The goal of this reenacting unit is to, as much as possible, become people of the 1860’s era of the Victorian age for the duration of each event we attend. In this way we will accurately portray the life and conflict of the time of the American Civil War. While we are doing this we also wish to maintain an environment that is safe and welcoming to families.

Each member will be required to develop a first person impression. The first level of this (understanding who they are and their immediate family) should be completed and credible by the time the generic federal uniform is completed.

Alcohol: Was used extensively in all areas of Victorian life. It was one of the glaring social problems of the age. We choose not to prohibit the use of alcohol by adults at events. However because of family and safety considerations we agree to limit the consumption of alcohol at events to a maximum of one or two drinks after the evening meal (unless activities involving firearms are planned in the evening or night in which case alcohol use is prohibited.)

Women and Children in Camp: Women and children reenactors will be permitted to visit the company street only under escort. The appropriate location for mixed gender interactions is in the civilian camp.

Messing: Food will be prepared in individual messes. Established messes should expand to include newcomers until they are comfortable providing for their own needs.

Language: Profanity and vulgarity are prohibited. It was characteristic of the Civil War soldier that as they progressed from recruit to veteran their language reformed. The phrase “He swears like a recruit” was common among veterans. Article 3 of the Articles of War puts it this way:

Article 3: Any non-commissioned officer or soldier who shall use any profane oath or execration shall incur the penalties expressed in the foregoing article; and a commissioned officer shall forfeit and pay, for each and every such offense, one dollar, to be applied as in the preceding article. Relevant portions of Article 2 read...Every person so offending shall, for his first offense, forfeit one-sixth of a dollar, to be deducted out of his next pay; for the second offense, he shall not only forfeit a like sum, but be confined twenty-four hours; and for every like offense shall suffer and pay in like manner; which money so forfeited shall be applied by the captain or senior officer of the troop or company, to the use of the sick soldiers of the company or troop to which the offender belongs.

As can be easily seen bad language was a serious offense. Therefore our practice shall be that enlisted men shall be fined 25 cents for each instance of bad language. Officers shall be fined one dollar for each offense. Funds generated in this way will be used to purchase company equipment and perhaps to assist the Lincoln Lutheran school field music group.

Co-habitation: As a general rule it is expected that men will sleep in the Company Street and women in the civilian area. Husbands and wives may share tents in the civilian area. Non-married men and women camping together must tent behind the civilian street. Fornication was not sanctioned in most levels of Victorian society; there are other settings in which to pursue this aspect of a relationship. This prohibition of dalliance is also consistent with our unit’s desire to be family friendly and family safe. We seek to provide good role models to our younger participants.

Younger soldiers: As in all Nebraska units a youth may begin to carry a musket at the age of 16 years provided that his parent or parents is an active, participating part of the unit. Parents are responsible for the safety and conduct of their soldiers from the age of 16 to the age of 18. For this reason ammunition will be issued to soldiers of this age only by their parents.

Anachronisms: Non period gear will be constantly out of sight. (Not just when spectators are present but always) We are reenacting for the entire weekend. NOTE: Smoking materials will be period specific to include: Bedes or hand-rolled cigarettes, cigars (not still in their plastic wrappers please), and pipes. Also, only members of legal age may smoke.

Troop Education:The video on the School of the Soldier and the School of the Company will be the standard for drill in the 165th. In situations that are not covered by the tape or are ambiguous, Hardees two volume manual will be consulted. Our goal is to achieve a drill team like crispness in our drill. In support of this goal there will be a monthly drill session.

Drill: The video on the School of the Soldier of the Company will be the standard for drill in the 165th New York Volunteer Infantry. In situations that are not covered by the tape or are ambiguous, Hardes two volume manual will be consulted. Our goal is to achieve a drill team like crispness in our drill. In support of this goal, there will be a monthly drill session.

Vaules and Practices: The 165th New York Volunteer Infantry desires to be a welcoming unit. Each new member will have a sponsor appointed. The unit will desires to conduct military actiivites in camp. Mail call, sick call, role call, pay call. A major value for us is interaction with and education of the public (this is also an excellent method of recruitment).

Standard Operating Procedures and Practices: No pistols will be permitted except to commissioned officers. Bowie knifes (part of teh equipment of the Tiger Zouaves) will be tied into the scabbard if worn to battle and will never (upon penalty of dismissal from the unit) be drawn in battle. No more than one vivandier may be present per eight troops in the field. Vivandiers will not carry pistols on the field.

Safety: No pistols will be permitted except to commissioned officers. Bowie knifes (part of the equipment of the Tiger Zouaves) will be tied into the scabbard if worn to battle and will never (upon penalty of dismissal from the unit) be drawn in battle.

Spring Muster/Camp of Instruction: All members of the 165 New York Infantry will attend an annual camp of instruction before being allowed to attend any events as a unit.

• It is the unit's desire to be a welcoming unit. Each new member will have a sponsor appointed.
• We desire to conduct military activities in camp. Mail call, sick call, role call and pay call are part of these activities.
• A major value for us is interaction with and education of the public. (This is also an excellent method of recruitment.)
• During the non-reenacting season, there will be monthly or bi-monthly events (dances, parties, dinners) to keep members active in the hobby and involved with each other.

Leadership: Leadership of this unit is vested in a committee of "founders." Each founder has a vote but not a veto. Leadership will be shared when the vision has been established and the corporate culture firmly established. Should it become necessary for a founders to be replaced because of job, family, or health concerns, a replacement will be picked by the current "founders" from among the membership.

Current "Founders"
Waylon Osterberg - 2001
Dennis Stefker - 2001
Sarah Blodgett - 2002
Raleigh White - 2004

Retired "Founders"
David Lundholm 2001-2005
Richard Brubaker 2003-2005