Some of The Craziest Questions I’ve Received as a Living Historian (Rapid Fire)
Let me start by saying I love talking to the public about history and so do most of our Cohort. That’s part of the reason we do what we do. I’ve compiled a list of questions I’ve received over the years and I’ve included some I received while being an American Civil War Reenactor as well. I will write these as rapid fire questions, with mostly simple answers to them. I also apologize for some of the sarcasm in the responses but I hope you can get a chuckle out of some of these real life questions:
“Is that fire Real?”
Yes, please don’t touch it, you will get burnt.
“Do you guys really shoot real bullets at each other?'“ (Civil War)
No. That would be murder.
“Did you guys really sleep here last night?'“
Well, some of us did, some of us got a hotel. Most do prefer to sleep in the tents we set up.
“Why are there no bullet holes in the monuments at Gettysburg?” (Civil War)
They were erected after the battle to commemorate the actions of particular units. This was all farm land and woods prior to the battle.
“Are you going to eat that food that’s cooking on the fire?”
100%, that’s our lunch.
“Are you hot in all of that wool and armor?”
It’s 90 degrees in the summer time, of course we are hot, aren’t you?
“Is that armor bulletproof?”
It may slow down the bullet, but I’m still going to the emergency room……or morgue.
“Are you gladiators?”
No, We are portraying 1st Century Roman Legionaries or Civilians
“Do you live like this all the time?”
No, I wish I could, but I’m sure human resources would like a word with me if I showed up to work dressed like this.
“Is that baby real?” (pointing to a sleeping baby in it’s mother’s arms)
Yes, please don’t wake the baby.
“What’s one modern tool or weapon that could change the outcome of ancient battles?”
In my opinion, a two way radio
“Excuse me, can you tell me where General Washington’s Headquarters is?” -While walking on the Gettysburg battlefield near Pickett’s Charge. (Civil War)
Underground. He’s been deceased for almost six and a half decades before this battle took place.
“How heavy is all your gear?”
The armor I wear is usually about 15 pounds, but we carry up to about 60 pounds on the march
“How do you go to the bathroom in all of that?”
Very carefully
“Did you fight in the Civil War?”
Madam, I’m 35 and the war started 165 years ago.
“Which side do you fight for?” (Civil War)
(me dressed in a blue uniform) The Union/North
“Where do you guys come from?”
Well, I’m from Pennsylvania, that fella over there is from Maryland, they are from Ohio, he’s from North Carolina, she’s from Virginia, that group came from Kentucky…..so all over.
“Do you get paid to do this?”
No……quite the opposite, I’ve spent a lot of money to be here.
“Did you make all of your own stuff?”
While we do make a lot of our clothing and equipment at workshops, unfortunately we do have to find third party vendors to get some of our gear
“Can I join?”
Of course! Check our contact us page and send us a message!
