02/13/2026
Meet the Team! We have been talking with everyone that works to help make Lima be the event it is. This series will introduce you to each member of our team!
Meet Abby Lemke. She is Co-Chair and Secretary Pro Tem
1. What is your role on the Lima Civil War Event Board?
I am the Co-Chair and Secretary pro-tem. As Co-Chair, I help with just about all aspects of the event; acquiring firewood, planning camps, scheduling activities, and so much more. It’s truly a labor of love, and I enjoy it immensely.
I specifically focus on registration, marketing, and outreach. I’m also a big note-taker and a bit of an over-communicator, so I naturally take on many of the secretarial responsibilities as well.
2. How long have you been involved with the event or committee?
I’ve been involved with the event since its creation in 2021. The first year, I participated simply as an attendee. From the second year to now, I have been directly involved in planning and organizing.
I originally began by capturing photos of the event for promotional purposes. Then I was asked to take on social media, and one thing led to another ; I eventually became responsible for registration as well. This year, I’m incredibly excited to be serving as Co-Chair!
3. What do you hope visitors take away after attending?
My hope is that participants find themselves at an event that’s worth attending year after year. I want to help create an event that reenactors of all ages can enjoy ; exciting and engaging battle scenarios, evening activities, and opportunities for kiddos to foster a love for this hobby.
I also hope spectators learn about our country’s history in an engaging and interactive way. The Civil War era laid the foundation for many of the changes that led to the modern world. Above all, I hope this becomes an annual family tradition for many.
4. What’s your favorite part of living history?
There is so much more to living history than the boom of cannons and smoke on the field. It’s the clothing, the culture, the societal issues, the cooking, and so much more. I could talk for hours about the intricate details most people don’t see or even know to ask about.
I’m a bit biased in my passion for the hobby , I was quite literally a baby at my first event. Reenacting is a found family for me. I’ve met people through events that I can’t imagine my life without.
I’ve grown so much because of reenacting: conflict resolution, preparing for the elements, packing and traveling, caring for my overall health, and learning to truly enjoy the moment.
There’s a special kind of magic in stepping away from our busy modern lives and enjoying the simple things with good people.
5. What’s something you wish more people knew about reenacting or the Civil War era?
Yes , the fire is real! (Lol.) Naturally, the battles draw people in, and that makes sense. They’re exciting and full of adrenaline.
But come talk to a civilian! Many of us have picked up period-related hobbies and done extensive research. Ask how we cook our food, whether corsets are as scary as movies make them seem (they’re not!), or any random question you can think of.
I also wish people knew that while reenacting is a commitment, it is truly worth it. The friendships, the resilience, the camaraderie, and the quiet moments at night when it’s just you and the campfire ; they’re priceless.
6. What’s your favorite part of event weekend?
For Lima, it’s Friday night. Once everyone is registered and settling in, the park starts to buzz with energy. Friends reconnecting (sometimes after not seeing each other for a year or longer!), fires starting, laughter echoing across the field.
I can’t help but smile from ear to ear as I pack up my registration table and head to my own firepit.
At other events, it’s Saturday night. There’s almost always a few hours when the modern world feels far away. Time seems to stop. No life stress; just my friends, the cannons, and the canvas.
7. If you could attend any historical event in person, what would it be?
Hmm…Probably the Boston Tea Party. There’s something about the Revolutionary War that fills me with so much patriotic pride.
8. Coffee, tea, or neither?
There is nothing better than a strong cup of black coffee first thing in the morning. At events, it takes the chill off and gives me a few more minutes to soak in the beauty of the morning sun on canvas.
In the real world, it gives me a little bit of a jump start to the never ending To-Do list!
9. What does your role help make possible behind the scenes?
I kind of help a little bit with everything. My primary focus is registration and marketing. I run the page, manage pre-registration, and create all of our marketing materials. I am the one you see running around with a camera all weekend.
It truly takes the entire team to bring this event to life each year, and I couldn’t do any of this without them.
And this event simply wouldn’t exist without our founder, Kathy Dauer. I am eternally grateful for all of her behind-the-scenes work. She often has a solution before I even realize I need to ask for help. She is my rock!
10. What’s something people might not realize goes into planning an event like this?
Honestly? All of it!
Before I got involved in event planning, I had no idea how much planning, work, and coordination it takes to plan ANYTHING! From rules, to communication with the town, to electing board members, there is a never ending list of things to do and conversations to have.
My poor board members deal with my constant ideas, thoughts, and “oh no, I forgot this!” messages. I am overflowing with gratitude for the members. They are all so talented and have so much knowledge. I have the best team someone could ever ask for.
11. What’s one thing you’re proud of that the committee has accomplished?
Their passion for this event.
While we come from all generations, walks of life, and different towns, we all have the same mission, to make the event great! I am so proud that we even have an event to plan and work on!
