Unsung Heroes
Civil War reenactors are the unsung heroes of American history. Without their participation and support, important movies including “Gettysburg” (1993), “Glory” (1989) and other significant undertakings would not have been possible. Despite their important contributions in helping the public to understand the past, their ranks seem to be shrinking. Is it a cyclical downturn or something more ominous? Since the guns fell silent at the Civil War’s end, numerous historians have labored to tell the story of the conflict that defined America. Many compelling histories have been written, and many scholars have captured the essence of the conflict. Despite great success, few writers can rival the impact and power of a Civil War reenactment. At the Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum we have worked with hundreds of reenactors. Without exception all of them have delivered outstanding importance to everything they have done. Reenactors also participate in our “Living Night at the Museum” annual event. They attend our yearly History Expo and always make themselves available whenever we request their support. Three years ago we commemorated the 1865 Lincoln funeral. We brought in an authentic 19th century horse-drawn hearse, and an exact replica of the original Lincoln coffin manufactured by the Batesville Casket Company, the company that made the original Lincoln coffin in 1865. The Lincoln funeral of 1865 did not travel through Allentown, but it did make major stops in Harrisburg and Philadelphia. Our objective was to convey a public sense of what it would have been like to witness Lincoln’s funeral procession. The public was in awe; visitors to our museum still remark how impressed they were with that march and our funeral ceremony. Yet none of this would have been possible without Civil War reenactors to give life and substance to the event. We have held numerous events at the museum where reenactors elevated the program and made the day. Still, I find myself disappointed that the ranks of reenactors appear to be in decline. Some reenactors are tough on each other. Last year at one of our events one reenactor demanded that another one change trousers because there was an ironed crease in each pant leg, something unknown at the time, of the second reenactor’s uniform. In another instance, what started between two reenactors as a minor quibble over the historical accuracy of a pair of shoes, resulted in a new reenactor becoming so embarrassed he went home; we haven’t seen him since. Seemingly minor incidents, yes, but they do raise the question: does the reenactor have to be perfectly dressed to be effective and acceptable? While historical accuracy is always a paramount objective, it does have limitations that should be considered and accepted. A simple survey of painted images picturing American history might illustrate the point. Among the most emblematic and inspiring of all historical paintings is Gen. George Washington in a boat crossing the Delaware River on Christmas night 1776. This is an inspiring scene of Washington standing tall with the stars and stripes to his back. It’s a painting that is admired by millions and has been seen at one time or another by nearly all Americans. Despite its highly effective, patriotic and enduring image, this large painting, measuring 149 x 255 inches, is not without flaws. The painting itself was created in Germany and brought to America in 1851. The artist, Emanuel Leutze, painted numerous inaccuracies, which included an American flag that was not in existence in 1776. The style of the boats is incorrect, as are the presence of horses, which were transported separately, and not with the soldiers. Even the time of day is incorrect; the sun is rising, but the actual event occurred in the darkness of night. Despite as many as a dozen or more inaccuracies, this painting is a national treasure. It may well represent the most inspiring and patriotic painting in American history. Are we better off with it or should we have sent it back to Germany where it originated in 1851, 75 years after Washington’s historic crossing? This artist accomplished what he set out to do, to convey the image of one of the most historic and inspiring events in American history. Like the Civil War reenactor, this famous painting of the American Revolution has connected with countless people, young and old. It has inspired them to learn more about the subject and to better appreciate the importance of understanding the past. Reenactors deserve our praise and support. They need not be perfect to be effective and informative. They create events and images that go far beyond what books and paintings can accomplish. They bring history to life; they captivate and engage their audience; they make history real with a human face. For years the American public’s knowledge of history has been in decline. One published report claims, “Most college seniors could not identify Yorktown as the site of the decisive battle of the American Revolution.” Sadly this report claims that “a third of Americans thought the Civil War came before the American Revolution.” Numerous studies document declines in historical knowledge as a universal trend in American culture. Reenactors, whether they have a misplaced button or an unauthorized crease in their trousers, are nonetheless crucial advocates for history. They draw the public in and they enlarge people’s appetites to learn more. They convey a sense of the past as no one else can. My hat is off to all reenactors. Museums are far more effective with them. Civil War reenactors bring history into focus; they make it as real as it can be. I thank them publicly; Union and Confederate, they are indeed the unsung teachers of American history. It’s more than a hobby; it’s a contribution to American culture that helps people to better understand the world in which we live.
Joseph Garrera is Executive Director of the Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum in Allentown, Pa. He has served 11 years as president of the Lincoln Group of New York in Manhattan. He is a member of the federal advisory panel to the Lincoln Bicentennial Commission. He frequently lectures on the importance of studying history.
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