The 42nd Virginia Infantry Regiment is a nonprofit living history organization that was founded
in 1983 and officially organized in 1984. The Regiment, which is based in the Washington, DC,
metropolitan area, is dedicated to the historical
preservation and interpretation of Southern history during the period encompassed by the
War Between the States (1861-1865). This goal is achieved by authentically portraying the
life of the Confederate soldier or a civilian of the times.
The 42nd Virginia actively participates in parades, battle reenactments, living history encampments and events, honor guard duties, instructional school programs, hikes, etc. Programs are presented annually in county parks, National Battlefield Parks, the U.S. Capitol, and other public facilities. The Regiment is flexible in its activities and solicits creative contributions from its membership.
The Regiment is also active in the Adopt-a-Resource program with the National Park
Service and the Adopt-a-Highway program with the Virginia Department of
Transportation, has a partnership with the Association for the Preservation of Civil War Sites at
"The Coaling" at Port Republic, and cooperates with other like-minded
organizations to preserve and protect the heritage and legacies that have been passed on to us by those who
have
gone before.
The 42nd Virginia is comprised of men, women, and children from all walks of life who posses in
common the desire to recreate and thus help others to experience the most dynamic and
influential period in American history. Membership is in two categories: combatant and
noncombatant (civilian). Minors are welcomed; young men between the ages of 13 and 16
may serve the Regiment in a military capacity as functional musicians but are
not permitted to carry weapons.
Many events include first-person competitions, ladies' dress competitions and fashion shows, period games, seminars on 19th century life, and period dancing. In addition, men and women alike may don their finest period attire to attend annual balls where they may reel, schottische, and waltz to authentic music of the era.
Civilians are expected to adopt and portray a specific persona. Each individual may thus
research and develop his or her own "character." There are few limits on the types of
persona available, the only stipulation being that they be consistent with the times.
It's easy to get started as a living history interpreter. If you are interested and desire further
information, contact the 42nd Virginia's Recruitment Officer.
Attend the next business
meeting. Meet and talk with other members. If you choose to enlist, you will receive a
recruit package containing an array of information needed to become a living historian.
Once in the Regiment, you will be assigned a sponsor, who will assist you in acquiring
proper clothing, gear, weapons, tents, and so on.
