On April 28 2012, the 22nd Massachusetts led a living history on the lawn of the venerable Emily Dickinson Homestead & Museum. The 22nd MVI had a very busy day, opening with a well-attended drill at 11 AM sharp led by Sergeant Kendall and interpreted for the hale crowd by Captain Browne. At noon, Jen Eastman-Lawrence, Quartermaster Rob O'Bryan and Private James Lawrence entertained the spectators with sequence of songs underlining the effect of the Civil War on the populace. By 1:30 PM, the crowd was primed for a talk by Captain Browne on the 21st Massachusetts-- a focus of much of his own personal research-- its Colonel William Smith Clark, and his adjutant Frazar Stearns. Stearns was a student of nearby Amherst College and a friend to the Dickinson family. The day was closed out with the recitation of a number of poems that highlighted the personal experiences of common people during the war, as read by Jennifer Cotie, Jen Eastman-Lawrence, Captain Browne, Sergeant Kendall, Quartermaster O'Bryan, Corporal Peck, and Private Jeff Lawrence. Throughout the course of the day, Corporal Peck organized and led a number of musters for the younger spectators-- and had quite an extensive following. At one point, the writer noted a long line of mini-privates following Corporal Peck around like baby ducks. Equally mobbed over the course of the day was the United States Sanitary Commission - Boston display manned by Carolyn DiMeo and Jennifer Cotie. Many excellent reports were heard by this writer from the museum staff as to their doings; and the evidence of the huge crowds around the USSC tent speaks volumes in and of itself.

The 22nd MVI was well represented in both the civilian and military ranks. The civilian contingent consisted of Carolyn DiMeo, Jennifer Cotie and Jen Eastman-Lawrence. The military wing was led by Captain Patrick Browne, Sergeant Brad Kendall, Quartermaster Rob O'Bryan, Sergeant Ron Eaton of the Second Andrews Sharpshooters, Corporal David Peck, and Ordnance Sergeant Greg Lynes. The military was rounded out by Privates Doug Lyons, Dan Blakie, Mike Reimer, James Lawrence, James Barrett, Evan Liotta, Drew Mondry, and Jeff Lawrence.
(If the writer has forgotten anyone, his deepest apologies. He is working solely off his spotty memory.)

Pre-event press coverage may be found at Boston Events Insider (link) and MassLive (link).

Post-event coverage will be included here when available.

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Upcoming Event: The 22nd Massachusetts will next be engaged at a battle reenactment in Templeton, Massachusetts with our regional affiliation, the New England Brigade. This event will run May 18-20, with public events on the latter two days. 22nd MVI members who would like to sign up should contact Sgt. Kendall for further information.

On 9 April 2012, members of the 22nd Massachusetts and the USSC - Boston (part of our civilian element) joined with the Lawrence Civil War Memorial Guard, the 54th Massachusetts Infantry and 9th Massachusetts Battery in kicking off the 150th anniversary of the Civil War at an event hosted by Governor Deval Patrick at the state house in Boston.

A number of events are being planned throughout the Commonwealth, assisted in no small part by our own Patrick Browne, Captain of the 22nd MVI - Recreated and Executive Director of the Duxbury Historical Society. In addition to Captain Browne, the 22nd MVI was represented well by Brevet Lieutenant Mike Welch, Sergeants Rob O'Bryan and Rick Janhola, Corporal David Peck, Privates John Duprey and Patten, and Musician Matt Patten. The USSC was represented by Carolyn Dimeo, Deb Di Franco-Andrade and Ted Andrade.

Press coverage of the event via the Boston Globe may be found here.

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UPCOMING 22nd MVI EVENT

The next official 22nd Massachusetts event is a living history at the Emily Dickinson Museum in Amherst, Massachusetts on Saturday, April 28. The event is free and open to the public. Come see us there!

On Saturday March 31, elements of the 22nd Massachusetts joined with the 2nd Connecticut Heavy Artillery and a group of Coast Guard cadets in a project led by fellow progressive unit the 14th Connecticut, Co. F to help clean up and restore Fort Trumbull in New London Connecticut. As part of the Civil War Trust 'Parks Day', the collected group cleaned and prepared some of the fort's rooms, and prepared and painted the casemates; all in anticipation of the visit by the tall ships this coming summer. According to Park Supervisor Lincoln, the work done by the volunteers in one day saved three weeks of labor by his small maintenance crew of two men, freeing them up for other projects at the three separate facilities they administer.

14th CVI President Irving Moy wished to extend his thanks to the 22nd MVI for supporting this project, and expressed his hope that we might continue to join with them in future ventures.

The 22nd MVI was represented by First Sergeant Brad Kendall, Privates James and Jeff Lawrence, and civilians Jen Eastman-Lawrence and Sarah Lawrence.

(Press clipping about the project here. Photo of Irving Moy courtesy of Tim Cook/The Day.)

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UPCOMING 22nd MVI EVENT

The next official 22nd Massachusetts event is a living history at the Emily Dickinson Museum in Amherst, Massachusetts. The event is free and open to the public. Come see us there!

On the 18th of March, 2012, the 22nd MVI joined with the USSC - Boston to commemorate St. Patrick's Day in Boston Massachusetts. The South Boston St. Patrick's Day parade is listed as the second largest parade in the country, being viewed by nearly 600,000 to one million people every year. In addition, the parade was broadcast live overseas to the brave women and men of the Armed Forces.

The 22nd MVI was led admirably on the three mile march by Brevet Lieutenant Mike Welch and First Sergeant Brad Kendall. Sergeant Gus Gallagher, Corporal David Peck, Doug Lyons, Greg Lynes and Dan Blakie filled out the ranks; while musician Matthew Patten completed the military element. Civilians Sue Gallagher and Jennifer Cotie-DeOliveira represented the USSC Boston Branch.


A few images from the event are posted in our 2012 Photo Gallery .

The 22nd Massachusetts will next support the Civil War Trust in a preservation effort at Fort Trumbull, Trumbull CT. Look for us!

February 12 2012, the 22nd MVI and the USSC - Boston joined with our comrades in the Salem Guard to commemorate President Lincoln's birthday in Milton Massachusetts. The USSC set up their massive display inside the front parlor to entertain and educate the plentiful attendees about the works of the original Boston Branch of the relief organization, whilst the 22nd MVI and Salem Guard drilled and chatted with spectators outside about the contributions to the war effort by the troops at home.

The 22nd MVI was led admirably by Brevet Lieutenant Mike Welch and First Sergeant Brad Kendall. Privates Mike Reimer, John Duprey, James and Jeff Lawrence, and two new recruits filled out the ranks; while Quartermaster Rob O'Bryan, Ordnance specialist Greg Lynes, musicians Ted Andrade and Keigan DeOliveira completed the military element. Civilians Deb DiFranco, Carolyn Dimeo, Vanessa Dautruche and Jennifer Cotie- DeOliveira staffed the USSC Boston Branch display.

(My apologies to those who names the webmaster does not recall or missed.)

A few images from the event are posted in our 2012 Photo Gallery courtesy of 22nd MVI photo-historian Michelle Genereux Duprey.

Milton Patriot Ledger Coverage (link)

The 22nd Massachusetts will next take the field for the South Boston St. Patrick's Day Parade. Look for us!

On Saturday the 4th of February, the 22nd Massachusetts participated in the annual celebration of Revolutionary War town hero Benjamin Lincoln and his descendant Abraham Lincoln. The 22nd MVI took part in a parade to the statue of President Lincoln at the town common and a commemoration at historic Old Ship Church. Following the ceremony, the 22nd MVI marched through the burial ground behind the church to the grave site of Governor John Albion Andrew where they fired a salute to the man responsible for seeing to Massachusetts' readiness for the coming unpleasantness of 1861.

The 22nd MVI was represented by Captain Patrick Browne, First Sergeant Brad Kendall, Quartermaster Sergeant Rob O'Bryan, Corporals Bill Collins and David Peck, Privates Doug Lyons, Dan Blakie, Mike Reimer, John Patten, and Peter Lee; and Musicians Matt Patten, Keigan DeOliveira and Teddy Andrade. Civilians in attendance included Deb DiFranco and Jennifer Cotie-DeOliveira.

(Apologies to any the author may have missed.)

A few images from the event are posted in our 2012 Photo Gallery.

Hingham Patch Coverage (link)
Patriot Ledger Coverage (link)

At the 22nd Massachusetts Annual Meeting yesterday, January 29th, the 22nd MVI membership approved our slate of official events for the 2012 campaign season. The list is noted below; information will be added as it is compiled and available.

February 4 - Lincoln Day, Hingham MA
Our annual commemoration in honor of Benjamin and Abraham Lincoln at the Old Ship Church in Hingham MA.

February 12 - Lincoln Birthday Living History, Forbes House, Milton MA
A long-standing annual event, the Forbes House is a living history on the same grounds as a replica of President Lincoln's cabin, music and speechifying.

March 18- Boston St. Patrick's Day Parade, Boston MA
The annual, massive march through Southie; the Boston St. Patrick's Day Parade is our highest visibility parade of the year.

March 31- Civil War Trust Day Cleanup, Fort Trumbull, Trumbull CT
In support of the Civil War Trust and our friends in the 14th Connecticut, Co. F; this program is part of a nation-wide push to help the Park Service renovate and restore our national parks on a volunteer basis.

April 28- Emily Dickinson Museum Living History, Amherst MA
This living history will be on the grounds of the Emily Dickinson Homestead and Museum in Amherst MA; and will commemorate the involvement of the subjects some of Captain Browne's personal research-- Frazer Stearns and William Smith Clark-- in the Late Unpleasantness.

May 18-20 - Templeton Reenactment, Templeton MA (NEB)
An ahistorical battle reenactment at the Henshaw Farm, led by the New England Brigade.

May 28- Memorial Day Parades, Hanson & Pembroke MA
Another 22nd MVI tradition-- the back-to-back parades in Hanson and Pembroke in the morning and afternoon of Decoration Day, in honor of the fallen Civil War soldiers of the Commonwealth.

June 15-17 - Lee Takes Command / Seven Days, Elizabethtown PA (Mifflin Guard)
Our first national event of the year, Lee Takes Command will commemorate the Seven Days' Battles in the Peninsular Campaign. Scenarios will include the 22nd MVI's trial by fire at Gaines Mill.

July 4- Independence Day Parade, Duxbury MA
July 4 - Memorial Service, Braintree MA
An early-morning service at Braintree will be followed by the annual march through Duxbury in commemoration of our nation's birth.

July 6-8- Gettysburg Living History, Gettysburg PA (Mifflin Guard)
With our parent organization the Mifflin Guard, and in conjunction with the National Park Service, the 22nd MVI will encamp in a living history near the Pennsylvania Monument on the Gettysburg battlefield itself. A gem of a living history on the 149th anniversary of the crucial struggle.

September 8-9 - Maryland, My Maryland, Boonsboro, Maryland (Mifflin Guard)
The second major national event of the year, "Maryland, My Maryland" commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Antietam. The 22nd MVI will participate with our parent organization, the Mifflin Guard.

September 21-23 - Lawrence Living History, Lawrence Common, Lawrence MA
September 21-23- Abington Arch Re-dedication, Abington MA
A packed weekend for the 22nd MVI; we will split into two wings. One detachment will support the re-dedication of the Abington Civil War Memorial Arch with a ceremony and living history; the other will attend an annual living history on Lawrence Common in support of our friends in the Lawrence Civil War Memorial Guard.

November 11- Tri-Town Veterans' Day Parade, Abington MA
The Tri-Town Parade on Veterans' Day will be in Abington in 2012. Another 22nd MVI tradition.

November 17- America's Hometown Parade, Plymouth MA (NEB)
The second biggest parade on our schedule, America's Hometown Parade in Plymouth is in support of our local affiliation, the New England Brigade.

As the first year of the sesquicentennial wraps up at the tail end of 2011, the eyes of the membership of the recreated 22nd Massachusetts begin to turn to 2012 and the 150th anniversary of the events of 1862. This year saw Grant nearly driven into the water at Pittsburgh Landing at the Battle of Shiloh. McClellan's ill-fated invasion of the Virginia Peninsula, begun with such promise and driving to the gates of Richmond ended with him getting a case of "the slows" and being driven back by "The King of Spades", Robert E. Lee at the Seven Days and the cataclysmic Battle of Gaines Mill which so ravaged the 22nd MVI. Back at the old Manassas battleground, Pope was victimized by his own arrogance and the ill-will of McClellan at the Battle of Second Manassas, and Lee drove north into Maryland only to be narrowly defeated at Antietam.

The 22nd MVI's official 2012 event schedule will be decided at our January Annual Meeting by majority vote of the membership. Event requests are already coming in fast and furious for appearances by the 22nd MVI as an individual unit, for major reenactments by our national umbrella organization the Mifflin Guard, and our regional affiliation the New England Brigade.

If you're interested in hosting an event featuring the 22nd Massachusetts, the time to start planning is now.
The 22nd MVI highly recommends reviewing our "Request an Appearance" page on this website for particulars and questions to ponder.

If you have questions or would like to discuss an appearance by the 22nd MVI, please feel free to reach out to us directly at request@22ndmass.org .

Current events proposed include (but are not limited to):

Possible 2012 Events:
January XX - Annual Meeting
February 4 - Lincoln Day, Hingham MA
February 12 - Lincoln Birthday Living History, Forbes House, Milton MA
March XX - Boston St. Patrick's Day Parade, Boston MA
March 31- Civil War Trust Day Cleanup, Fort Trumbull, Trumbull CT
April 27-29- Neshaminy Reenactment, Neshaminy PA
April 28- Emily Dickinson Museum Living History, Amherst MA
April XX - Calvin Harlow Day, East Bridgewater MA
April XX - Battle of Shiloh Reenactment, Shiloh TN (Mifflin Guard)
May 4-6 - Framingham Living History, Framingham MA
May 18-20 - Templeton Reenactment, Templeton MA (NEB)
May XX - Memorial Day Parades, Hanson & Pembroke MA
June XX - Oak Ridge School Living History, Sandwich MA
June 15-17 - Lee Takes Command / Seven Days (Anders)
July XX - Gettysburg Living History, Gettysburg PA (Mifflin Guard)
July 13-15 -Fort Adams, Newport RI (NEB)
July XX - Independence Day Parade, Duxbury MA
August 3-5 - Battle of Second Manassas, Cedar Creek, VA
August 24-26 - Muster of the 20th Maine, Fairfield ME (NEB)
September 8-9 - Maryland, My Maryland, Boonsboro, Maryland (Anders)
September 14-16- 150th Antietam, XX Maryland
September 21-23 - Lawrence Living History, Lawrence Common, Lawrence MA
September 21-23- Abington Arch Re-dedication, Abington MA
November 11- Tri-Town Veteran's Day Parade, Abington MA
November 11- Plymouth Veteran's Day Parade, Plymouth MA
November XX - America's Hometown Parade, Plymouth MA (NEB)

Captain Patrick Browne of the 22nd Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry received word on June 1 2011 that he's been appointed by Senator Murray to the Massachusetts Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission. The purpose of the Commission is to organize sesquicentennial tributes to the Civil War and Massachusetts’ role therein. This is a role that Captain Browne is quite well suited for, with his background in history, the Civil War and presentation to the public. With his guidance, the sesquicentennial events will doubtless be greatly enhanced, and a tremendous boon to the Commonwealth.

Huzzah for Captain Browne!

(link to Boston Globe article about the Commission; though his interview was prior to his appointment.)

As of Sunday, February 7; the newly revamped 22nd Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry website has gone live. Most of the old material has been ported over to the new site at this time, with the balance to come in the coming weeks.

All informational items are available for viewing to all viewers. Message board posting on the forums is available only to registered, logged-in members of the website. Anyone may register an account on the website.

One important item of note: certain items are available only to actual members of the 22nd Mass. In order to access these items, you will have to register on this website, or they will remain invisible to you. All registrations will be approved by the webmaster based on the membership lists he has received in hand.

If you have any questions about the bells and whistles, operation or other new items on the webpage, please contact the webmaster directly at webmaster@22ndmass.org