The Citizens of Cumberland Valley is the civilian branch of the Cornstalk Mess. It consists of men, women and children of all ages, that have chosen to recreate the role of civilian life during the Civil War era, promoting heritage and history. The purpose of the CCV is to assist the military organization in whatever needs it may have when portraying Confederate or Federal soldiers and to accurately portray the civilians that endured those turbulent years. The CCV is dedicated to remembering the importance and sacrifices of civilians during the Civil War. As historical interpreters, we want to honor them by striving for authenticity in what we wear, say and do. The CCV participates in battle reenactments and living history programs. At times, the CCV will perform independently from the Cornstalk Mess.

The Citizens of Cumberland Valley have many knowledgeable members who take part in a variety of living histories and educate the public on different aspects of civilian life in the Cumberland Valley during the Civil War. Such programs include:

• Women on the Homefront
• Civilian Life During the War
• Open Hearth Cooking
• Children's' Games
• Shortages During the War
• Victorian Fashions
• Victorian Needlework including knitting, sewing, quilting and spinning
• Interpretative Displays of Original & Reproduction Artifacts
• Participate in civilian scenarios at battle re-enactments and living history programs

Upon becoming a member of the Citizens of Cumberland Valley, members will assist you obtaining the correct clothing and accessories for the impression that you choose to portray. Our membership also includes families with children. We do not believe that "family oriented reenacting" automatically means "farb". In real life, families stayed together whenever they could and as long as all members of the family provide an accurate depiction of what they are trying to portray, then that is acceptable.

As civilian impressions of the day varied, you will be provided with civilian guideline information including a sutler list, pattern supplier list and clothing guidelines, to help you develop the impression you wish to pursue. We strive to raise awareness and contribute to non-profit organizations dedicated to preservation of historic sites such as the Friends of Monterey Pass and the Friends of South Mountain State Battlefield.

The Citizens of Cumberland Valley is not just for women or children. Men who were not drafted nor volunteered due to their beliefs, or health kept up with daily life as usual. Many men who volunteered in the army, returned home after their enlistments were up. Wounded Veterans or soldiers on leave even political parties such as the famous Copperhead would be great impressions to do as an alternative than portraying the normal military aspect. Some events would require both impressions such as a mustering in or mustering out event.

One of the newer annual civilian events we do is called "The Calm Before the Storm" which is hosted by Antietam National Battlefield. This is where we take to one of the historic farmsteads and recreate for the public the days between the Battles of South Mountain and Antietam. Our interpretation is based solely on the fact that the armies are coming and you are in "stay or flee mode." We engaged the public with questions such as what would you take with you and what would you be forced to leave behind. These questions are very similar to today's' questions when dealing with a natural disaster situation.

The burning of Chambersburg is another local yearly living history that is sponsored by the Franklin County Tourism where we go out and talk to the crowd about what the citizens faced when Confederate soldiers threaten to burn the town if a ransom wasn't paid. We portray the average family that is on the verge of loosing their home. 

Every Christmas we head to Bedford Village and participate in the yearly programs there. For the men, it started out as a military impression coming home on leave for Christmas.

For more information on how you can join the Citizens of Cumberland Valley, please feel free to contact us.