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Portfolio

The Southern Guard is proud to work with various National Park Service sites. The National Park Service is one of the most underfunded federal agencies, and the Guard is happy to do our part to help enhance NPS educational and interpretive programs. Southern Guard living histories at NPS sites show the public how the common soldier of the Civil War slept, ate, and drilled. We also put on tactical and firing demonstrations. These are not "battle reenactments," but rather demonstrations of how companies and battalions moved and fired in lines of battle and as skirmishers.

We have been honored to have worked with the following National Park Service sites:

• Antietam National Battlefield
• C&O Canal National Historical Park
• Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park
• Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park
• Gettysburg National Military Park
• Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
• Manassas National Battlefield Park
• Monocacy National Battlefield
• Petersburg National Battlefield
• Richmond National Battlefield Park
  
  

References

From the early 1980s to present, the Southern Guard Living History Association volunteers have devoted numerous hours of public history programming to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.

Each year, Harpers Ferry Park relies on the Southern Guard to help present artillery and pre-war militia events. These programs are volunteer driven and without their participation, the park would not be able to offer as a wide range of 19th century heritage education programs. The group spends numerous hours conducting historic weapons black powder safety drill that enables their participation in park weapons firing demonstrations.

The group contains a core of dedicated interpreters who, as either former park rangers or members of this group, have presented hundreds of hours of talks and tours to thousands of park visitors.

The group is well versed in U.S. History and can easily adapt their presentations to be site specific. Their attention to accurate material culture, and what those items meant to 19th century people, allows the park visitor to make a personal connection to their American heritage.

I have enjoyed a long standing relationship with this group and hope to coordinate future events with them.

Sincerely,
Melinda Day, Living History Volunteer Coordinator
Park Ranger Period Exhibits Branch
Harper Ferry National Historical Park

I have had the pleasure of working with the Southern Guard Living History Association for the past six years. I was aware of their reputation as a detail oriented and well researched group of historians several years before being introduced to them.

We have worked together in producing a documentary film for the National Park Service at Antietam National Battlefield as well as numerous living history events at Monocacy National Battlefield. The members of the group are serious about their hobby and equally as serious about their volunteer contribution to the site. They are not strangers to the art of interpretation and/or education. Their equipment is just as impeccable.

Visitors thoroughly enjoy interacting with individuals in the unit and frequently comment on their experiences. They share accurate information in a comfortable and engaging manner.

In planning events here at Monocacy, I have found it helpful to provide the group with a theme several months in advance and allow them to brainstorm ideas to refine the overall program outline. This provides them ample opportunity to research and prepare an accurate impression for that specific event. It is a cooperative effort that is rewarding for everyone, and amplifies the particular talents of these individuals.

I highly recommend the Southern Guard Living History Association and would be most happy to respond to any inquiries you may wish to make regarding their participation at Monocacy National Battlefield.

Sincerely,
Cathy Beeler
Chief, Resource Education & Visitor Services
Monocacy National Battlefield

I would like to add my endorsement of the Southern Guard as a quality group of living historians and volunteers. It has been my pleasure over the past couple of years to work with them at the Five Forks Battlefield Anniversary commemoration and each time they have been an asset to the program.

They provide well-researched and accurate portrayals and information for the public's education through interpretation and an extensive mastery of material culture. They are versed in period military manuals, as well as, National Park Service safety procedures and the Historic Weapons manual. They are very adaptable to changing situations and present a quality program.

They set the standard for other living historians to strive towards and they are a welcome addition to my programs any time.

Thank you,
Tracy Chernault
Park Ranger

I am pleased to offer this recommendation for the Southern Guard Living History Association and the support they have shown to the National Park Service.

At Manassas National Battlefield Park I had the pleasure of working with this group in 2000 when they provided a living history program to help commemorate the first major battle of the Civil War. Their presence as the 8th Virginia Infantry was a highlight of the weekend for visitors and staff.

The Southern Guard stands above other living history groups in their overall professionalism, attention to detail, and ability to interpret for the public. They understand programming needs and requirements of historic sites, and develop interpretations tailored to the park. Their uniforms, equipment, and material culture are museum-quality and also scenario-specific.

You will find the members of the Southern Guard dedicated park volunteers. They are keenly interested in helping to educate the public and preserve cultural resources. Their outstanding services would be an asset to any National Park Service endeavor.

Sincerely,
James M. Perry
Historian