Farb Heaven on Earth

                This weekend, large crowds of citizens and reenactors alike are gathering to participate in the reenactment of the fall of Richmond. This is just one event of a series long installment of what has been dubbed the “Long Road Home” Program, which is a succession of Civil War stories. It is being sponsored by the Appomattox Historical Society.

                Apparently, they have constructed a few buildings to burn in Richmond, and will be hosting other festivities as well. There will be discussion panels, plays, and trivia challenges hosted by period characters. All of these events are planned in order to pique the interest of people in surrounding areas to view the reenactment. This sounds like it will be entirely successful, especially because the society is estimating to have a large turnout.

                Now, some historians may praise such living history, in that it makes it accessible and intriguing to the public. Yet, others would disagree with this assessment. Reenactment “Hardcores”, as depicted in Tony Horwitz’s Confederates in the Attic, are most likely appalled at such a proposal as the activities being held this weekend. They feel it is of the utmost importance to endure the realities and hardships of period soldiers – from threadbare, dirty, and ill-fitting uniforms, to being attacked by mosquitoes, chiggers, and ticks. To them, the glory is in the pain and accuracy to the era. Yet, this does not attract a large interest from more moderate groups (what they dub “farbs”) and thus alienates them in the process.

                So, I believe that the diversion in interests between these two processes of reenactment continues the dialogue we have been participating in during class. Purely investing in either side is not inclusive enough. The Hardcores may get nearly everything right within their power, but there is only a negligible audience to take pleasure in it. Other than for their own enjoyment, it does not reach others. Traditional reenactments can be often “campy”, riddled with inaccuracies, and are not as “pure” due to the multitude of spectators. However, they entice others to learn about and support the preservation of Civil War memory. To modern enthusiasts, it will become increasingly important to balance these two sides.

Link to the Article: http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/state-regional/civil-war-program-re-enacts-the-fall-of-richmond/article_94b1beba-f946-529c-b630-431b2fddf6a3.html