The Cornstalk Mess is a progressive living history organization striving to be a premier organization of independent historical interpreters and living historians. Our main goal is to educate the public, providing them with an authentic portrayal of the common soldier and civilian of our area during the American Civil War.

As members of the Cornstalk Mess, we research the roles, uniforms, equipment and mindset of the average Civil War soldier on both sides of the Mason and Dixon Line. We then interpret that information into educational programs so that the public has a better understanding of what they experienced, how they lived and in some cases how they died. Our interpretative programs are based upon Maryland State Park guidelines and National Park Service uniform standards.

Our group is broken down into a single mess. Messes were smaller groups of (4-12) soldiers who ate, camped or lived together and shared the daily responsibilities during the Civil War. Our name is derived from the Cornstalk Companies that were raised in Emmitsburg, Maryland as well as in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. The period between the war with Mexico and the Civil War, Emmitsburg as well as Waynesboro had formed a independent civilian militia and when they were ordered to perform military duties, many of the men lacked a proper musket and we forced to improvise by using cornstalks. Emmitsburg kept it's nickname the Cornstalk Company while Waynesboro was known as the Wayne Rifles. Both companies never participated in the Mexican War and eventually Emmitsburg disbanded it's company, while the Wayne Rifles remained active with other Franklin County militia outfits and held a yearly encampment.

Members of the Cornstalk Mess have been invited by various community organizations to speak about the importance of the average Civil War soldier. It is very important that we focus our attention on the younger generation, educating them on the importance of the average Civil War soldier and what they experienced as well as what day to day life was like for those on the home front. We would enjoy the opportunity to do these programs for your youth group. Our programs for children are based upon the National Park Service and Maryland Park Service teaching and interpretation standards for students.

References:

• Monterey Pass Battlefield Site
• South Mountain State Battlefield
• Franklin County Historical Society
• Franklin County Library, Blue Ridge Summit Branch
• Franklin County Tourism
• Frederick County Library, Thurmont Branch
• Washington County Visitors Convention
• Washington County Library, Williamsport Branch
• Washington Monument State Park
• Gathland State Park
• Antietam National Battlefield
• Monocacy National Battlefield Site
• Harper's Ferry National Historical Site
• Gettysburg National Military Battlefield
• Cedar Creek/Belle Grove National Park Sites
• CWPT, Dedication of 3rd Winchester Battlefield
• Montgomery County Schools System
• Waynesboro Area School District
• Several Youth Group Organizations