About

The Shirttail Mess is a historical reenactment group dedicated to accurately portraying the lives of men and women on the Virginia frontier during the period of 1754 to 1782. While our primary focus centers on the era of the American Revolution, we adapt our impressions to reflect the specific context and historical focus of each event we attend. Rather than representing a single unit or fixed persona, we strive to offer flexible, well-researched portrayals that bring the diverse experiences of the frontier to life.

Membership in The Shirttail Mess is by invitation only.
We welcome interest from individuals who are passionate about historical interpretation and frontier life. If you're interested in joining, please don't hesitate to reach out. We value getting to know potential members personally to ensure a good fit for both the individual and the group.

Our primary focus is on private immersion events, which we strive to organize annually. These experiences are made possible through close collaboration with several like-minded reenacting groups. Immersion events demand a willingness to embrace discomfort—whether it be limited sleep, exposure to the elements, or living out of a knapsack in the woods for several days—all in pursuit of authenticity and historical accuracy.

    THE AUTHORS 

 Jake Book began reenacting at 18 months old, the son of David and Beverly Book. From that time he grew up in the reenacting hobby attending events from New York to California and everywhere in between. His focus of interest in the Backcountry during the French and Indian and American Revolutionary War eras, the material culture and lives of the common folk who ventured west into the frontier. Aside from reenacting he is a folk musician focusing on the ballad traditions of England, Ireland and Appalachia and plays in a band with his wife Eileen. 

 Matthew Fennewald became interested in history at an early age and it would be reading Mark Baker articles that propelled him into giving living history a try. Aside from reenacting, he's an accomplished folk artist and contemporary maker focusing on frontier and native inspired art. His main areas of interest are Native and French relations in the Illinois and Missouri backcountry. 

GUEST WRITERS 

 Eileen O'Connor Book specializes in women's material culture and the activities of women during the American Revolution period. Her blog column is entitled "The Petticoat Mess".