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.