Authors, Historians, and Speakers:

Arnie Bernstein:  Author of "The Hoofs and Guns of the Storm:  Chicago's Civil War Connections"  Check his website for additional books he has written.

Victoria Rumble: Author of multiple books including her latest book, "Outdoor Recreation and Leisure in 19^th Century America".

Civil War Civilians: Discussion Groups:

• CW-Reenactors.com
  Reenactors email discussion list, moderated by Betty Barlow.
• CWReenactors.com Civilian Forum:
  Wetplate photographer Bob Szabo's Civil War message boards.
• Salt Creek Civil War Round Table:
  A group of historians, enthusiasts, and re-enactors who come together to share their interests in the Civil War.
   

Publications:

The Civil War Historian, edited by Nicky Hughes.  Essential reading for every Civil War re-enactor.  Articles of interest regarding every aspect of the Civil War era.

The Watchdog Review, edited by Bill Christen, who keynoted the 2003 conference, serves as a "consumer reports" for the authentic side of the hobby.

The Citizens Companion, the voice of civilian reenacting, edited by Connie Payne.

Camp Chase Gazette, edited by Ed Hooper.

Haversack Herald, edited by Richard Hargreaves.

Authentic Vendor & Antique Dealer Websites
Containing Sources of Documentation:

• Originals-by-Kay.com (Board member Kay Gnagey).
  Contains "Sources and Documentation" section with links to articles, period photographs and fashion plates, and photographs of original garments of the era. The fabrics section is also a useful reference for modern fabrics suitable for use in reproducing CW era clothing.
• Mrs. Vincent's Parasol Emporium (Marta Vincent)
  Original parasols, lovingly restored and re-covered, and parasol frames ready for re-covering.
• RobinStokes.com
  Clothing, Fabrics, Yarns, Yarn Kits, and Fashion Information from the Civil War era.
• SuzyBeggin.com
  Shepherdess. Provider of historically accurate wool yarn and patterns.
• Mary Bogumill
  Victorian Treasures by Mary.  Customer sewing, accessories and vintage items.

Costume History Resources:

"La Couture Parisienne". Excellent costume history website produced by the webmistress of the "Costume Ring", including period patterns as well as photographs and fashion plates.

The Costumers Manifesto website - lots of links to costume history sites and information. Also visit their costumes timeline: the hoop era 1850-70 page.

Glenna Jo and Bill Christen, noted collectors and researchers of period clothing, have a number of excellent articles on their "Curiosity Shop" website. Articles we particularly recommend are: Glenna Jo's article on sheer dresses, outerwear, rain gear, etc, "Dressed for the Weather", Bill's article "Notes on Men's Clothing". In addition, Glenna has written a handy primer on the basics of women's clothing in the era, which is a must-read if you are new to this topic, and a useful adjunct to Who Wore What,

Other Websites of Interest:

Duchess Martin  Spencerian and Ornamental Penmanship, American Civil War reenacting, MARTIN, LEEDY and BABER family pictures and the usual modern family gatherings.

Living History Society of Minnesota, Inc.  The mission of the Living History Society of Minnesota, Inc., is to educate the public as to the lifestyles of mid-19th century Americans through the accurate portrayal of all walks of civilian life. The main focus for LHS activities centers on the final days of territorial government, through Minnesota's early statehood (1858) to the end of the Civil War (1865).

Midwest Open-Air Museums Coordinating Council   MOMCC was established in 1978 with the goal of furthering the interchange of materials, information and ideas within the history field. Midwest Civil War Civilian Education, Inc is an active member of this organization.