Engagement of Burkittsville, 1862
Civilian Authenticity Standards

 ** PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL IMPRESSIONS SHOULD REFLECT THE SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS BEING PORTRAYED. PLEASE READ ALL OF THESE STANDARDS. **

 Women 

• All clothing must be made according to period construction techniques and patterns. All visible seams must be handsewn with some machine sewing according to period appropriateness.
   
• Dresses of cotton or wool material in period appropriate prints preferred. Silk material for dresses is permitted in limited quantities. There will be no blouse/ skirt/ jacket combinations permitted. Dresses need to be of the same material for the top and the bottom. White collars or neckerchiefs must be worn with dresses.
   
• Trim is acceptable according to the impression and should be used with this in mind (i.e. a lower class farming woman will have very minimal if any trim but an upper class woman may embellish with more trim).
   
• Aprons and outerwear must be of correct materials and construction. Correct aprons are highly recommended. Outerwear such as shawls, mantels, capes, or coats should be practical.
   
• Correct underpinnings with corsets or stays are REQUIRED. Work hoops, corded petticoats, and modest cage crinolines are acceptable. (Large hoops prohibited).
   
• Stockings, in appropriate colors according to economic status, are required. Socks or pantyhose are prohibited.
   
• Shoes/boots of leather are recommended or period homemade substitutes are acceptable.
   
• Headgear should either be bonnets, corded sunbonnets, quilted bonnets, knitted hoods, or slat bonnets according to the impression.
   
• Use of period correct eyeglasses is preferred. Contact lens are permitted if needed. Non-period eyewear is prohibited.
  
• Accessories such as jewelry should be limited and simplistic in style appropriate to the economic status of the portrayal. It is encouraged that a simple brooch be worn in the case of a white collar on a dress.
  
• Hair should be parted in the center, no bangs, and confined at or below the nape of the neck. Hairnets can be worn if made of correct materials and worn appropriately with hair properly styled underneath.
  
• Make-up, modern hairstyles, loose hair, painted fingernails, white blouses or socks, sweatpants, Garibaldi blouses, Zouave jackets, large hoops, zippers, plastic buttons or jewelry, wristwatches, modern glasses or sunglasses, modern footwear, stud or post earrings, ball gowns, and any other inappropriate item is PROHIBITED.
   

Men:

•  As with women, all clothing must be made according to period construction techniques and patterns. All visible seams can be handsewn or machine-stitched. Buttonholes must be done by hand.
   

• Shirts should be of correct material: wool flannel, cotton, or linen in solid or period prints according to the social class being represented. Shirts should be cut full, drop shoulders, attached or detached collar.
  
• Trousers should be made of a durable cloth such as: wool broadcloth, light to heavy wool, cotton, wool sateen, or linen, in plaids, checks, and solids of natural colors in various weaves. Jean cloth should be used for very low class impressions ONLY. Pockets can be in the front but rear pockets are prohibited.
   
• Sack or frock, depending on socioeconomic status, must be of period materials (see trouser materials) and construction. Vests of silk, wool, or linen will be allowed.
   
• Neckwear can include a cravat or neck cloth. Suspenders must be of correct construction.
   
• Shoes should be a boot, shoe, brogan, or elastic-sided shoes, according to the impression being represented.
   
• Socks should be period appropriate and made of either cotton or wool in appropriate colors: white, black, and some colors. Period correct underclothing recommended with no visible modern underwear allowed.
  
• All civilian hats must be of a documented period style and properly blocked. Hairstyles and facial hair should reflect the period.
  
•  Jewelry should be simple, made in the period style, and appropriate to the economic status of the portrayal: a timepiece, watch chain and fob, ring, cuff buttons or pin.
  
• Other accessories could include a walking stick, handkerchief, or other period items pertaining to a particular trade.
  
• No modern items will be allowed. Sweatpants, zippers, plastic buttons or jewelry, wristwatches, modern glasses or sunglasses, non-period hairstyles, earrings of any type, and any other inappropriate item is PROHIBITED.

Children:

• In general, clothing for children should follow the guidelines set for adults, with appropriate adaptations being made for the child's age.
  

• Dresses for toddlers of both sexes are appropriate. Boat necklines, short sleeves, and calf length skirts for girls. Short trousers and shirtsleeves for young boys. Girl's hair should be parted in the center and boys on the side.
  
• In some cases, children have worn military-influenced styles, but any child sized full military uniforms and accouterments are forbidden.
   
• Modern toys are prohibited. Any need for child-care items should be addressed with the civilian coordinators on an individual basis.

 Miscellaneous Items:

• All items must predate September 1862 or must be exact reproductions thereof!
  
• Any blankets brought must be of proper period construction and materials. Civilian blankets including quilts and coverlets are preferred over military style blankets. Straw tickings will be allowed in period appropriate materials. Inappropriate modern items (such as sleeping bags, pillows, non-period chairs, modern foods or containers) are not allowed. If you have a medical condition that requires some modern item, contact the civilian coordinators regarding it.
   
• Period appropriate baskets or any other period appropriate item for carrying items is acceptable.
  
• Modern items are not permissible at all unless it is necessary such as medications or feminine products. In that case the items must be well hidden.
  
• Foods should be of the period and must not be wrapped in any modern items such as plastic wrap, plastic bags, aluminum foil, etc. Period wrapping materials and bags accepted.
   
• Keep in mind that you must manage any and all belongings you bring.

In general, if there is any question regarding any aspect of your impression please contact the civilian coordinators regarding the specifics.