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Historical/War Reenactment/popularity of the civil war today

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Expert: Jason Grabill - 5/10/2006


Question
Mr. Grabill,

I was wondering what your take on the fact that the civil war is still such a popular subject in today's culture and why that is.  I am writing a paper and I would love your input.  
Thank You
Deena White

Answer
Deena:

 I think it goes back to the fact that the Civil War really wasn't that long ago in American history; the battlefields are scattered all over the Southern United States, and even in the west, and the war has been romanticised in literature (Gone with the Wind) as well as movies and TV.  Civil War reenactors are a large and growing group, and have been for years, they also serve to "keep the memory alive".  

 Hope that helps!

Historical/War Reenactment

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Jason Grabill

Expertise

Civil War Reenacting, how to start, what to buy, how to find a good unit (Union or Confederate), publications and books to read. Also Medical reenacting; same as above.

Experience

Began reenacting in 1996 with the Stonewall Brigade as an Infantry Reenactor, transistioned to Medical in 2000.

Organizations
Co D 27th Virginia Volunteer Infantry (Stonewall Brigade) CSA
Society of Civil War Surgeons


Publications
Wrote 2 Battlefield Tour Guides for Antietam and Fredericksburg for the US Marine Corps, currently in the Warfighting labratory in Quantico.

Education/Credentials
Extensive study on the arms, equipment and daily life of the Civil War Soldier; have a personal library of over 200 books, and the "Official Records of the War of the Rebellion" on CD. Also have numerous books on Civil War Medicine, including period books. Currently a volunteer at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine in Frederick, Md

Awards and Honors
27th Virginia Infantry "Infantry Rookie of the Year" 1997

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