Skillygalee Mess

What We're All About

2008-11-09T00:00:00.002-05:00

The Skillygalee Mess was formed in April 2006 with a set nonpolitical goal in mind: to accurately portray the common soldiers of the American Civil War and to excel in term of authenticity. We constantly seek opportunities to further the education of others and ourselves about the sacrifices of our forefathers.

How we compare to other reenactment groups is unimportant. What matters to us is the historical authenticity and research that we continuously examine to further our knowledge and understanding of history. Furthermore, our loose-knit group was created so friends can get together and learn, while having a good time.

The Mess readily accepts dedicated and like-minded individuals with an active interest in the American Civil War. We have members from NY, PA, VA, NC and FL.

Members

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Active members

Randy Allen

Bio coming soon...

David Bloom

David is a reenactor of various time periods, and has impressions
for most conflicts of the Twentieth century. A native of the Sunshine State,
he been developing an impression based on Florida troops, a rich and
colorful history that is often overlooked. David hopes to pursue a degree
in Anthropology or Archaeology.

Aric Scott Bruggeworth

Aric is both a World War II and American Civil War

living historian. Aric recently moved back to Florida

spends any other time as a beach bum. He also enjoys

hiking, camping and working out. He is attending Indian

River State College and is majoring in Criminal Justice.

Paul Luks

Bio coming soon...

Peter Luks

Bio coming soon...

Greg Randazzo

Greg proudly hails from below the Mason-Dixon

in South Jersey but now resides outside Syracuse,

New York with his wife, Angela. He teaches high school

courses in American/European history as well as Latin

at Blessed Virgin Mary Academy. Greg's interests lie in

Roman Catholicism, politics, economics, self-sufficiency

farming, and ice hockey. And, of course, his passion for

the American Civil War.

Jeremy Ringham

Bio coming soon...

Tom Scoufalos

Tom proudly gives away his age by claiming that

he starting reenacting 'Way back during the 125th cycle'.

A zouave aficionado since birth, he is a member of

the 5th New York but dabbles in other impressions

lately. He's a RN-PAC at a private practice in

York, Pa. and lives with his wife, Nicole, and ornery

5-year old chocolate lab, Mocha.

Jason Spellman

Ringleader of the Mess. Jason is currently enrolled

at Virginia Commonwealth University and can usually

be seen tromping down the Richmond back allies and

side-streets humming a few Irish tunes. He is chasing

after degrees in both History and Education. Jason also

volunteers at the Museum of the Confederacy, stuffing

mailing for a few hours in Jeff Davis' presidential home.

Mike Turner

Bio coming soon...

Associate members

Zak Slagle

Alex Stowe
Charlie Umhau

Wanted Recruits!

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Despite all the formalities, we have standards:

Passionate about what we do. Strict authenticity dictates us to be a campaign-oriented group, requiring our members to at least hike a few miles with "the camp" on their backs per each event. No coolers, no camp chairs, no funnel cakes.

Friendly - If you're not nice chances are good that you won't work out well with us. Unconditionally, our family and friends are at sake too. We don't want to see either hindered by hobby drama and politics. This is why we formed our own group: to get away from all that and just go to events that look good!

That being said, please don't be intimidated!

Heck, most of us found each other just by being open-minded.

If you are still curious contact:

Tom Scoufalos (Northeast): tscoufalos1@juno.com

Jason Spellman (Mid-Atlantic): cwrematchr@embarqmail.com

Aric Bruggeworth (Southeast): CWreenactor2002@aol.com

Events of 2011

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It is hard to believe that the Sesquicentennial has already drawn upon us, and the opening events of 1861 have finally come.

This means an unparalleled opportunity for the general public to become exposed to history and for us to have a renewed sense of ability to interpret.

To begin the season, Aric and our friends of the Liberty Guards Mess and the Liberty Rifles traveled to Charleston, S.C. to take part in the Fort Sumter Living History. It is coincidental that the National Park Service Historic Site was under threat of closure and the program relocated during the budget crisis that was being debated in Washington D.C.

However, the program continued as planned and programs went on as scheduled around the grounds of Fort Moultrie. Much press coverage was gathered during the commemoration. Read about our friends in articles by the New York Times article and The State.

Unfortunately, many of us were unable to make the long haul and Jason threw together a small program in Richmond, Va. for "Civil War and Emancipation Day." We portrayed volunteers of the 1st Virginia Regiment mustering in the city following the capture of Fort Sumter, S.C.

And despite several bouts of rain throughout the day, many visitors came and we were able to brush-up on some drill and firing demonstrations. It was especially rewarding to be in the city the day before the Virginia Convention of 1861. Many thanks to everyone who drove down for it!

Still more to come!

Reflecting on 2009...

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Time is often measured by one's experiences. As we look back on this past year, we can rightly call ourselves accomplished. We attended numerous events and attracted new members. I applaud everyone's patience, dedication, and enthusiasm. It is these qualities that keep our friendships intact and the unit stable.

We effectively ended the winter off-period by attending "Siege of Suffolk," an event organized by Matt Thompson in Suffolk, Va. With little sleep, we rose early and deployed as skirmishers for much of the day, engaging in small fire-fights with the Lee's Sharpshooters.

We were permitted to construct our own breastworks which was really fun and thrilling to do. At one point it even became competitive. In addition, this was our first event with new recruit, Mike Turner. Mike brings along a passion that will no doubt serve us well in the future. Many thanks to the event organizers, who will no doubt plan for an even better scenario next year!

In April, the "Brizzays" made a surprise turnout at the 20th Neshaminy Civil War Reenactment in Bensalem, Pa. We fell in with Companies A (Capt John Wyman) and E ("Jaunty Bunch") of the Chesapeake Volunteer Guard.

We participated in the Battalion's drill weekend, and many good times were had for a mainstream event.

The following month, many of our members travelled to State Farm, Va. to do filming for the Vicksburg National Military Park under Northbridge Entertainment.

We portrayed elements of US Illinois and Iowa troops, 8th Missouri Infantry, Walker's Texas Division (16th Texas Infantry), and 6th Texas Cavalry (dismounted). The work was dirty, sweaty, and tiring, but all were excited at the prospect of being on 'the big screen.'

In April, our travels took us to Bartow, W.Va. where we attended "Assault on Allegheny," hosted by Pridgeon's Shenandoah Legion. Jason spent several hours over the summer researching the 31st Regiment of Virginia Volunteers, whom we portrayed.

Heavy West Virginia rain ended the event early, but it was agreed that sound judgement was exercised on the part of the event organizers.

It was our second year of attending "Hope's Campaign" in Elizabethtown, Pa. We fell in with the Liberty Rifles, acting as one of the lead and most full Federal battalions.

Tom acted as lieutenant and performed his duties miraculously. Unfortunately, rain haunted us once again and ended the event early by Saturday evening.

A brief appearance at the 145th Anniversary of the Battle of Cedar Creek concluded the year. Aside from these events, our members attended numerous other living history programs and events throughout the year. A more active and participatory schedule could not have been made. We look forward to an even better reenacting season in 2010!