Welcome to the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment
It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
-President Abraham Lincoln
We are a group of men and women who portray the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, the famed Worcester County Regiment from the American Civil War. Many of us are direct descendants of the men of the 15th and other Union regiments. All of us are dedicated to teaching and preserving American history.
About Us
A Faithful Portrayal of the Men & Women of Worcester County during the Civil War
For more than 25 years, we have gathered together as a welcoming, family-friendly group of living historians focused on honoring the lives of the volunteers that made up the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment. The regiment mustered in on July 12th, 1861, and mustered out on July 26th, 1864, with many of the surviving members transferring to other regiments and serving until the end of the war.
We are one of the largest active companies in New England, with members from MA, NH, CT, & RI. Our ranks include infantry, sharpshooters, field musicians, and a chaplain. Although there are no confirmed records of women impersonating men in the 15th MA, we do have a few women in our ranks honoring the more than 400 documented women soldiers who fought and died in the Civil War. Our officers and NCOs are elected on an annual basis by the members, allowing those who want to serve to experience military life from multiple perspectives the opportunity to do so.
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We have a strong civilian component with men, women, and children portraying camp followers as well as volunteers with the Christian Commission. We welcome membership and participation by family groups. At times we have had three generations of the same family in our ranks, both military and civilian.
Our members range in age from nine to seventy-four, and we have a very high retention rate. We credit this is our mutual support and fellowship, incredible string band, and the talents of our campfire cooks. To be a member of the 15th is to be a member of our family.
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We are the only galvanizing unit in New England. As such, on occasion, we also portray the 4th Alabama. Most of our members have confederate grey and we can unfurl the colors of the 4th when the needs of historical accuracy and battlefield balance require it.
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We invite you to explore this website and learn more about our reenactor unit and the historical 15th MVI. When your ready we have a uniform and a rifle waiting for you. Send us a telegram and we will be sure to get back to you. Huzzah, God save the Union!
