Authenticity Guidelines

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE LOOK

How do you know what to wear?

We strive to present an authentic impression for the public, without being exclusionary.

The people we portray in living history deserve our best efforts. These patriots sacrificed much of importance during this period to provide what we have today as a country. Representing them properly is a privilege and should not be taken lightly.

Col. Bailey's 2nd Mass Regiment is one of the founding members of the Continental Line. The reputation of that organization, as well as every living history group participating in a CL or other event, depends upon everyone striving for and maintaining the highest possible degree of historical authenticity in period dress and accouterments, character role portrayals, and demonstrations to the public in all forms (i.e. parades, encampments, public appearances, etc.).

Our authenticity guidelines have been approved by the Regiment and are reviewed annually for accuracy. These guidelines are subject to change based upon ongoing historic research. Any future changes will be accompanied by a program of education and/or workshops to assist the members in adhering to the new guidelines within a reasonable time frame.

Member clothing should follow the unit's internal authenticity standards concerning materials, construction, and overall fit, and a single portrayal should be a good faith commitment to a historic gender identity appropriate for the culture, region, race, and class the member is portraying.

CIVILIAN & EARLY WAR MILITIA

The 2nd Mass has adopted the authenticity standards researched & developed by Minute Man National Historical Park.

The goal of the MMNHP Living History Authenticity Standards is "to accurately represent (to the best of our ability) and honor the memory of those who lived through and participated in the events leading to our nation’s independence here in Massachusetts."

These standards cover middling and lower sorts since they would have dominated the events in Concord, Lincoln, and Lexington on April 19, 1775. All clothing should be made using the materials, style, fit, and construction appropriate for 1775 New England.

The 2nd Mass has adopted the authenticity standards researched & developed by Minute Man National Historical Park.

Women in and around Lexington & Concord during the events of the mid-1770s were townspeople of all classes, many of whom were forced to flee their homes as British troops arrived.

Although center-closing gowns were becoming popular in overseas and elsewhere in the colonies, the English gown with robings (as seen here) was the mainstay of women's clothing in New England until much later in the century.

All clothing should be made using the materials, style, fit, and construction appropriate for 1775 New England, and for the societal class being portrayed.

MID-WAR CONTINENTAL ARMY

In the fall of 1778, France shipped 10,000 suits of uniform to outfit the Continental Army.

These uniforms included a coat (brown or blue bodied faced in red), a white wool waistcoat, a pair of white wool breeches, and lead grey stockings.

Regiments were issued uniforms based on a lottery system, and our unit received the brown coats faced in red. Along with this issuance, soldier would have also been issued summer clothing such as military style overalls and hunting shirts.

Civilian clothing was also seen among Continental troops as uniforms were not always available.

WOMEN FOLLOWING THE ARMY

Women played critical roles in the American Revolution.

Women often followed their husbands in the Continental Army. These women, known as camp followers, often tended to the domestic side of army organization, washing, cooking, mending clothes, and providing medical help when necessary.

Widows or other women without families left their villages to travel with the army out of fear for their plight if left behind. Some were able to earn a living by charging for their services performing the domestic chores that might otherwise have been unavailable to the soldiers in their unit.

While the 2nd Mass is putting together formal guidelines for women's clothing as camp followers, much helpful information can be gained by reading the MMNPS Battle Road guidelines for women.

Boys and girls in the 18th century were clothed in a practical manner based on their ages.

Young boys wore "gowns" through at least the toddler stage, until they were old enough to be fitted with breeches akin to men's styles. Young girls wore simple gowns, and were fitted with stays (18th century corsets) early on.

Simple tailoring tricks were employed to get the most wear out of a garment as a child grew, such as sewing in a series of horizontal "growth" pleats that could be let out as more length was necessary.

There is much information to be gleaned from the authenticity standards drawn up by the MMNPS.

Authenticity Guidelines

1775

1775

1779

1779

1775-1783