3rd KY Volunteers

06/15/2026

Historic Collinsville this last weekend. Our captain fighting against his own men was something to watch. He won this battle but the boys got him on Sunday.

06/11/2026

We are a little over 2 1/2 months away from this event. Now is a great time to register to participate in the Battle of Richmond, KY on August 29-30, 2026! https://www.battleofrichmond.com/reenactor-registration-form

06/09/2026

Reenacting is a ridiculous concept

When you get right down to it, it’s a weird hobby. Leaving the comforts and security of our 21st century lives to wear clothes that went out of fashion over 100 years ago, eat food that’s repetitive and often tasteless, and sleeping on the ground are all things that an average person would label as crazy. However, we believe there’s three motivating factors that keep us going and encourage us to expand our experiences.

1. It helps us honor the original cast and keep their story alive.
‘Nuff said. We are the ones that make history tangible and more enjoyable to the public that watches the reenactments, visit us in camp, and ask questions. History books in school are boring. Seeing, hearing, and smelling even just a sliver of history helps people realize what life was like for the original cast.

2. It helps us understand the original cast better
As our friends over at the 11th OVC keep reiterating, experimental archeology is king. There aren’t many (if any) letters, diaries, or documents that explain the difference between cotton or wool socks, lined or unlined coats, how to deal with a misbehaving musket in the thick of battle, or so much more. These were the daily experiences of so many of these people that we can also experience firsthand, though sometimes not to the degree that the original cast did.

3. Reenacting is hard
If it were easy, everyone would do it. In a world of instant gratification, there is something to be said about doing hard things and things that take time. You want a cup of coffee? Make sure you gather the firewood, start the fire, boil the water, make the coffee, and make sure it cools down enough where you don’t burn your entire mouth. That’s a much different experience than popping a pod in a Keurig and getting the perfect cup of coffee every time. By taking on these challenges you prove most importantly to yourself that you can do it. That builds confidence and can make you a better person because of it.

So next time you’re in the field, take some time to reflect on why we do this crazy hobby and cherish the friendships, memories, and the history that you’re living.

📸: Joel F. Carberry

05/23/2026

Dear Heavenly Father,

Today we pause with grateful hearts to remember the brave men and women who gave their lives protecting the freedoms we often take for granted. We honor their courage, their sacrifice, and the deep love they carried for this country and for those they served beside.

Lord, comfort the families who carry the weight of loss each day. Surround them with peace, strength, and the reminder that their loved ones will never be forgotten. May the memories of those who have fallen live on in the stories we tell, the freedoms we cherish, and the lives we strive to live with purpose and gratitude.

Teach us to walk in humility and unity, remembering that freedom was purchased at a great cost. Help us to be worthy of the sacrifices made for us by showing kindness, compassion, and respect to one another.

On this Memorial Day, may we honor the fallen not only with words, but with grateful hearts and lives that reflect the values they fought to defend.

Amen.

05/23/2026

Historic Collinsville in rural Montgomery County has announced a series of special events, June 12-14, 2026.

05/21/2026

Are you ready for this biggest, loudest, educational event of the year?
The Battle of Richmond Association is hosting its annual Reenactment on the anniversary dates of the battle - August 29-30, 2026!!

12/24/2025

From our hearts to yours, we wish you a Christmas filled with warmth, grace, and love that carries you into the coming year. May blessings find you wherever you are, and may you feel surrounded by peace today and always.

🎄Merry Christmas 🎄

12/10/2025

https://youtu.be/o6ueZqfwvCI?si=ozuUmbd6P0UD215p

The Battle of Camp Wildcat, fought on October 21, 1861, was one of the earliest clashes in the Kentucky campaign and a key moment in securing the strategical...

12/05/2025