The Soldiers Aide Society

 Membership is open to anyone that is not interested in being involved with the military branch of the organization.  If you are interested in getting involved in "living history" programs and presentations please read on.

As a general rule The Soldiers Aide Society does not attend “reenactments”. Members attending such events are attending on their own accord and are not obligated to perform any tasks or presentations.  If attending reenactments, all Battalion policies pertaining to civilians must be adhered to.

The group maintains a schedule of Living History events that is posted each year that also includes participation by the military branch of the organization.  Soldier Aide Society activities are conducted separate from the military branch of the organization.  The Society will be set up in a different location if permissible.  The location and distance will be determind by the available space and the event organizer on occasion.  Under no circumstances are civilian members to camp in the military street or area. Civilian personnel will not be present in the military encampment area during the events “corps” hours.

Children under 6 years of age will not be left unsupervised.

The premise for the Soldiers Aide Society is that of an educational tool. The group maintains a similar guideline standard for clothing as in the military branch.  Soldier's Aide Societies and Sanitary Commission workers were responsible for supplying the soldiers at the front with much needed non-government items. Members organized fund raisers and solicited money and collected items from the general public. In some cases they created the goods themselves and distributed them in the field to the needy. Many found themselves in the position as nurses in hospitals and at aide stations. For many the work continued even after the war. { Woman's Relief Corps }

The Society operates in the New Jersey / New York-Tri State area. The emphasis is placed on an accurate portrayal of mid-Victorian era civilians { the Civil War era }.  Our goal is to present an impression of the middle class working civilian during the time of the conflict.

Members of the group are "encouraged" to learn  a vocation or develop a program  for presentation purposes at Living Histories. Currently we have members and associates who can churn butter, spin yarn, quilt and demonstrate period sewing machines. Some members make presentations on prominent women and explain the function and work of the Soldiers Aide Society and the Sanitary Commission . At outside venues we can operate a period correct wash station.  New ideas are always welcome.

There is always something that can be done, no member is to feel inadequate or to be left out.

The unit is designed to and can work "independent" of the military branch and can be available for presentations and demonstrations at Historic Locations, Schools, Round Tables, Living History Events and for Civic Groups.  Society displays and programs may include "original" period items which include textiles if the location has a conducive environment.

Individual members are also encouraged to go out on their own for presentations if the opportunity arises.

For more information on this group including the guidelines please refer requests to Michelle Green

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Last modified: 09/23/11