Southeastern Civilian Living Historians

06/11/2026

Here's our very own Patricia, presenting her Salmagundi recipe. She described how her ingredients were chosen and prepared, highlighting the history of barberries, which were popular in the 18th century. She explained why they are rare in 21st century America, noting they were purposefully eradicated in an attempt to keep disease from spreading to wheat crops. To include them in her dish, she had to order them online all the way from Iran!

Congratulations again to Patricia, the SCLH members who helped her prepare the Salmagundi, and all of the those who participated in the Cooking Contest!

06/10/2026

What a fantastic weekend we had at the Battle of the Waxhaws! Southeastern Civilian Living Historians had a wonderful time sharing civilian life and stories from the Revolutionary era.

The Battle of the Waxhaws wasn't just on the battlefield, however — it was also at the table. We’re especially proud of one of our members, Patricia, who entered the 18th Century Cooking Contest and brought home 3rd place for her interpretation of "Salmagundi."

This colorful 18th-century culinary competition brought friendly rivalry and historic skills to life, with entries featuring hard-boiled egg, cooked meat, and pickled items — all judged on taste, presentation, and creativity. Patricia delivered roasted carrots alongside pickled mushrooms, cucumbers, and barberries (sourced online since they’re no longer grown locally). It was a lot of work putting it together, but well worth it!

Congratulations to Patricia and SCLH members who assisted, for their impressive display of historic cooking! Enjoy this photo of Patricia's entry as well as some examples of historic receipts for "Salmagundi(e)."

The Museum of the Waxhaws

06/06/2026

If you haven't found your way to The Museum of the Waxhaws yet this weekend, join us tomorrow!

06/03/2026

This weekend (June 5 - 7), Southeastern Civilian Living Historians will be at the Battle of the Waxhaws!

Come out and see our members portraying the daily life, challenges, and stories of Revolutionary War-era families caught in the conflict. From authentic camp life to interactive demonstrations, we'll share the civilian side of this pivotal part of the Southern Campaign.
Check with The Museum of the Waxhaws for schedule details, and stop by and see us while you're at this year's battle.



Pictured: SCLH at Pamplin Park, Virginia, June 2025.

05/27/2026

We had a great time at the 2026 commemoration of the Battle of Alamance earlier this month. Our members portrayed civilian life during the period and ordinary people caught up in events which preceded the American Revolution. The weather was perfect, and we were delighted to talk to so many folks!

Thank you to all who attended, to our hosts at the Alamance Battleground State Historic Site, and to our members who helped bring this important bit of North Carolina history to life.

05/20/2026

Have you wondered what the two dates on the North Carolina state flag signify?
One is the date of the Halifax Resolves (April 12, 1776). The other is Meck Dec Day (May 20th, 1775).

See also: Pre-revolutionary Resolves; Mecklenburg Resolves Souvenir depiction of the legendary Mecklenburg Declaration. Image from The Mecklenburg

05/11/2026

On May 16, 1771, backcountry "Regulators" clashed with royal forces in a dramatic stand against corruption and unfair taxes. While it’s been called a spark of the Revolution, many historians today note the impact of this battle isn't so clear. Those who fought at Alamance later fought on both sides — as Patriots and Loyalists — when the larger conflict over British rule intensified as the decade progressed.

Who will you side with?

Southeastern Civilian Living Historians (SCLH) will be at the 255th anniversary commemoration to portray the civilian aspects of this complex story, one pivotal to North Carolina and U.S. history.

Come see the history for yourself!
📅 Saturday, May 16, 2026 - 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
📍Alamance Battleground State Historic Site, Burlington, NC
https://www.facebook.com/AlamanceBattlegroundshs

Tag a history friend who should join us!

05/10/2026

Thank you, Alamance Battleground, for highlighting our participation. We enjoy being a part of this event!

The Southeastern Civilian Living Historians will once again join us for this year's reenactment. These dedicated historians bring the eighteenth century to life by demonstrating authentic domestic customs and occupations, including traditional cookery, textile crafts, household duties, and the everyday challenges faced by colonial families.

Date: Saturday, May 16
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Alamance Battleground 5803 South NC 62, Burlington, NC
Reenactment Begins: 11:00 AM

04/27/2026

Living historians rely on many sources to bring the past to life: newspaper ads describing clothing and goods, journals, estate inventories, surviving artifacts, and images. Many formal portraits from the era survive, but rare glimpses into everyday 18th-century American life are true treasures.

That’s why this recently discovered 1777 eyewitness pen-and-ink sketch of the North Carolina Brigade — complete with soldiers, a wagon, and camp followers — is so special. Drawn from life as they marched through Philadelphia, it offers a rare, direct look at North Carolinians during the Revolutionary War.

If you’re in the Raleigh area, don’t miss your chance to see this extraordinary piece of history in person.

What a unique opportunity to connect with our region's Revolutionary past. Hope to see some fellow living historians and history lovers there! 🇺🇸

A rare, recently discovered eyewitness pen-and-ink sketch from 1777 of the Continental Army’s North Carolina Brigade is coming to North Carolina for the first time, on loan from the Museum of the American Revolution.

A full schedule of exhibition sites within North Carolina is forthcoming- stay tuned! To kick off the sketch’s tour of the state, the illustration will be displayed at the North Carolina State Capitol for one day only, Wednesday, May 13, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. No reservation is needed to view the sketch during the day.

That evening at 6 p.m., the public is invited to a reception and special viewing of the North Carolina Brigade Sketch at the State Capitol, including a conversation with Matthew Skic, Director of Collections and Exhibitions at the Museum of the American Revolution.

The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required and space is limited.

🔗 Register to attend: https://forms.office.com/g/m2Tp8hiFJA

🎨 credit: “An exact representation of a waggon belonging to the north carolina brigade of continental troops which passed thro Philadelphia.” Drawn by Pierre Eugène du Simitière. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 1777. Ink on Paper

Museum of the American Revolution, Gift of Judith Hernstadt; Conserved with support from the North Carolina Society of the Cincinnati, 2023.16.01

04/13/2026

Had a wonderful weekend helping celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Halifax Resolves with Carol, Janet, Leeann, Christine, and Dave! Photos courtesy Leeann Sorenson and Carl Lewis Photography