Here is a report from our correspondent, Nick Korolev:
This past weekend June 5-7 saw the annual Gathering of Civil War Eagles Seminar at the Old Courthouse Civil War Museum in Winchester, VA. This Civil War living history event is unlike any other. The public gets to act as the press and speak with key personnel both Union and Confederate about the war as well as totally immerse themselves in the era. During the three day event there was an opening reception with period music at the historic Godfrey-Miller House, a meet the commanders session, a presidential debate between Lincoln and Davis, a Confederate naval presentation by Commander Ebenezer Farrand, a Congressional hearing on “Conduct of the War”, a presentation by Matthew Brady on Civil War photography, medical exhibit and talk by Grant’s physisian Major. Brinton, Ladies fashion show and tea, childrens games of the time and a total engagement discussion between Union and Confederate personnel and the public with the press as moderator.
The two living history organizations involved are Lee’s Lieutenants (www.leeslieutenants.com) and the Federal Generals Corps (www.federalgeneralscorp.com)  Both units are made up of devoted living historians with the purpose of educating the general public about the Civil War period. This is accomplished through “first person” impressions of general officers, officers, enlisted men, politicians and civilians. Each impression is researched in depth and the research never stops as new books and information are constantly being released. Both groups often appear at reenactments to enhance the experience for the public and never take command on the field. Many of the members of both living history groups were or still are involved in reenacting.
As a member of the Federal Generals Corps I portray Brig. Gen. William W. Averell, a cavalry commander for first the Army of the Potomac and later the Army of West Virginia. We are only a two year old organization and still actively recruiting. Our main needs right now are Gen. Burnside, Gen. Hooker, Gen. Sherman, Gen. McClellan and we would like to find an Allen Pinkerton. Our contact person is General Rawlins at jimopdenaker@comcast.net Also check out our site listed above for much more information.
Nick Korolev
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