Bringing History to Life

October 14, 2009 · By Deb Phillips – The Photo Gal 
Brad Craver and his son, Andrew. Photographer, Deb Phillips.

Brad Craver, accompanied by his son Andrew, gave a Civil War presentation at an outdoor meeting of the Lewisville Historical Society in Lewisville, North Carolina.

A Civil War Family

In 2002 Brad Craver and his sons, Austin and Andrew, decided to take up a hobby that has kept them close as a family and has brought history to life for them. As amateur Civil War historians, the Cravers spend six or seven weekends each year participating in Civil War reenactments in North Carolina, Virginia and as far north as Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

On the evening of September 14, 2009, Brad and his sons met with members of the Lewisville Historical Society under the oak trees at Shallowford Square. Their Civil War presentation included relics of that era — a sword, a pistol, and a rifle that was loaded and fired by both Austin and Andrew.

Dressed in full Civil War garb, the Cravers also brought with them items that a typical Civil War soldier might have carried in his haversack (backpack): a “housewife” (a sewing kit), military handbook, Christian tract, playing cards, bed cap, eating utensils and a supply of hardtack (hard biscuits).

Whenever the Cravers share with groups of various ages or are involved in Civil War reenactments, they typically represent two particular regiments: the Federal Army’s 83rd Pennsylvania Regiment and the Confederate States Army’s 24th Virginia Regiment. They’re part of the approximately 50,000 Civil War reenactors from nearly every state in the USA, as well as from other countries, including England and Belgium.

To see more PHOTOS and to hear the AUDIO RECORDING of the Cravers’ Civil War presentation, please continue to the NEXT SECTION.

Austin and Andrew Craver stand at attention while their father, Brad (off camera) speaks with members of the Lewisville Historical Society in Lewisville, NC (Forsyth County).

(From the left) Austin and Andrew Craver stand at attention while their father, Brad (off camera) speaks with members of the Lewisville Historical Society.

Austin Craver

Austin Craver prepares to fire a Civil War-era rifle.

Andrew Craver

Andrew Craver listens as his father, Brad, speaks to members of the Lewisville Historical Society.

Brad Craver wears the uniform typical of a Civil War officer.

Brad Craver's uniform represents what may have been typical for a Federal Army officer serving during the Civil War.

Photo Gallery and Audio Recording

Check out the links below for the PHOTO GALLERY and the 30-minute AUDIO RECORDING of Brad Craver sharing an enlightening view on the life of a Civil War soldier. (NOTE: The audio recording was impacted by outdoor background noises, as well as some software and hardware limitations.)

Photo Gallery: Civil War Reenactors — Craver Family Photo Gallery
Audio: Brad Craver | Civil War Presentation Recording (MP3, 30 MIN.)

Comments

3 Responses to “Bringing History to Life”
  1. Mom says:

    The pictures are great! I am proud of you!

  2. I’m blushing, Mom. Thank you!

  3. richard donoghue says:

    Great. I used to do reenactment.

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