Welcome to the Gem of the Hills Historian

Insignia of the Rank of Major - Federal Army 2026 is off to a quite interesting beginning as I transition to a new rank and new role within my living history journey. The change is not quite one that I expected to unfold in the manner in which it has and there have been challenges on my part in adjusting to the circumstances now before me.  Sometimes change can be a difficult undertaking, especially for someone like me who is quite accustomed to developing habits and perfec

Marbury, Alabama - Friday, 12th December - Saturday, 13th December, 2025 Christmas at Confederate Memorial Park in Marbury, Alabama 2025 has been an incredibly busy year for both the company and for myself. As the Fall season has come to a conclusion, there is much to be grateful for with regard to both the company and within my own life. As anyone who possibly has followed this site may have noticed, posting this year has been quite sparse as compared to the year prior, an

Living History Program - Saturday 16th - Sunday, 17th August, 2025 We were honored to return to Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield...

And with it comes a new season of living history events, locations to visit, programs to schedule and give, and additional dedication to...

I had the pleasure and quite good fortune of speaking at an event in Ashville, Alabama on Saturday, 8th February, 2025. Here's a recap of...

Our company has had a year of firsts, a year of growth, and a year of learning as we have adjusted to our new home in the Hardee Guard...

Our Company had the privilege of working with the National Park Service to provide a Living History Program at Kennesaw Mountain National...

" Union Soldiers of St. Clair County - 24th August, 2024 ," a trip to the Ashville Museum and Archives in Ashville, Alabama I was very...

Recapping a quiet summer break: If you're following along, you’ll notice that there hasn’t been much in the way of posting in a few...

Fiddler’s Green, Jacksonville, AL 5th - 6th May, 2024 Our home event, the annual “Skirmish in the Valley” was a rather fantastic two day...

Friday, 5th April, 2024 - Sunday, 7th April, 2024 The company’s second voted event was a first for the company as we were officially in...

A flag for the 79th PA VOL. INF. Co E. - Established officially on 11th November, 2023 Following the event at Tallassee this past...

A few questions for you to consider: Have you considered becoming a living historian? Do you have a passion for learning about and...

Thursday, 9th November, 2023 - Sunday, 12th November, 2023 Tallassee marked the final event of the season for our company and would also...

Skirim Creek - 4th & 5th November, 2023 - Crossville, Alabama Though non-voted, this event was absolutely enjoyable for our members....

Looking towards the Past... When looking to the past for answers to my identity, to that place from which my family has come, and to the...

Saturday, 14th October, 2023 - Sunday, 15th October, 2023 / Harpersville, AL (Shelby County) A departure from our normal undertakings,...

23rd - 24th September, 2023 - Event by the Atlanta Campaign, Inc. What an honor and privilege it was to take the field at the 160th...

Friday, 31st March, 2023 - Saturday, 1st April, 2023 This time, my adventures took me on a brief departure from the mainstream side of...

Our first living history event of the 2023 season, held at Tannehill State Park, signified distinct and evident growth of participation...