Brown Bess Flintlock showing flint attachment.
How
Do I Join the Carlisle Minutemen?
Send your name, address, telephone number, and email address along with a check for $15.00 dues to:
Captain
Scott Evans
299
Heald Road
Carlisle,
MA 01741
It is not necessary to be a resident
of Carlisle to join. Indicate your
interest in Fife, Drum, Musket or other activities.
You will be sent back a certificate
signed by the Captain of the Minutemen and a packet of information regarding
meetings, events, clothing, etc. You
will also be contacted by phone or email to introduce you to the group.
What
should I wear?
The Carlisle Minutemen are not formal about uniforms. Since the historical period we are trying to
recreate predates the existence of the United States, or the Continental Army,
minutemen of the period were usually dressed as farmers. Any typical colors for colonial clothing are
fine. A good start is to order a
tricorn hat of this period from one of the sources listed on the Clothing
Sources page. The other pieces of
clothing can often be made up from old things you might already have. A vest from a suit can be worn as a
waistcoat. With a little sewing and
some colonial buttons, it can look close to an 18th century
item. Cutting off an old pair of pants
just below the knee, and sewing on colonial buttons can make knee
britches. Shoes can be any style with
maybe a brass buckle added on top. A
pair of gaitors is often worn over shoes or boots to allow a colonial look
while maintaining foot comfort for walking.
What
would I do with the Minutemen?
You have a number of
choices. If you are musically inclined
we can get you started on the fife or drums.
If you would like to carry a musket, we can typically loan you one for
our events. You may purchase your own
musket, and fire it at events, and learn how to clean it properly. We can train you in its proper handling,
firing and cleaning. You can also carry
a flag or other items, such as a rusty pitchfork.
What
Events do we attend?
Typically we
attend six to eight events per year, or more if people are interested. See the Events page for a brief description
of our yearly events. Sometimes folks
join up with other minutemen companies to attend events and re-enactments in
outlying locations.
What
do our annual Dues pay for?
The funds raised with
the annual dues primarily cover the cost of producing the Estabrook Trail Walk
Medals given out each year on Patriots Day.
These cost about $2.50 each to make, and we hand out about 250 each
year.