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Training Videos Page
Shenandoah ’64 Page (2021)
Landis Valley 2021 Page (2021)
Antietam 160 Page (2022)
Gettysburg 160 Page (2023)

Memorial Day 2022:
On Memorial Day 2022, our very own Corporal Mike Espenshade was this year’s keynote speaker at the Hummelstown Memorial Day ceremony at the Hummelstown Cemetery.

Watch Mike’s speech:

Remembrance Day – 23 Nov. 2019:

After the 2019 Remembrance Day parade, the men of the 53rd PVI, Co C. are seen along Brooke Avenue across the road from our monument with the Rose Farm in the background. Included are (L to R): Privates Adam Mitchell, Travis Porterfield, and Eric Ford. Corporal Matthew Steger, Private Zach Porterfield.

Shenandoah 1864 – 53rd PVI along with the National Regiment in Lovettsville, VA – 5/6 October 2019:
The 53rd PVI Co. C participated in the “Shenandoah 1864” event as part of the National Regiment (NR) in a top-notch event put on by Rear Rank Productions. 3 battle scenarios were part of this 2-day exceptional event. Here are some photos from the event:

“Adopt a Position”  53rd PVI Monument Cleanup – Gettysburg NMP 5 November 2016:
On Saturday November 5th, members of the 53rd PVI got together to once again clean the area around the 53rd PVI monument on Brooke Avenue at the Gettysburg battlefield.  Leaves were raked and brush and small vegetation was cleared.  In less than 2 hours, we were done and the area looked much nicer.  Afterwards, the group was taken on an educational battlefield walk up to the Rose Farm and over to the Wheatfield by our very own John Heiser.  Another beautiful fall day at the park.  Kneeling (L to R):  Joseph Marks, John Heiser, Matthew Steger, Mark Fasnacht.  Standing (L to R): Eric Ford, Steve Dillon (w/ his son), Kerry Williard, Mike Espenshade, Pat Rose, Dave Sweigert, Jeff Marks.  Not in the photo were several friends who also assisted.  Thank you to all who attended!

Gettysburg Living History – Sept 10-11 2016:
The below tintypes are courtesy of Susan McLaughlin and Paul D’Orleans from www.mototintype.com

We had a great time posing for these images. Paul and Susan were traveling across the country and had a day off.  They wanted to do something fun and found their way to the PA Monument at the Gettysburg NMP.  They happened to park at the PA Monument and come upon the 53rd while we were there for our living history that weekend.  We gladly obliged the couple when they asked if we’d pose for some images.

Tintype of the 53rd PVI with our colors (semi-formal pose).  Courtesy of www.mototintype.com.
Included are (L to R): Sgt. Marc Benedict, Corporal Matthew Steger, Private Joseph Marks, Private John Rentschler, Private Jeff Marks, Private Doug Raab, Private Steve Dillon, and Sgt. Mark Fasnacht.

Tintype of Sgt. Mark Fasnacht in camp.  Courtesy of www.mototintype.com.

Tintype of the 53rd PVI with our colors (informal pose).  Courtesy of www.mototintype.com.
Included are (L to R): Sgt. Marc Benedict, Corporal Matthew Steger, Private Joseph Marks, Private John Rentschler, Private Jeff Marks, Private Doug Raab, Private Steve Dillon, and Sgt. Mark Fasnacht.

Tintype of the 53rd PVI lounging in camp and being entertained.  Courtesy of www.mototintype.com.
Standing (L to R): Corporal Matthew Steger, Private Jeff Marks.  Sitting (L to R): Private Doug Raab, Private Joseph Marks, Private Steve Dillon, Private John Rentschler, Sgt. Mark Fasnacht, Sgt. Marc Benedict (kneeling).

Another informal tintype of the men of the 53rd PVI lounging in camp.  Courtesy of www.mototintype.com.
Standing (L to R): Corporal Matthew Steger, Private Jeff Marks.  Sitting (L to R): Private Joseph Marks, Private Doug Raab, Private Steve Dillon, Private John Rentschler.

Video Montage of the 53rd PVI Over The Years (courtesy of 53rd PVI alumni John Neste):

“Adopt a Position” 53rd PVI Monument Cleanup – Gettysburg NMP November 2005:
The fall gathering on Brooke Avenue was attended by several old hands to cut brush, rake leaves and pick up trash at the 53rd PA and 95th PA monument sites, followed by a trek over the Eleventh Corps line north of town.  We lucked out with a beautiful day in the park!  Left to right, kneeling: Jeff Marks, Steve Frey, John Heiser, Croce Volpe, Butch Diamond. Standing: Mark Fasnacht, Bill Benda, John Nyeste, Dave Sweigert, Kerry Williard, two friends who worked on the 64th NY Monument & a friend of Dave’s. Thanks all!
(photo courtesy of John Nyeste)

Gettysburg NMP Living History – Aug. 5-7, 2005:
Company C, 53rd PVI was joined by the 8th OH, 14th CT, 6th NH, 116th PA, 1st PA Reserves, and a host of others for a weekend encampment at Gettysburg, including a march to the Wheatfield.140th Appomattox Event – April 8-10, 2005:
Company C, 53rd PVI’s small contingent made it’s way to ol’ Virginny and had a great weekend with the 2nd and 4th US at the 140th anniversary commemoration of the surrender and final battles before Appomattox Court House, Virginia.

53rd PVI Winter Quarters 2005:
Company C, 53rd PVI’s winter quarters project at the Vaupels’ “Wilderness Camp”. (L to R: Marc Benedict and John Lowry)

Living History for Cub Pack 190 – November 2004:
It was a one day show with scouts and their parents at Hidden Valley Scout Ranch near Loysville, PA.

Cedar Creek – October 2004:
Once again we attend as Co. C, 95th Pennsylvania, with the National Regiment. L-R, 1st row: Welles Vaupel, Dave VanBomel, John Heiser.  Standing- Lt. Diamond, Tom Moran, Jim Rose, Pat Rose, Wayne Vaupel, Mark Fasnacht.

Gettysburg NMP Living History – May 2004:
Though we had a small turnout for the weekend, everyone had a great time and the park visitors were super.
(photo courtesy of Ellen Pratt)

Evening in Winter Quarters 2003:
Celebrating the festive season in winter quarters near Hummelstown – John Lowry, Mark Fasnacht, Butch Diamond, John Nyeste and Jeff Marks.  (photo courtesy of Mike Espenshade)

“Adopt a Position” at Gettysburg NMP – Nov. 2003:
Members turn out twice per year to cut brush and maintain the brigade line in Rose Grove where the 53rd Pennsylvania Infantry monument is located at Gettysburg NMP.  It was a beautiful day in the park in November 2003!  Left to right: Dave VanBomel, John Nyeste, Butch Diamond, John Lowry, Mark Fasnacht, Rich Kadwell, Andy Beaver, Jeff Marks, Joseph Marks, Steve Frey, Eric Ford, & Neil Culp. (photo courtesy of John Nyeste)

Winter Drill – Feb. 5-6, 2000:
A cold road march out to drill!  Twenty five plus members of the regiment braved cold temps to drill at the Vaupels’ estate.