Gardner's Regiment

It, of course, is obvious that Gardner's Regiment is a highly visible organization.  Gardner's Regiment provides education, celebration, commemoration and entertainment to individuals throughout Eastern Massachusetts. Much of our time is, happily, spent relating to the local public and those who travel to our Commonwealth to visit and learn first hand about our Colonial History.

In the course of enjoying and providing these services we have learned some very important lessons about the conduct required of ourselves.  Here, below, is a list of areas highlighted by the Board of Directors.  Consider them in light of our public activity and the historic characters which we proudly represent. 

 Training of Recruits

The Board of Directors has the ultimate responsibility for the training of Recruits.  The Board will determine any and all Dress Codes, Drill Procedures, Black Powder and Weapons Handling Requirements and the behavioral expectations of members.

Behavior in Kit

When members are present together in Kit, their behavior should be consistent with the historic characters and roles they portray. The etiquette and social protocols of the 18th Century vary from those of the 21st.  Wherever possible, 18th Century standards should be observed.

Officers should be addressed as "Sir".  For example: "Captain, Sir" or "Lieutenant, Sir".  Sergeants are to be referred to only as "Sergeant" - no Sir included.

Behavior in Formation

In formation, member's behavior should be Rank dependent.  The chain of command should be followed.  This will be the sole method of communication unless presented with a situation of immediate danger to the group or the public.

Officer's orders are to be followed.  If there is any question as to the authenticity or validity of the command, this should be discussed at a later time.  Deliberately disobeying an order - unless for safety reasons - will not be tolerated.  Persons disobeying orders may be subject to a verbal warning and ultimately may be asked to leave the Regiment.

Smoking

Modern forms of smoking are forbidden when dressed in kit and in public.

Smoking of any kind is forbidden around Black Powder.

Smoking with the use of 18th Century pipes is acceptable when Black Powder is not present.

Officers and Non Coms are responsible for enforcing safety standards.

Black Powder Cartridges

The Regiment will supply any and all Black Powder Cartridges to it's members.  Members should present with empty cartridge boxes.  Cartridge boxes will be examined as a routine component of the intitial safety inspection.  Any cartidges found will be held in a safe place for the duration of the event and returned at the end of the event.

Photographs

The Regiment will assume consent on the part of any individual present in Kit at any event for the taking, use and publication of photographs or videos. Individuals who do not wish to be photographed should absent themselves from photos.  Given, however, the public and entertainment aspects of this hobby, one should come to expect that the Regiment will be photographed almost continually.

Anachronisms

21 st Century items such as wrist watches, cell phones, jewelry, and drinking containers  should not be a part of our Kit.  Plastic water bottles should be well disguised by appropriate cloth wrapping.

Sharp Weapons

Only Officers should have swords for reenactment.  Parade pieces should be discussed on a case by case basis.  Knives should be small folding knives.  No large hunting or so called Bowie knives should be worn.  Privates should have a tomahawk.  The period correct piece would have a small head with a thin handle.  Consult an Officer of the Group prior to investing your hard earned money.

Canteens

Canteens should be worn.  They may be tin, wood or leather.  If you do not wish to actually drink from your canteen - again - your drinking bottle should be appropriately covered.

Powder Horns

Powder Horns may be worn but NEVER used to hold Black Powder.  The Powder Horn should be made of real horn and not a plastic imitation.

Sexual Harrassment

Members will refrain from any behavior, either in word or deed, which is sexually offensive, abusive, racist or unwelcome.  Members will always treat one another, and the public, with the respect and sensitivity they deserve.  Calling upon 18th Century standards for the treatment of women in particular, or those formerly considered subservient in general, will never be considered an appropriate excuse for cruel and abusive behavior.

From time to time, scenes of 18th Century life will be enacted for the public.  In these scenes pre-arranged dialogues will be acted out and may contain period correct language, attitudes and beliefs.  These pre-arranged and agreed upon scenarios will reflect 18th Century life and as such may differ from our current standards of conduct.

Political Debate

Members of Gardner's Regiment, in their 21st Century lives, represent a wide variety of political, social, and religious opinions and beliefs.  These are not the opinions and beliefs which bring the Regiment together.  The love of portraying our Colonial History and lifestyle is the tie that binds the group.  The joy of the hobby is the one common thread. As such, 21st Century political, social or religious debate will be considered inappropriate and will be unwelcome.  It will not be tolerated.  It can only serve to distract and divide us from our common goals.  The only appropriate political or social debate will be that of 1775 Colonial America.

Thanks for taking the time to read this page.  We are sure that you are aware that this listing is not - nor is it intended to be - exhaustive. An appropriate level of social skill and responsibility is always assumed of our members.  The list is only meant to highlight areas of immediate interest.

Should you have any questions or comments about these or any other aspect of our activities together as a group - please contact any Officer or member of the Board of Directors