What a living historian can expect at “Guarding Savannah”

The event itself lends to a highly immersive experience for those who are seeking an “extended event” within a very historically rich area. The fort itself lies within the Georgia State Park System. In the early part of the 20th century the fort was rebuilt under the direction of Henry Ford and the CCC at different time periods. Today it is an outstanding “playground” for living historians. From the rebuilt officer’s quarters, to the functional hot shot furnace and blacksmith’s shop, and on to the reconstructed powder magazine the fort lends itself to timeframe of the Civil War. The center piece of the earthen fort (which is actually in the direct center of the fort’s bastion) is the bomb proof that can hold 44 men in bunks, a fireplace, and a common area near the back wall.

“Guarding Savannah” will incorporate all of these areas and participants will stand guard on the ramparts, participate in various fatigue details, and drill as infantry and artillery. However, the event will not be ‘all business.’ Some of the best moments at a reenactment or living history are the small moments of being a Civil War era soldier, not the grand battle recreations or well known historical event interpretation. At the event participants will also have time to pal around with their pards, sing songs, and contribute to camp gossip. Perhaps some mail or packages will arrive from home. Being in a coastal setting trying your hand at fishing is another option as well.

Most importantly the event is a semi immersive event. The setting is there for quality first person moments for the entire length of the event. The research is readily available for participants to prepare for the event as well. The reason it is a “semi immersive” event is because the fort is part of a state park. Visitors will be coming in and out of the fort during the business hours. The remainder of the time spent at the fort is for the participants. The event hosts will do everything in their power to provide for an enriching environment for the participants. It is up to the living historian to complete the process and in the end the event will truly special.