Civil War reenactment this weekend

This weekend, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Saturday, Sept. 14 and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 15, the 67th New York Voluntary Infantry will be hosting a Civil War reenactment. It is the 16th annual Civil War Weekend at the Islip Grange and began in 2009, only missing an event in 2020 due to the pandemic.

With help from Co. H, 14th Brooklyn, Co. C, the 9th Virginia, Co. B, the 30th Virginia, the 6th New York Independent Battery, the Society of the Grand Army of the Republic (SOGAR), plus the Sons and Daughters of Union Veterans, and the Town of Islip, the 67th will transport visitors back to a decisive period of American history.

Admittance and parking at the Islip Grange are both free and battles will take place on both days.

“Every year we include new scenarios and impressions that expand our opportunities to educate the public. For instance, this year we will include a ‘Paymaster’ scenario for when the soldiers get paid and possibly an election scenario,” said Max Kenny (Lt. William Kent) of the 67th.

“We will have our usual full encampments of Federal and Confederate infantry along with artillery, and throughout the weekend we will have lessons on all aspects of a soldier’s life (i.e., diet, uniform, weapons, pastimes, etc.) along with a full hospital where the public can learn just how rough medicine was in the 1860s,” said Kenny.

The Suffolk County News interviewed Kenny, the secretary of the 67th, to learn more about what goes into the two-day historical tour.

Suffolk County News: How long does it take to set up the camps? Cannons?

67th: Normally, when we’re traveling to events, we keep our camps simple. However, given that this is our biggest production for the year, we bring out the full works for the public to see, as our goal is to educate. We spent all day on Friday setting up and that’s when the artillery arrives.

SCN: Do reenactors portray the same soldiers or same side each year? How is it decided?

67th: Every reenacting group has a set structure with officers, sergeants, corporals, privates, etc., that is consistent, unless there are changes in the ranks due to promotions or departures. Reenactors also adopt an original soldier from the regiment they imitate. For example, my alias is Lt. William Kent, who served in the original 67th NY.

SCN: What are the three top must-see historical features for a young attendee of the event and why? (e.g., the battle reenactment, the medical tent)

67th: That all depends on the visitor’s individual interest. Of course, the battles are always popular, but young people are also fascinated about life in general in the 1860s, as it is so alien to the 21st century. The medical tent also gets a lot of attention, as medicine was particularly medieval and gory compared to our own time.

SCN: What is the biggest draw or inspiration for most of the historical players in being a part of the reenactment?

67th: Every reenactor joins for their own unique reasons. We are all initially attracted by our own interests, such as the weapons, strategy, politics, motivations, culture, etc. However, we all share the same love for history and enjoy sharing that interest in camaraderie.

SCN: What are the greatest challenges to presenting a historically accurate Civil War camp? Battle?

67th: Obviously, for health and safety reasons, we cannot display the full hardships of the time, but we achieve our best on a superficial level.

SCN: How do you accommodate audience members that might be sensitive to seeing the Confederate flag on display?

67th: One important fact we tell the public is that there were several Confederate flags, not just the one that receives the most attention.

SCN: How can someone join the 67th?

67th: We refer recruits to our website, which has a lot of information on becoming a member. And we encourage prospects to attend one of our monthly meetings and drills that we hold the last Sunday of every month. During our drills, we equip potential members with loaner gear to give them a taste of what it’s like in the ranks.

SCN: Where do you source your apparel, props, gear, etc., from? How do you take care of authentic pieces?

67th: We purchase our gear from “Sutlers,” which is a term used during the Civil War for private businessmen that followed the armies and sold the men all types of merchandise. We have a full list of Sutlers on our website, from which members can purchase their wares.

SCN: What can parents do to best prepare their children to fully appreciate the event?

67th: We’re adept at teaching to all age groups, from kids right up to the adults. However, it’s always helpful to give your kids a basic idea of the American Civil War before attending an event.