All camps will be open to visitors during Fort hours of operation (9:30am - 5pm).

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• Vehicles are allowed in camps and on Fort roads ONLY outside public hours of operation (5:05pm - 9:15am) Friday for set-up and Sunday for Tear-down. No vehicles are allowed Inside the fort proper

• Event starts a 10pm Friday

• Ends at 4pm Sunday

• Safety & First Aid

• Dial 911, notify park staff

• There is a first aid kit in park office

• General Safety

• Fort Ontario has jurisdiction over all participants and guests. Please comply with all instructions given by these staff members. Announcements and special instructions regarding campus security will be shared during officers' and coordinators' meetings.

• All re-enactors will receive a Pass at check-in as proof of your participation in the weekend's activities. Please keep this pass with you at all times!!

• NO live ammunition or fireworks.

• Alcoholic beverages may not be consumed while the museum is open to the public (9:30am - 5:05pm). Drunkness and drugs will not be tolerated at any time.

• Please take steps to protect your valuables at all times. Fort Ontario and the Event Staff are not responsible for lost or stolen items.

• Bring bug spray to prevent tick and other insect bites.

• NOTE: Violations on the above prohibitions will be extremely serious and may lead to ARREST and or the EXPULSION of the violator’s entire unit.

• Fire Safety

• The historic construction of buildings and grounds make them highly susceptible to fire damage, and dry conditions can exacerbate even minor fires.

• When building campfires on-site please take precautions to keep them properly tended.

• A Bucket of Water shall be Kept By all Fire Pits at all times.

• Do not throw trash in fire pits; trash cans are provided .

• Prior to departure all fire pits MUST fully extinguished and cool to the touch.

• Smoking

• Please refrain from smoking within the Forts structures. Smoking is permitted outdoors only.Smoking of pipes and cigars IS PERMITTED in camps as long as the act is within the guidelines of a historical impression.

• Thank you for you cooperation!

• 1. Always Have Water Nearby

• 2. Never Leave Your Fire Unattended- Unattended fires will be extinguished.

• 3. Keep Your Fire Low

• 4. No Smoking in the structures

• 5. Use Fire Pits provided filled with sand - When using your fire pit, please leave an area of sand clear around the fire as a safety net to prevent the spread of fire. Also, wetting the grass around the immediate area will protect against errant sparks.

• First Aid & Emergency Procedures

• To be added to

• Restrooms, Firewood & Water

• The rest room in the fort shall be used by spectators only. All reenactors shall use the provided “porta potties”

• Fire wood shall be used for cooking, Please do not just keep your fire burning for no reason

• Water is located outside the building were spectator restrooms are located.

• Add where camp water is outside the fort

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Rules & Regulations

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• All individuals attending the event MUST BE PRE-REGISTERED (Registration fee is $20.00 per person before set date here and $30.00 per person after set date here).

• THERE ARE NO WALK-ONS PERMITTED.

• Failure to register in advance will forfeit participation for the event.

• All attendees over the age of 6 must pay the registration fee.

• Registration Tent at the event:

• There will be NO Thursday arrivals.

• The Registration tent will open at 12:00 Noon August 2nd 2019. If you arrive prior to that time, please wait in the parking lot near the registration tent.

• Hours for Registration:

• Friday ~ 12pm to 4pm (ONLY FOOT traffic into the Fort or onto into the grass of the Civillan Camps)

• Friday ~ 4pm to 10pm (vehicle traffic into fort is only at the direction of the on duty provost at the gate, beware of the smaller openings large vans and trailers will not fit.)

• Saturday ~ 7am to 12pm (vehicle traffic into the civilian camp until 9am)

• Registration will close promptly at NOON SATURDAY. If you cannot arrive by then you will need prior approval from the Event committee to participate. All Participants will be issued a Pass. This Pass must on your person at all times. If the Pass is lost, the participant will be charged a replacement fee of $20 (cost of registration).

• The authentic camps will open to foot traffic at 12:00 PM and vehicle traffic at 4:00 PM on Friday.

• Camps are open to the public from 9:30am to 5pm both days of the event. You may not bring in any vehicles or change into modern clothing in camp until 5:05pm on Sunday. Doing so will ban the violator’s entire unit from participating the following year.

• All modern items must be kept out of site of the public between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and5:30 p.m. including but not limited to: cameras, baby strollers, cell phones, wrist watches, visible body piercings and tattoos, flip flops, sneakers, sandals and any type of distinguishable modern footwear, sunglasses food and beverage containers, especially coolers, soda bottles, and anything made of plastic.

• Remember this is an immersive event, you should remain in your character until the end of the event. Treat all spectators as People of the period. Address them accordingly.

• There is NO MODERN CAMPING on-site. Modern campers, RVs, Winnebago's, and pop-up campers are NOT ALLOWED at the Fort Property. Only sutlers/vendors may have a camper.

• AUTHENTICITY WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED. Non-authentics will not be allowed to participate in the event. Check the appropriate "Authenticity Guidelines" (Military or Civilian) before arriving at the event to be sure that you and your unit/organization meet the minimum requirements.

• There will be no impressions of famous individuals without prior permission of the Event Committee and or Fort staff.

• Pets of any kind are prohibited from all areas of the museum. If you bring an animal with you, your entire unit may be asked to leave the event. (service animals in the civilian camp only, as they did not exist in the 1860’s)

• SMOKING: THERE IS NO SMOKING OF MODERN CIGARETTES ALLOWED IN ON THE FORT PROPERTY . Smoking cigarettes is permitted outside the Fort in the parking lots and on paved roads. Smoking of pipes and cigars IS PERMITTED in camps as long as the act is within the guidelines of a historical impression. If a participant is seen smoking modern cigarettes on the Fort Ontario Grounds, he/she will be given a warning and be asked to move to one of the designated smoking areas. If the participant is seen smoking cigarettes a second time outside of a designated area, his/her entire unit will be asked to leave the Fort grounds immediately.

• Lights out at midnight on Friday and Saturday night. Please remain quiet after hours.

• · All modern amenities must be kept hidden at all times.

• FIRE PITS: Do not dispose of trash in fire pits, including food remains. Trash cans will be provided. Size and number of fire pits may be limited.

• All fire pits MUST be Extinguished before leaving event and any extra wood or straw gathered up into piles.

• Absolutely No live ammunition or fireworks allowed under ANY circumstances.

• SECURITY the NYS Park Police (or designee) and Fort Staff has jurisdiction over all participants and guests. Please obey their orders and rules. Please protect your valuables at all times. Neither the Fort or Event Committee is responsible for lost or stolen items.

• ALCOHOL and DRUGS o NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES may be consumed by any participant during museum business hours (9:30AM - 5:00PM). Drunkenness will not be tolerated at any time. DRUGS will not be tolerated. NOTE: Violations on the above prohibitions will be extremely serious and may lead to ARREST and or the EXPULSION of the violator’s entire unit.

• UNIT REPRESENTATIVES Military leaders and civilian coordinators are responsible for disseminating all information to their unit/membership. Unit representatives must read and ensure that their participants conform to all Rules, Regulations and Guidelines set forth by the Event Committee. Unit representatives will be held responsible for all the actions of their unit membership and of their families

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MILITARY REGULATIONS

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  All participants must be sixteen (16) years of age or older to serve as soldiers. Persons younger than sixteen (16) may serve as functional field musicians if proficient as such, but not as color-bearers, messengers, etc. and must be twelve (12) or older 

• WOMEN PORTRAYING SOLDIERS. The Event Committee endeavors to faithfully represent the life and times of the 19th century. During the war, women who served in the ranks as men did so only as long as they were not detected. We will follow that fact of life. Women, who wish to participate as enlisted men, may do so as long as they are not detected. Just as in the 19th century, if they are "discovered" they will be asked to change to civilian dress.

• The event committee have designated an overall commander and coordinators to facilitate the event. They will organize the participants and designate the command structure of those units. NO other officers above the rank of Sargent will be allowed to participate in the event without prior approval. All officers must have the proper uniform and accouterments specific for an appropriate military impression.

• An Event staff person will be responsible for the inspection of artillery pieces prior to Firings. NO EXCEPTIONS. At any time during the weekend, Event Staff may inspect any arms, including small arms and artillery pieces, for safety reasons even if this inspection causes the Schedule to Run later than planned.

• To participate in a Event requires check-in prior to 9:00am on Saturday and participation in all formations unless excused by military commander. Or Event Staff

• Also required is a safety and uniform inspection and a signed "release from liability" waiver, which is included in your registration materials. Also a filled out Volunteer Form which will be filled out and sent in with you registration.

• Colors must be of full size and of proper construction for the period the event is portraying. These will Be provided By Event Staff.

• SMALL ARM AND SHEATH KNIFE REGULATIONS

• MUSKETS: 3-band Enfield or Springfield with leather sling correct for musket. NO shotguns, Zouave rifles or other two band muskets will be allowed. No modern or non-authentic weapons will be allowed. Other pieces considered correct for the period are allowed.

• CARBINES: Only cavalrymen may carry carbines.

• PISTOLS: Only officers, cavalrymen and artillerymen may carry pistols/revolvers. All revolvers MUST remain unloaded. Firing of pistols/revolvers is only allowed by mounted cavalrymen. Or Designated Personnel during firing Demonstrations.

• There must be NO discharge of weapons other than during, drills and/or demonstrations.

• SHEATH KNIVES: Must remain sheathed at all times. NO EXCEPTIONS.

• · SMALL ARM AMMUNITION REGULATIONS o CARTRIDGES

• approximately 60 grains, black powder and properly rolled in tan or white paper. All rounds must be as authentic looking as possible. NO coin wrappers, tape or staples. All cartridges must be made up in advance. No bulk or loose powder (even in powder flasks) will be allowed on the grounds. All rounds must be inspected and approved prior to the Demonstrations.

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· ARTILLERY REGULATIONS

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• Full-scale artillery is preferred. ¾ scale will be considered on an individual basis.

• Mortars are allowed.

• Cannon barrels must be in good condition and free from pitting or other structural damage.

• 
  Carriages must be in good condition and free from cracks in their check pieces or the trail. 

• Wheels must be in good condition, free of dry rot, major separations or large cracks.

• Each artillery piece shall be equipped with a limber. Ammunition boxes must be in good condition and with a complete copper cover. The boxes must be free of loose powder.

• 
  Artillery must use friction primers or locks. Firing by handguns, fuses, lighters, cigars, etc. is not permitted.

• Charges shall consist of black powder and aluminum foil only. Charges are to be made from 1F or cannon-grade black powder only - no additives, no flour, no Pyrodex, etc. No charge may be larger than 3 oz. of powder per inch of bore.

• Event Staff has the right to correct what they believe to be unsafe and/or inappropriate actions or equipment.

• All charges must be inspected and approved prior to Firing.

• Firing shall be in accordance with guidelines set by the military coordinators of the Event Staff.

• Crew members must be at least 16 years of age to work any position on the piece.

• The designated Artillery Safety Officer(s) shall inspect all guns and crews for safety. Noted deficiencies shall be corrected before participation is allowed. The Artillery Safety Officer(s) have ultimate authority concerning all matters related to Artillery safety and authorization for Artillery participation in Demonstrations.

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CAVALRY REGULATIONS (MOUNTED UNITS)

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• No Cavalryman will be made to perform any activity that they do not feel can be performed in a safe manner to themselves and/or others.

• Firearm inspection of cavalry weapons will be performed prior to every battle.

• Stallions will not be permitted.

• Women shall not be precluded from participation if a proper impression of a cavalryman is made.

• All horses must have current (dated within one year) negative Coggins papers to participate in event. Papers must be shown to a museum official prior to bringing horses into the Fort Property. Failure to present current negative Coggins papers or refusal to allow for the inspection of animals constitutes grounds for expulsion from the event.

• Members of the public are not allowed on or to ride any cavalryman’s mount during the event.

• All horses must be securely picketed and not left unattended during the event. Picket line watches may be detailed during the hours of darkness and at any other time the cavalry commander deems it necessary for the physical safety of the cavalry units or event spectators.

• All horses will be picketed in the designated cavalry camp with the exception of staff horses designated by the command adjutant.

• No horse will be allowed to be picketed in any vehicle parking area at any time.

• During public hours, movement of horsemen should be done in unit size formations unless part of a scheduled activity.

• Any scheduled demonstration(s) will be done in a prescribed location of the Fort By Event staff.

• All horses will be dismounted prior to entering any authorized camp area and led into the designated picket area.

• With the exception of a designated Demonstration area, absolutely no mounted individual will allow a horse to enter a camp area above the gait of a controlled walk.

• Inexperienced riders and green horses will be identified to the cavalry commander by the unit senior member present prior to participating in any aspect of the event.

• No person under the age of 16 will mount a horse as a combatant or serve in a mounted capacity.

• Physical abuse of horses as specified by New York state laws prevailing at the event will be grounds for immediate expulsion from the event.

• Unruly or uncontrollable horses will be ordered to leave the Demonstration area.

• All troops will be responsible to a unit officer.

• REVOLVERS: Only officers, cavalry and artillery re-enactors may carry revolvers. All revolvers MUST remain unloaded except for Mounted Cavalry. Cavalry may fire revolvers while mounted. Otherwise revolvers may not be fired.

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MILITARY AUTHENTICITY GUIDELINES

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• FOOTWEAR: Period footwear such as brogans is preferred. Black boots with rawhide laces are acceptable for children under 16. Work boots, cowboy boots, moccasins and bare feet are not acceptable at any age.

• UNIFORM:

• UNION: Light or dark blue wool pants, dark blue wool, sack, shell or frock coat.

• 
  CONFEDERATE: Period uniform for proper unit depiction. HAT: Forage cap, kepi or slouch hat.

• 
  Hardee hat is acceptable for dress or if your unit wore the Hardee in the Field (Federal).

• No straw hats in the Federal ranks.

• ACCOUTERMENTS: Usual leather gear: Cartridge box with tins and appropriate plate, cap box, leather belt with appropriate plate, bayonet and scabbard, smooth side or bulls eye canteen, black tarred or muslin haversack.

• EYE-WEAR: No modern eye-wear is to be worn during the event; contact lenses are acceptable.

• CAMP-EQUIPMENT: Authentic gear for both garrison and campaign style camping. Cots are highly encouraged if you are designated to bunk in a Casemate

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CIVILIAN RULES & REGULATIONS:

This is an Immersive event that you are participating in. The history scenarios, presenting a special impression, or just attending the event to support your family members in the military you must follow the rules and regulations

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• Please refrain from wearing much make-up, nail polish, lipstick or gloss, and especially French manicures, nails art, or plastic nails.

• When able, please replace modern eyeglasses with period style wire frames with small oval lenses or wear contacts.

• · NO MODERN CLOTHING OR SHOES are to be worn in the civilian camps during the hours the museum is open to the public. If, because of the heat, you wish to change out of your day dress and shoes you should consider wearing a period authentic wrapper and slippers. If you are changing into modern clothing you MUST leave the camp area and go to another location, or inside a tent.

• Appearing in modern clothing in the civilian camp does not make a good impression on the participants who are trying to maintain a First person impression.

• Civilians must be fully dressed in period correct clothing when in public (outside of your tent) during the hours the museum is open to the public. This includes children.

• There will be no first person impressions of famous people without prior permission of the event committee.

• No prostitute impressions are allowed without permission of event staff.

• No firearms are to be worn, carried, or used by civilians.

• Please refrain from using profane or inappropriate language in camp at any time.

• · Respect military protocol. If possible, civilians wishing to visit a military camp should try to obtain a pass/military escort from the Provost. This will be strictly enforced as there will be 24 hour Pickets

• Children under the age of 12 are not to be left alone, or allowed to roam the Fort grounds or enter any of the Forts buildings without an adult. This includes the Museum and modern restrooms.

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CLOTHING GUIDELINES

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The following pages represent a handbook which should be used by civilian re-enactors to improve their current clothing, appearance, and impression. A guideline is defined as a general rule, principle, or piece of advice. These guidelines were written by re-enactors for re-enactors and they are meant to advance and progress the Civil War Re-enactment over time. The planning committee hopes to educate and encourage all civilian re-enactors to increase awareness of authentic impressions over the next several years with the ultimate goal of sharing their knowledge of life in the 1860s with the museum’s visitors in order to recreate an authentic mid-century Civil War-era village environment for the benefit of the public and the re-enactors alike. First and foremost, ALL civilians are encouraged to participate in the civilian activities and living history scenarios taking place in the village during the event. If your group has an idea for a scenario or activity they would like to present please contact the Civilian Coordinators in advance (refer to contact page for email addresses and phone numbers). The committee consider thesewingacademy.com to be the premier resource for information on clothing, food, books and village life from 1830 to 1870. This is a wonderful resource available online 24/7. Each unit should send one civilian to the Friday night Civilian Coordinators’ Meeting (see event schedule for time and location). If your unit does not have a civilian coordinator, please designate one person as the civilian contact person for the weekend and have him/her attend. This meeting will cover important information about rations, firewood, first aid, civilian activities, etc. In all cases, it is best to use a reliable historically documented pattern with proper fit. Suggested patterns include Homespun Patterns, Past Patterns and Kanik’s Corner (although somewhat early for this period). For children, recommended patterns include Elizabeth Stewart Clark’s patterns for infants through teens, found at her website. Elizabeth also offers several free patterns for ladies and children on her website, www.thesewingacademy.com. LADIES’ CLOTHING GUIDELINES The clothing and accessories for all civilians should reflect an accurate Civil War era appearance at all times. This applies to both adults and children. Girls in their teens should dress as adults. Choose a standard one piece dress consisting of bodice and attached skirt - either a darted or gathered bodice with an appropriate long sleeve. The bodice should fit snugly. Choose natural fabrics – l00% cotton, silk, wool, or linen. Choose colors and patterns that were available during the period. Sheer and semi-sheer cottons were worn and are appropriate for the July heat. Ball gowns and other dresses with short sleeves and low cut necklines should only be worn in the evening. The white blouse and colored ‘camp’ skirt outfit is not appropriate except on young ladies and then only when worn with an appropriate jacket. A Garibaldi outfit, suitable for stylish young ladies, consists of a colored shirt with trim on the center front and shoulders and a skirt of a different color. Corset, petticoats and a hoop are strongly encouraged to be worn with these outfits in order to achieve the best period appearance. Always wear proper underpinnings so your clothes fit correctly and project an appropriate 1860’s look. Basic underpinnings consist of drawers, chemise, corset or stays, and petticoats. For your own comfort 100% cotton is recommended. Based on your impression choose a day hoop, corded petticoat or work
hoop. Corsets are strongly encouraged (Past Patterns offers patterns for a variety of corsets including maternity corsets and ‘work stays’ for working women). Wear correct shoes (squared toed all leather lace up ‘boots’ over the ankle, or elastic side ladies pull-on boot) and cotton stockings for daytime. Aprons will prove helpful and appropriate for many, especially those helping with meal preparation and washing up. Aprons should be cotton in a medium to dark color or print. Aprons were worn for working activities and were taken off for visiting, therefore are appropriate when working or in camp only. Dress the hair in a suitable l860’s style – parted in the middle (whether long or short) with a chignon at the base of the head. No bangs or French braids. Hairnets, if worn, should be of fine material in a neutral color. Hairnets should be worn over hair that is styled, not loose. Loose hair is acceptable only on girls (pre-teen and younger). If wearing jewelry choose earrings with French wires or small hoops and simple brooches. Young girls (under 14) would not have worn earrings. Ladies and teenage girls must have their heads covered when going out in public. Choose a correctly made bonnet, or hat, appropriate for your age and economic status. Slat bonnets or corded sunbonnets should have long curtains and are a good choice in hot weather to keep the sun off your face and neck. Fashion bonnets should be made of fabric or straw (not felt) in a style appropriate to your age and economic status. Hats should be made of straw with a low crown and the brim should dip down in front and back. Width of the brim should be appropriate to the activity that being portrayed, most often 2 to 3” in width. Wide brimmed garden hats are appropriate for garden work. CHILDREN’S CLOTHING GUIDELINES From infancy until toilet trained, all children, both boys and girls, are dressed in dresses. Modern diapers need to be covered by a cloth diaper pinned or tied on, a wool soaker, or a pair of cotton drawers similar to those that older children wear. Proper underpinnings such as a chemise and petticoats are to be worn. For the feet, plain colored knee socks in natural fibers; soft shoes, slippers or booties in a period style; lace up ankle boots with a minimal heel; or plain Mary Jane style shoes are acceptable. Infants may wear a white cap on their heads. Toddlers may wear a slat or quilted bonnet. Modern baby equipment is not to be visible in camp or on the museum grounds during the event. This includes strollers, pack and plays, car seats and baby wearing devices. If bottle fed, the bottle must be covered in cloth. For boys who are toilet trained up to age eight, knee length trousers either banded or loose, or full length trousers are appropriate. Trousers can be worn with tunics or with shirts. The shirts can be buttoned to the trousers for a neater look or may simply be tucked in. Boys may also wear vests or sack jackets. Mechanic’s caps, wheel caps, and some felt hats are appropriate head wear. Lace up ankle boots with a minimal heel and sole or lace up dress shoes worn with plain colored natural fiber socks are acceptable. For younger boys, a plain Mary Jane style shoe is also an option. Boys ages eight and older wear styles that adult civilian males wear, including long trousers in linen, cotton or wool, long sleeved shirts with a button placket, a vest, and a jacket. They may also wear a cravat. Hat and shoe options are the same as those listed for younger boys. All boys’ hair is typically parted to the side. Girls wear underpinnings similar to those of an adult woman, including a chemise, drawers, petticoats, and possibly a hoop and stays. Dresses can be in a variety of styles including short or long sleeves, boat necked or jewel necked. Girls ages three or four wear dresses hemmed just below the knee. As girls age, the hem length moves down the calf. Younger girls’ dresses
are back fastening. Girls in their mid to late teen years will begin to transition into adult styles with front opening dresses and ankle length hems. Girls’ hair is typically parted in the middle, without bangs. Younger girls may wear their hair down, or with a ribbon, or in two braids (no French braids). Teen girls may move toward more adult styles. As with younger children, knee socks in plain colors, lace up ankle boots, plain Mary Jane style shoes or plain ballet flats are acceptable footwear. Girls may wear slat bonnets, quilted bonnets, buckram bonnets or straw hats in an appropriate style. MEN’S CLOTHING GUIDELINES The clothing and accessories for male civilians should be appropriate for their age and economic status. This applies to both adults and children. Pre- teen and teen boys dressed like adult men. Wear proper underclothing (shirt and drawers) of muslin. Choose natural fabrics – l00% cotton, silk, wool, or linen. Choose colors and patterns that were available during the period. White was used in mass produced shirts available in the North. Choose a cotton or linen shirt (Placket front or ‘firemans’ style) with or without a collar depending upon your economic status. Choose sturdy wool, cotton, linen or ‘jean’ (cotton and wool combined, not denim) button front trousers, with or without front pockets. No pockets in rear. Leather or fabric braces (suspenders) may be worn if needed and are buttoned to the waistband of the trousers. A belt may be worn but no belt loops. Wear correct shoes, brogans, or boots appropriate for your occupation and the weather, with cotton or wool socks. House slippers are appropriate in camp. Choose a sack coat of linen or wool for a working man’s impression. For a business man a frock coat may be worn. Choose a correctly made hat appropriate for your age and economic status, and the weather. Choose a neck cloth, cravat, or large multicolored bandana (not a modern bandana) for a working man’s impression. Silk or cotton ascots, cravats, or stocks would be worn by a businessman. If you are involved in heavy or dirty labor wear a smock or overshirt over your regular shirt. If not, wear a waistcoat (vest). The bottom edge of the vest should be straight across and the back should be brown polished cotton if a dark colored fabric and a light colored back if the front is a light color. The material of the front of the vest should be linen, wool, silk, or cotton and can help to indicate your economic status. Wear your hair in a suitable l860’s style – somewhat longer than today’s styles (but no long ponytails or braids), usually parted on the side, and treated with a hairdressing. Facial hair was popular so consider a beard, mustache, sideburns, or any combination thereof.
A FINAL NOTE: Event administrators will have the right to correct what they believe to be inappropriate equipment or actions. In all matters of controversy, the staff Fort Ontario will have the final say. We thank you in advance for following these guidelines and assisting us in providing the public & living historians with an accurate portrayal of life during the American Civil War.