Photo of Stan and Ruth in "Gods and Generals"

Stan and Ruth Bukowski know what it is to step into the past. Passionate history buffs of the Civil War period, this husband and wife team have experienced what others have only imagined. Their interest in the Civil War has led them upon a fourteen year journey as Civil War re-enactors, Hollywood extras, and participants in independent film projects.

"You have to make your hobby a priority," says Ruth. The truth is that when one pursues a dream, your life is richly enhanced.

This adage was confirmed after my conversation with Stan and Ruth Bukowksi about the dream they pursue part-time. In addition to expanding their scholarly knowledge of this period of American history, they have brought education and entertainment to others through their pursuits.

"I’ve been interested in the Civil War since I was a child," Stan said. "I was particularly drawn to it at the time of the Civil War Centennial in the 1960s. The culture, customs, and politics of the south have always intrigued me."

Stan mentioned that one summer he and Ruth were trying to find something to do for the summer. He discovered an ad in the local newspaper advising of an upcoming Civil War re-enactment. They attended, enjoyed it and returned to similar events the following year. They talked with Civil War re-enactors and other participants. Stan and Ruth then connected with a mentor who introduced them into this community of history lovers.

Stan and Ruth said that the re-enactors are really a community of people. "It’s like a big family," Stan said. Many of the same people attend the local events each year. Events can be particularly enjoyable when the re-enactors bring out their entire family. "The children have so much fun," Ruth mentioned. "They play Civil War period games and dress in period clothes."

Learning from others is a marvelous benefit of being a part of the Civil War re-enacting community. Although Stan and Ruth have been involved in the community for many years, they are still learning. "There are some participants that are more knowledgeable than others," Stan said.

The community endeavors to reflect absolute accuracy when it comes to camp life. "No modern conveniences are visible to the public eye," Ruth reiterates. The purpose is to allow visitors to "step back in time" and imagine what camp life was like during this period.

Stan and Ruth in camp

In fact, most often than not, re-enactors sleep overnight in camp. "Sometimes the nights can get very cold in the spring," Stan said. "When I see a clear starry sky, I know it’s going to be a cold night."

Two types of camps are typically represented at a Civil War encampment: a military camp and civilian camp. Depending on a re-enactors interest, he/she can select what side of life he/she wishes to represent.

A little fact perhaps unknown to visitors is that only a military re-enactor needs to "choose" a side. It should be noted that three different branches of the military can be represented at re-enactments: Infantry, Cavalry, and Artillery. When Stan participated in military re-enactments, he was in the Infantry.

When it comes to the side they are portraying (either North or South), sometimes re-enactors will have to switch from a Yankee soldier to a Confederate soldier or vice-versa. (Of course, this is just so that both sides are balanced for a battle re-enactment). This activity is called "galvanizing". Many soldiers in the community will carry two uniforms among their supplies to accommodate a galvanizing situation.

This photo provides an example of the choices male re-enactors have regarding participation in Civil War re-enactments.   The man on the left portrays President Lincoln.  The man on the right is a Civilian who portrays a Civil War period photographer.  Stan is between these two gentlemen.

For those playing a civilian, the sky is the limit of possibilities. Depending on a re-enactors interest, he may wish to portray a historical figure (Abe Lincoln, General Lee, or other figure, etc.) or she can be an expert in cooking, other activity of the period, or personage (Mary Lincoln or even Rose Greenhow, a spy).

Candlelight tours are sometimes offered at the encampments. Visitors are led through various camps by a guide to observe soldiers playing cards, shooting dice, reading the paper, and the sick attended to by personnel. In the shadowy reflections of candlelight, visitors can truly feel like time travelers.

Whether choosing to be a part of the military camp or portray a civilian, all work together to paint a picture of what camp life would have been during the Civil War.

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