Membership

Members of the 1812 US Marines & Navy portray Men-at-Arms (Marines and Sailors), Musicians, and Civilians. Membership in the 1812 US Marines & Navy may not be for everyone. Membership is a privalege not a right. The unit is very physically demanding, and members must be in good physical condition. The unit does lots of drilling, marching, running, jumping, wading, getting dirty/muddy, wet, sore, cut, cursed, bruised, etc...

The 1812 US Marines & Navy strives to be as historically accurate as possible. If we find we have to change items or practices that contradict historical evidence, we do so. All clothing and equipment is to be made as authentic as possible. Period eyewear or contacts must be worn if a member needs visual aids. The unit is not just authentic in clothing and equipment, but also in period speech patterns and mannerism. At events we carry out period military drills, ration issues, mail and pay calls, wood details, guard mounts, patrols, etc... A member is only eligible to take with him to events the things he can carry on his back, because we portray soldiers on the move.

The 1812 US Marines & Navy strives to present historially accurate impressions based on historical research. We endeavor to preserve the memory of the deeds of the War of 1812 period United States Marines and Navy, and to objectively present their contributions to the nation. To achieve these objectives, the 1812 US Marines & Navy applies the basic philosophy that "if you intend to do justice to the persons that you are emulating, then, in some small part, you must become them."

Researching the War of 1812 and the men that fought in it is just as important as looking the part. Many members of the 1812 US Marines & Navy are history professionals. Current members work, or have worked, as history professors, National Park Service historians, museum professionals, researchers, and have served as historical film advisors.

The 1812 US Marines & Navy is a premier living history group, and a great unit to be a part of. If you are interested in joining the 1812 US Marines & Navy we encourage you to come to one of our events and talk to the membership, or to simply talk to one of the members. This will allow you to see if the 1812 US Marines & Navy is the type of "living history" group you are looking for, or if you can live with our high standards. Prospective members should have a willingness to learn, conduct and share research, and above all else have fun and a proper attitude. The 1812 US Marines & Navy does not maintain an "elitist" mentality. If you feel you are up to the challenge, and are interested in joining the 1812 US Marines & Navy, please contact Mark Hilliard, Richard Colton, or Bryan Stefancyk (webmaster) for further information.