Bylaws-
53rd PVI Bylaws – revised 2024 – includes the unit’s updated Authenticity Standards
instructional/Training documents and videos –
The 53rd PVI strives for authenticity in uniform, equipment, drill, and camp life. We strive to do things period-correct, as they were explained in the original Army manuals and tactics as well as from first-hand accounts by the soldiers. The following documents, videos, etc. are presented here to help our members achieve authenticity and help improve their impressions:
Past NR School of instruction Handouts/Presentations:
Story of the 12th Ohio Volunteer Infantry – by Mike Kraus
What Each Soldier Should Have In The Field – The Blanket Roll – by Paul Martinello
Campaigning – Staying Warm and Dry – by Paul Martinello
Pioneering – by Paul Parvis
Union Veterans – Service Record Summary – by Mike Espenshade
Gettysburg Campaign – Meade’s Pursuit of Lee (ppt) – by George F. Franks III
Grand Guard powerpoint presentation – by Tom Carlson
Grand Guard – Handout (Tom Carlson)
Basic Grand Guard Layout (click on the diagram to enlarge it)
Tenting on the Old Campground – by Kyle Lindahl
Training the Trainer – by Ted Brennan and Tom Carlson
Shaving In The mid-1860s – by Chris Sedlak
Candles – by Chris Sedlak
Salt Pork 1 – by Chris Sedlak
Salt Pork 2 – by Chris Sedlak
Home and Field Cleaning Your Rifle Musket – by George Craven
Other Training Documents:
Silas Casey’s 1862 Infantry Tactics: Casey’s vol.1 and Casey’s vol.2
Kautz’s Customs Of Service For NCOs and Soldiers
The Letters of Elias S. Peck
Summary Of Drill For The Color Company
Dress Parade Duties – Officers and NCOs
Military Regulations Library (courtesy of the 11th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry)
Training Videos:
Civil War Digital Digest has lots of great videos. A sampling of them are shown below. You can see their full list of videos by visiting their YouTube page.
Stacking Arms (Casey’s)
Campaigning In the Civil War – Shelter
Cartridge Box 101
Reverse Arms
Resting On Arms
Civil War Regimental Staff
Musket Tools
Blanket Stitches
Packing Your Knapsack
What Goes In Your Haversack?
Field Cleaning Your Musket
Successive Formations – Drill
Evaluating Reproduction Uniforms – With Wambaugh, White, & Co.
Also, check out our Equipment page which lists items you should have in your kit as well as a list of trusted vendors.