“Living History Society of Delaware”

2nd Delaware Volunteer Infantry Co. G

Bylaws

Company Policy

Reviewed January 2004

Adopted February 2004

Most recent update January 2009

Purpose of the organization: The purpose of the organization is to interpret and provide educational activities relating the history of the United States Civil War, 1861-1865. The primary impression is to recreate the 2nd Delaware Volunteer Infantry Company G. Civilian reenactors are welcome to join the Living History Society of Delaware and may participate in approved activities with a period correct impression. Our mission is to provide living history demonstrations through encampments and educational programs, participate in parades with an historical impression, demonstrate infantry tactics through battle reenactments, and other aspects of the civil war according to individual interest and ability to provide a period correct impression. Other aspects may include but are not limited to: Medical, Clergy/Christian Commission, Civilian volunteers, Sanitary Commission, or Politician

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Bylaws:

Article 1: The legal name of this non-profit corporation is the “Living History Society of Delaware, Inc.”. For the purpose of this document it may also be referred to as Co. G.

Article 2: The Living History Society of Delaware is not responsible for the well being of any member. All members and their families shall participate at their own risk and maintain personal insurance in the event of injury or loss of property.

Article 3: Membership dues will be set annually on or before the 1st organizational meeting of each reenactment season. Reenactment seasons will follow the calendar year. Dues must be paid to be a voting member and to be eligible for any position of leadership. Dues for the 2009-reenacting year are 20.00 per individual or 25.00 per family.

Article 4: The minimum age for membership is 18. Individuals under 18 must be part of a family membership. Individuals under the age of 18 must have a waiver/permission form signed by their parent/guardian when the parent/guardian is not in attendance to an activity.

Article 5: Leadership of Co. G shall consist of a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and Quartermaster, elected annually on or before the organizational meeting of each reenacting season. Nominations shall be made and voting will be by secret ballot. Only one vote per family will be permitted.

The president will be responsible for maintaining the corporate standing and will be the official representative of company G. The immediate past president shall serve in an advisory position.

Article 6: Military leadership shall be determined on or before the season's organizational meeting. The minimum military leadership shall consist of an officer and 1st sergeant. The officer and 1st sergeant will serve a two-year term and be voted on in even years. Motion shall be made and a majority vote shall determine the need for election of other officer and NCO positions. This determination should be based on the number of military members. Once a need is established members may nominate themselves or someone else. In all military elections a majority vote, with one vote per military member, shall determine the result. These positions will remain in effect until the next even year election. Changes in military leadership may change at any time when a special meeting is called to do so and by majority vote. Proxy voting will be allowed only if a majority vote is not met by members in presence. Only military members over the age of 18 may vote for military leaders. Persons elected to leadership positions must participate in a minimum of 4 events per year or may be asked to remove their rank. All leaders must be willing to hold whatever rank is needed at an event, according to membership participation. Company G may elect a provost whose responsibility would be to enforce safety, impression and camp behavior issues. Regardless of when placed in a leadership position, all positions will be voted on again at the beginning of the even year.

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Article 7: Civilian Coordinator/s. The diversity of civilian activities may require one or more individuals to be responsible for specific activities. In the event of an organized effort where many individuals share a like interest, those individuals may elect a coordinator. This person would carry the responsibility of the organization leadership and coordinate the activities of interested civilian members with the executive committee of Company G. The president may appoint individuals to coordinate efforts throughout the season when it is believed to be in the best interest of Company G. These appointments may be for the event or season and will automatically terminate at the end of the year. An example where this may occur is the determination of a head cook for an event.

Article 8: The annual organizational meeting shall be held at a time and place convenient to the membership. The president shall establish the agenda with assistance of the executive committee. The purpose of this meeting is to carry out company business such as the election of leaders, approval of a calendar of events, equipment needs, bylaw changes, establish goals etc. Roberts rules of order shall be used for all company business.

Article 9: The organization shall maintain a checking account in the name of “The Living History Society of Delaware”. The account shall be in the care of the company treasurer. Expenditures over 100.00 must be approved by a majority of the membership, one vote per family. Registration payments, reimbursements and/or expenditures where the income meets the expense do not require membership approval.

Company Policy:

Registration for events: Company G will send one registration to event organizers. Members must have their registration payment to the designated Company event organizer by the established deadline. Members not meeting the deadline will be responsible for sending their own registration.

Borrowing equipment: The quartermaster will be in charge of all equipment owned by Company G. Anyone who needs to borrow equipment must make arrangements for pick up and return of borrowed equipment with the quartermaster. Equipment must be returned in the condition it was received. Individuals borrowing equipment will be responsible for replacing any damaged or loss items with the exception of normal wear and tear.

Safety: Members are responsible for maintaining their equipment, especially muskets to alleviate unsafe conditions. The officers or designated safety person before each use at an event will inspect all muskets. Unclean or damaged muskets will not be permitted for use. Officers and/or NCO’s will provide safety instruction and certify individuals as having received instruction before a member will be allowed to participate in any firing activity. Members are responsible for their actions and may be removed from the field if they exhibit unsafe behavior.

Impressions: Company G strives to be a quality unit and members must make every effort to research proper uniforms and equipment to have a period correct impression. Members who do not meet standards will be asked to make necessary adjustments. Anyone not willing to conform will be asked to find another unit. Farbism’s including improper head gear, watches, modern glasses, and any other modern looking equipment should be corrected. All modern equipment must be kept in your tent and covered from spectator view.

Age restrictions: Company will follow event regulations regarding age for participants. Generally a member must be at least 16 to carry a musket. Age restrictions for musicians, ice angels and others will also be observed. Company G policy where events do not specify age limitations, requires a member to be at least 15 and hold a hunter safety certificate. Parents must be present and/or designate an individual who shall be responsible for their child’s behavior and safety.

Camp behavior: Members should exhibit safe and courteous behavior in camp at all times. The camp should be quiet by 10:00 PM and lights out will be by 12:00. Camp kitchen area should be maintained in a period appearance in as much as possible with modern conveniences such as plastic, aluminum cans, coolers etc. kept out of sight.

Communication: Email will be the choice of communication to members, regarding events, general information and newsletters. It is the member's responsibility to supply a current email address to the president and newsletter editor in order to receive information. It is expected that members read their email and respond appropriately when asked for information. Members who do not have email or would prefer regular USPS must make that designation to receive information. A phone tree will be established each year following the initial membership meeting.

Addendum’s are bylaw changes or additions which affect the way we do business.

Addendum 12-19-2007-1

The Captain and 1st Sergeant will select the NCO staff based on the need determined by the size of the company. Motion Made by Scott Kapes, passed unanimously.

Addendum 2-11-07-1

Any proposed bylaw change must be submitted to the president in writing. The president shall appoint a committee chaired by the vice president. The committee shall review and after approval the proposed change will be posted for all members with a 30 day wait for a vote. Changes require a majority vote for adoption

Addendum 2-24-08-1

The Living History Society of Delaware, the 2nd Delaware Infantry are official members of Vincents Brigade. Motion by Scott Kapes, second by John Barr, passed unanimously

Addendum 2-24-08-2

All person’s desiring to be an NCO in the 2nd Delaware will be required to be tested.

Motion by Terry Little, seconded by Scott Kapes, motion passed

Addendum 2-24-08-3

All members wishing to carry a firearm are required to pass a safety test.

Addendum 11-10-1

The position of secretary shall be combined with the treasurer. The new position shall be called “secretary-treasurer”.

Addendum to Bylaws and Policies of "The Living History Society of Delaware"

Official Duties of civilian and military officers

Civilian offices:

President

  1. Preside over meetings
  2. Set meeting dates
  3. Maintain communication with members
  4. Be the official contact person
  5. Serve as the chairperson of the executive committee
  6. Be in direct contact with the military officers to provide event information

Vice President

  1. Preside over the meetings in the absence of the president
  2. Serve on committees
  3. Assist the president in meeting preparation
  4. Assist the president by serving on the executive committee

Secretary

  1. Take minutes of all meetings
  2. Develop a means of distributing minutes to the membership
  3. Maintain a list of paid members and distribute that list to the membership

4. Assist the president and serve on the executive committee

Treasurer

  1. Maintain an account for company finances
  2. Send list of all paid members to the secretary as dues are paid
  3. Assemble information and pay all registrations
  4. Present a financial report at business meetings
  5. Assist the president and serve on the executive committee

Military

Captain

  1. Provide military leadership at events
  2. Be informed of times and places for activities
  3. Work closely with officer and NCO’s
  4. Know commands and the duties regularly expected of this position

5. Assure safety of soldiers

Lieutenant

  1. Take over the duties of captain in his absence
  2. Assist the captain in his presence
  3. Know the commands and duties regularly expected of this position
  4. Assure safety of soldiers

5. Provide leadership to company

Sergeants

  1. Be informed of event time schedules
  2. Have soldiers on line in a timely manner
  3. Know commands and be ready to take leadership of the company
  4. Provide leadership to corporals and privates
  1. Supervise the training of new recruits including safety issues

Corporals

  1. Provide training of new recruits
  2. Serve as a contact for privates, maintain a phone tree
  3. Report to the event registrar participants intention

4. Provide leadership to privates at events