So it's official, we are incorporated and off and running. The inaugural muster went off pretty well and we are formally an organization now. We capped off the weekend by taking the new muskets out to the range and doing some shooting.
So now what?
Well, I keep getting asked what reenactment we're going to. And the short answer, at least for now, is none. I know it's a really foreign idea, but we have lots to do that isn't reenacting. Not only do we not have the resources in place yet, but there is a great wealth to do that doesn't involve lining up in a park somewhere and pretending to kill each other. Bear with me.
First, we have a lot to make and buy. NHS is all about skills. And one of those skills is being able to make anything out of anything - a trait historical Sailors were famous for. So much of what we do is designed to build skill sets that might be totally foreign to our members, so that when push comes to shove, we absolutely dominate any operating environment. Abraham Lincoln said it best, "give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I'll take the first four to sharpen the axe."
- Uniform production is in its infant stages, with several members learning to sew such that we can distribute the work of making historical clothing for the whole unit.
- We have several muskets but will inevitably need more, along with all the accoutrements, supplies and equipment to support them. That's growing too.
- One boat is at the Dockyard for overhaul and two more are in the nascent stages of construction. They'll absorb a lot of personnel-hours, but also need a tremendous amount of support equipment, for which we have just begun scavenging.
- Planning is in the discussion phase about a medium-scale fundraiser before the end of the year. Not sure what it'll entail, but I'm sure it will be one hell of a party. Stay tuned for that.
Second, there are other ways to have fun. We've been charged to think a little bit outside the box. What have you always wanted to try, but haven't done? What challenges can we tackle that expand our knowledge of our naval heritage, while building teamwork and camaraderie? Well, for starters...
- Shooting is fun. And while the Marines learn the drill, they're also learning to actually hone their shooting skills with live fire. We're already doing get-togethers to make ammunition, complete from casting balls to rolling, tying, and filling the cartridges, then assembling them into packs of 10 for storage and distribution. Bear in mind, you don't need to be a dedicated 'Marine' type to go shoot. You just have to follow their drill. So Sailors seem to be enjoying the small arms too.
- 'Rosie' the 3-pdr riveter is approaching readiness. Thanks to the hands at the muster for helping to ready shot for her. THAT is going to be a great live shoot!
- Several (non-historic) boats are sailing this summer - go get out on the water and take your toys with you!
- Young Woodard is spearheading a tabletop naval war game group, that looks to be a LOT of fun!
So while our re-enactor friends wait to see us at 249th Anniversary of the Battle of Pavement Narrows, we won't be there. At least not yet. Let's go sharpen the axe, have some fun in the process, and expand our horizons to make NHS the 'history happy fun time club' we all talked about.
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