisted men, NCOs, and officers. Non-garrison officers have their
choice of either sky or dark blue.
Shirts:
•
Shirts shall be of flannel, cotton, or linen-plain or of appropriate
prints. Federal-issue shirts are highly encouraged.
Accoutrements:
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Leather goods must be of period specifications.
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Accoutrements must be black.
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Haversacks must be tarred black canvas.
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Canteens should be covered with jeancloth, satinette, period correct
carpet scraps, or an old period correct blanket, although bare tin
canteens are acceptable. The 1858 smooth sides can be dark or sky blue.
•
Knapsacks are permissible, but not to be worn during guard duty since
the troops are in garrison.
•
All brass polished; US buckles, breast-plates and box plates.
•
Sergeants and staff NCOs are encouraged to wear the proper red sashes
when on duty.
Insignia:
•
Hat insignia should be kept to a minimum. If used, brass
regimental numbers/company letters shall conform to the scenario and
impression of the event.
•
Corps badges are prohibited.
•
Brass harps are prohibited.
•
Masonic badges should only be worn by brothers, and should be removable. (Wearing
of these badges is permitted only after speaking with Dan Citron to learn of
the Masonic link between Fort Delaware and Jackson Lodge)
•
Rank insignia shall be appropriate for the army and rank portrayed.
Shoes:
•
Period correct leather shoes or boats
Socks:
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Socks shall be of wool or cotton of natural or subdued hues.
•
Athletic socks are not allowed.
Standard Uniforms:
•
Only "standard" blue or gray uniforms may be worn. Zouave,
U.S. Sharpshooter, Marine, Navy, Highlander, foreign observers, chasseur,
militia, and other unconventional costumes are prohibited without prior
approval.
Anachronisms:
•
Obviously anachronistic items, such as (but not limited to) modern
jewelry, wristwatches, &c. are prohibited.
•
No ear rings or long, modern hair, such as pony tails.
Eyewear:
•
If corrective lenses are required, contact lenses are
preferred. Period eyeglass styles appropriate to the early 1860s are
also permitted.
•
Modern eyewear is expressly prohibited in all areas
of the event.
•
"Period" sunglasses are prohibited.
Weapons:
Safety Officer:
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Lead Interpreter Dan Citron
•
He is empowered to inspect weapons and take necessary actions in
the event of safety violations, including the unconditional expulsion from
the island of any participant.
Rifle-Muskets:
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Infantrymen will carry 3-banded, muzzleloading,
percussion rifle-muskets or smoothbores.
•
M1861 Springfield, M1853 Enfield, and M1842 conversions are preferred for all
Federals, but not mandatory.
•
No antique arms are allowed.
•
Use of 2-banded weapons, Zouave rifles, Hawkins rifles, Kentucky rifles, Plains
rifles, flintlocks, breechloaders, repeating rifles, shotguns, and other weapons
inappropriate for the period are prohibited without prior approval.
Bayonets:
•
All infantry must have a bayonet that fits their weapon. This is for stacking.
There are to be no fixed bayonets inside the fort for any other reason than
stacking without the permission of the safety officer(s).
Pistols:
•
Only officers and senior sergeants may carry pistols. Enlisted men
and other NCOs shall not possess handguns. Pistols must be unloaded
at all times.
Knives:
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Large sheath knives are prohibited at this event.
•
Small jack or pocket knives are permitted for carving.
Condition:
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Weapons must be in good repair.
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Weapons must have fully-functional half-cocks, with trigger pull within
satisfactory range.
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Nipples/cones must be clear, secure, and intact.
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Barrels must be clean and free of rust inside and out.
•
Persons who have fired live ammunition prior to this event must clean
their weapons with special care to remove all metal fragments, rags,
and residue.
•
Inspectors' decisions are final!
Tompions:
•
No tompions are allowed.
Cartridges:
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Ammunition must be made of white or off-white paper; no
newspaper, penny-wrappers, or staples.
•
Paper wadding may be used, but no glass beads or anything that can become a
projectile.
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Cartridges shall not be inserted into the muzzle of the weapon.
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Powder loads for rifle-muskets shall not exceed 65 grains maximum.
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Powder loads for smoothbores shall not exceed 100 grains.
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Powder loads for pistols shall not exceed 30 grains.
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Loose gunpowder is not allowed at the event and all cartridges must be made
beforehand.
Swords:
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Unsheathed swords are not allowed when in close proximity to spectators or
other participants.
Specialized Impressions:
Medical:
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The designated medical director will supervise establishment of field hospital(s)
at the military camps.
•
All medical impressions shall contact their respective (Federal/ Confederate)
military coordinator before registering.
Musicians:
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Musicians must be functional fifers, drummers, buglers, etc.
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All field musicians in each battalion will be grouped together.
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Musicians shall be prepared to perform normal camp and duty signals.
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Chief musicians designated by the event hosts may audition musicians and prohibit
performance by those unable to meet basic standards.
•
Decisions of designated chief musicians in such instances are final.
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Only period-style instruments shall be carried (bugle, drum, fife are preferred;
brass instruments will be considered if correct for the portrayal and scenario).
•
Only period arrangements shall be played.
