Atlantic County Historic Re-enactors

BY-LAWS

ARTICLE I – MEMBERSHIP

Section A. Eligibility

Any person shall become a member of this Organization upon the approval of the general membership at a General meeting, and payment of dues and associate membership to the Second New Jersey Brigade (insurance) to the treasurer. Every new member will be required to serve a probationary period as defined below. Every member will be responsible for their event fees.  It is strongly recommended that you apply for a New Jersey Firearm Identification Card, as the law stipulates that you must have that card to transport your musket.  You can download the forms at http://www.state.nj.us/njsp/info/forms.html

 

              Section B. Definitions

 

                          1.  Active Member:

a. Must be sixteen (16) years or older.

b. Must attend at least  six (6)  Organization assemblages., during the year starting January and ending in December. Failure to do so member will be brought before the board to determine if they should be dropped to Associate status.

d. May vote and be elected to any position in the Organization, attend all assemblages and

                                           receive the Organization’s newsletter

                           2.   Associate Member:

a. May not vote nor hold any elected position in the Organization, but may otherwise attend

all assemblages and receive the Organization’s newsletter.

b. Has either not met or has not maintained the necessary requirements to be eligible as an

Active Member.

3.  Probationary Member:

a. May not vote nor hold any elected position in the Organization, but may otherwise attend

all assemblages and receive the Organization’s newsletter.

b. Shall serve a probationary period during his/her first twelve (12) months of membership.

                           4. Honorary member. 

                                    May not vote nor hold any elected position in the Organization, but may otherwise attend

                                   all assemblages and receive the Organization’s newsletter. Honorary membership may be conferred

                                   upon an individual upon member recommendation and approval of the Board of Directors and membership

Section C. Process

A Probationary Member, following their twelve-month probationary period, or an Associate

Member can become eligible and voted in as an Active Member after they have met the requirements as

stipulated in Article I, Section B.3 above. Such process shall require a majority vote of

Active Members present at a General meeting.

 

Section D. Minors

At least one (1) parent or legal guardian of a member under the age of eighteen (18) shall be present at every event the member participates in for the duration of the event that the member participates in.

 

 

ARTICLE II – DUES

Section A. Initial Dues upon Application for Membership

1. All persons applying for membership shall present the proper dues to the Treasurer,  and associate membership dues for the Second New Jersey Brigade (insurance) at the time of their application. All members will also be responsible for any event fees.  

2. If a person joins as a Probationary Member during the months of July through December,

he/she shall pay half dues upon approval by the general membership, but are still responsible for associate membership dues for the Second New Jersey Brigade (insurance) and any event fees. 

Section B. Establishment of Dues

The annual individual and family dues rates shall be set for the ensuing year by a vote of the

Active Members at least 2 months before the Annual Meeting.

            Section C. Levels of Dues

1. All individual members, regardless of their membership status, shall pay the annual dues rate as set by Article II, section B of the By-laws.

2. A family shall be defined as, and limited to 2adults, and 2 minor children, either natural or adopted. Any children over the age of 18, shall be required to obtain an individual membership.

3. Family memberships shall receive only 1 copy of the newsletter.

       

 

 

Section D.  Payment of Dues

1. Annual dues, and insurance payment. as so set, shall become due at the Annual Meeting. All dues and associate membership to the Second New Jersey Brigade (insurance ) MUST be paid by March 1st. Failure to do so will result in the member dropped.  All members will also be responsible for any event fees. 

         

ARTICLE III – ORGANIZATION IMPRESSIONS

Section A. Military Impressions

                         1.Members may present a military impression as a private soldier and/or field musician  as  

             prescribed in the book “Revised Regulations for the Army of the United States 1861”

                         2. Upon the approving vote of the Active Members, other military impressions may be

                          allowed. (Examples include, but are not limited to, Medical Steward, Regimental Chaplain

                          and Assistant Surgeon.)

3. Only elected members shall be permitted to present an impression of an N.C.O. or a commissioned officer.

Section B. Civilian Impressions

1.      Any member may present an appropriate civilian impression of 1861-1865.

ARTICLE IV – FORFEITURE OF MEMBERSHIP

Section A. Discipline of Members

1.      The body of the membership has the power to suspend, expel or remove from office or membership any member.

2.      Charges may be brought forth to any board member, at any time.

3.      Board members have the power to immediately suspend the membership of any member until a hearing is presented.

4.      The President shall appoint a disciplinary committee, once charges are presented in writing at any regularly scheduled meeting.

5.      The said committee shall have a hearing, and present its recommendations to the body of the membership.

6.      The body will vote whether or not to accept the recommendations of the disciplinary committee.

7.      Any elected members may not preside in their regular position, if their position is the one at issue.

8.      A majority vote of the members present is required for such action to take affect.

 

 

ARTICLE V – NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section A. Nominations

1. Nominations for the elected positions on the Board of Directors, as well as all military and Civilian coordinators positions will be conducted at the  November meeting.  Elections will take place at the January meeting with newly elected Officers taking office on February 1st.  Any NCO may also run for any of the Board Offices.

             Section B. Elections

At the Annual Meeting in January of each year, the positions on the Board of Directors will be filled by the election of one nominee to each position in the following order by

written ballot:

President

Vice-President

Secretary

Treasurer

Trustee

Section C. Vacancy

In the event any position becomes vacant during the year, the Board of Directors shall solicit

nominations for the vacancy, and those so nominated shall be voted upon by the Active Members at the

next regular meeting.

 

 

 ARTICLE VI – TERMS OF OFFICE

Section A. Length of Term

All Board of Directors members shall serve in that position for two (2) years.

 Section B. Removal from Elected Position

Any elected board positions may be removed from his/her position only by a

2/3 vote of the Active Members present at a regular meeting in accordance with

ARTICLE IV.

 

ARTICLE VII – DUTIES OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND TRUSTEE

Section A. President

1. shall be the Chief Executive Officer;

2. shall preside at all regular and special meetings of the Organization;

3. shall see that all meetings of the Organization shall be conducted in full accordance with the

Constitution and By-Laws;

4. shall maintain order at all Organization meetings; and

5. shall not cast a vote on motions affecting policy unless to break a tie.

Section B. Vice-President

1. shall assist the President;

2. shall keep abreast of all matters pertaining to the Organization; and

3. shall act as President in the event of the latter’s absence.

Section C. Secretary

1. shall be responsible for maintaining a record of each meeting, regular or special, of the

Organization;

2. shall be responsible for the publication of the Organization newsletter;

3. shall conduct all Organization correspondence; and

4. shall orderly file all correspondence and membership applications in such a location that is

specifically designed for same.

Section D. Treasurer

1. shall receive all Organization funds, giving appropriate receipt thereof;

2. shall pay all indebtedness of the Organization’s normal operating expenses (all other expenses

must receive approval from the Organization membership);

3. shall keep all accounting of the finances of the Organization in records appropriate for that

purpose;

4. shall make a financial report at each regular meeting of the Organization; and

5. shall make a written annual report for the year to date at the Annual Meeting in January.

Section E. Trustee

shall serve as a representative for the membership; and Sgt. of arms at the meetings.

ARTICLE VIII – NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF MILITARY OFFICERS AND NONCOMMISSIONED

OFFICERS (NCO’S)

Section A. Number of Elected Military Positions

1.      There shall be 1 (one) Captain, and 1 (one)  1st  Sergeant elected for a  two year term, with election for Captain on the “even year” and 1st Sgt. on the “odd” year.

                          2. Recommendations on the number of the elected military positions for the following year will be

made by the member who currently holds the highest elected military position at the November regular

meeting, said number of recommendations to be approved by the Active Members at the January meeting

 

Section B. Nominations

1. Nominations for the elected military positions will be conducted at  the November

 meeting  with election at the January meeting.

2. Any member may place a member’s name in nomination for an elected military position

provided that the member so nominated:

a. is an Active Member of the Organization; and

b. his/her primary impression is that of an Infantry soldier/field musician of the

Volunteer Union Army of 1861-1865.

3. Nominations for the approved number of elected military positions for the following year will

be conducted in the order in which said positions were recommended.

 

 Section C. Elections

1. At the Annual Meeting in January of each year the military positions will be filled by the

election of one nominee to each position by written ballot.

2. Only Active Members whose primary impression is that of an Infantry soldier/field musician

of the Volunteer Union Army of 1861-1865 may vote to elect a nominee to a military

position.

Section D. Appointed Positions

The military positions of Quartermaster and Color Sergeant will be appointed annually

by the member who currently holds the highest elected military position.

Section E. Length of Term

All appointed  military positions shall serve in that position for two (2)  years.

Section F. Removal from Elected Position

Any elected military positions may be removed from his/her position only by a

majority vote of the Active Members present at a regular meeting in accordance with

ARTICLE IV.

 

ARTICLE IX – DUTIES OF  MILITARY OFFICERS AND NONCOMMISSIONED

OFFICERS (NCO’S)

            Section A. Captain

1.      The Captain shall be the presiding officer at all parades, reenactments of battles, living history events, or other events of a military nature.

2.      The Captain shall be the liaison between the event coordinators and the Organization during events of a military nature.

3.      In the event of a joint military and civilian event, the Captain has the final jurisdiction on any decisions.

4.      The Captain is also responsible for keeping a record of attendance of all military impressionists, at all parades, reenactments of battles, living history events, or other events of a military nature.

 

Section B. Sergeant

1.      In the absence of a Captain, or other higher ranking officer, the Sergeant shall be the presiding officer at all parades, reenactments of battles, living history events, or other events of a military nature, and shall have all the responsibilities, and decision making of the Captain.

2.      The Sergeant shall be the liaison between the Captain and all other military impressionists.

3.      The Sergeant is to report to, and take orders from the Captain (or other higher ranking officer) during military events, according to standard military code of conduct.

 

ARTICLE X – NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF CIVILIAN COORDINATOR(S)

Section A. Number of Civilian Coordinator Positions

1. At least one (1) Civilian Coordinator, and one (1) Assistant Civilian Coordinator will be elected to a one year term annually.

2. Recommendations on the number of the elected Assistant Civilian Coordinator positions for the following year will be made by the member who currently holds the highest elected civilian position at the October regular

meeting, said number of recommendations to be approved by the Active Members at the November meeting.

 

Section B. Nominations

1. Nominations for elected Civilian Coordinator position(s) will be conducted at both the

November and December regular meetings as well as at the Annual Meeting in January prior

to election.

2. Any member may place a member’s name in nomination for a Civilian Coordinator position

provided that the member so nominated:

a. is an Active Member of the Organization; and

b. his/her primary impression is that of a civilian of 1861-1865.

c. they do not hold a Board Of Director's, or Officer's position, or they must resign that position first. Unless there are not enough members to fill all vacancies. Then a member may hold more than one position.

Section C. Elections

1. At the Annual Meeting in January of each year the Civilian Coordinator position(s) will be

filled by the election of one nominee to each position by written ballot.

2. Only Active Members whose primary impression is that of a civilian of 1861-1865 may vote

to elect a nominee to a Civilian Coordinator position.

 

 Section D. Length of Term

All elected Civilian Coordinator position(s) shall serve in that position for two (2) years.

Section E. Removal from Elected Position

Any elected Civilian Coordinator position(s) may be removed from his/her position only by a

majority vote of the Active Members present at a regular or special meeting in accordance with

ARTICLE IV.

ARTICLE XI – DUTIES OF  CIVILIAN COORDINATOR(S), AND ASSITANT COORDINATORS

            Section A. Coordinator

1.      The Coordinator shall be the presiding officer at all parades, living history events, or other events of a civilian nature.

2.      The Coordinator shall be the liaison between the event coordinators and the Organization during events of a civilian nature.

3.      In the event of a joint military and civilian event, the Captain has the final jurisdiction on any decisions.

4.      The Coordinator is also responsible for keeping a record of attendance of all civilian impressionists, at all parades, living history events, or other events of a civilian nature.

Section B. Assistant Coordinator

1.      In the absence of the Coordinator, the Assistant Coordinator shall be the presiding officer at all parades, living history events, or other events of a civilian nature, and shall have all the responsibilities, and decision making of the Coordinator.

2.      The Assistant Coordinator shall be the liaison between the Coordinator and all other civilian impressionists.

3.      The Assistant Coordinator is to report to, and assist the Coordinator, during events of a civilian nature.

 

ARTICLE XII – MEETINGS

 

                         Section A. General, and Sectional Meetings

1.      The Organization as a whole shall have business meetings at least 4 times a year including meetings in January and November. The meeting dates and locations shall be set by the Board of Directors to facilitate maximum participation of  the membership. All members will be notified 30 days in advance of  meeting. This is to keep the re-enacting schedule as flexible as possible. The meeting in January shall serve as the Official Annual Meeting, and the November meeting shall serve as the nominating meeting.

2.      The Captain may hold meetings of all military impressionists, separate from the regular meeting.

3.      The Coordinator may hold meetings of all civilian impressionists, separate from the regular meeting.

4.      Separate meetings other than a General meeting, shall be known as a sectional meeting.

5.      The Sergeant/Assistant Coordinator shall keep a record, and attendance of their respective sectional meetings, and report them to the Secretary.

Section B. Special Meetings

1. A special meeting may be called at any time by any member of the Board of Directors to deal with a specific issue, provided that a notice of the special meeting shall be mailed to the membership at least one (1) week prior to the date of the special meeting and/or each member is personally contacted by phone or email by the Board of Directors.

2. At the special meeting the only matter of business that may be conducted is the specific issue

for which the special meeting was called. No other business may be conducted at the special

meeting.

ARTICLE XIII – ORDER OF BUSINESS

Section A. Conduct of Meetings

Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, 10th Edition, shall control the conduct of all meetings of the Organization

and/or the Board of Directors.

Section B. Quorum for Regular/Annual/Special Meetings

A minimum of at least 33% of all Active Members of the Organization, including at least one (1)

Board of Director to preside, shall constitute a quorum at any General, Annual or special meeting of the

Organization.

Section C. Quorum for Board of Directors Meetings

A majority of the Board of Directors, which must include either the President or Vice-president,

shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of the Board of Directors.

Section D. Majority Vote

A majority vote shall consist of  two-thirds 2/3 of the membership.

 

 

 ARTICLE XIV – AMENDMENTS TO THE BY-LAWS

1. These By-Laws may be amended, as it may be deemed to be either desirable or necessary, only in full  compliance with the Constitution.

2. For purposes of amending, any member may bring a written recommendation to the Organization, at least sixty  (60 ) days prior to the General meeting, at which it is to be voted on.

3. An exact copy of such recommended amendment, shall be distributed to the membership at least thirty (30 ) days, and read aloud at two (2) General meetings, prior to the membership voting on the proposed amendment at any General meeting.

4. A majority vote by Active Members present at the annual meeting shall be necessary for such proposed amendment to become valid.

5. Any such amendment, so approved by the membership, shall immediately become part of these By-Laws

ARTICLE XV – ALCOHOL AND DRUG POLICY

Section A. Alcoholic Beverages

The consumption of any alcoholic beverages is prohibited at all public events and functions

during the time the camp is officially open to the public.

Section B. Misuse

Any member or guest who misuses alcoholic beverages at any time shall be subject to discipline

as set forth in ARTICLE V of the By-Laws.

Section C. Illegal Drugs

The use or possession of illegal drugs at Organization events and functions is prohibited. Any

member who violates this policy shall immediately cease to be a member of this Organization and shall

be forced to leave the Organization assemblage immediately.

 

ARTICLE XVI – FIREARMS

Section A. Use of Firearms

1.      Prior to handling firearms at any 7th N.J. event, all persons desiring to do so must demonstrate to a senior non-commissioned officers (NCOs) and the commanding officer their capability of doing so, in a responsible and safe manner, in compliance with the training procedures of the unit.

2.      Members under the age of 16, are not permitted to handle any firearms at any 7th N.J. event.

             Section B. Events

At all events either in or out of state when participating as a unit, the unit and the individual will

abide by the rules of the event sponsor or host and/or the laws of the host state.

 

ARTICLE XVII– AUTHENTICITY STANDARDS

Section A. Mission Statement

“To provide a quality living history experience for the public, honor the memories of the men and

women we strive to portray, and to encourage other re-enactors to do the same.” A list of our rules and standard operation procedures will be given to you  at  the time you join.  A copy of these rules will be posted on the Unit web site. Failure to adhere to these rules may result in disciplinary actions against the member. These rules may will not be changed  without the approval of the Board of Directors and a 2/3 vote of the membership. Any member is welcomed to submit any changes they wish to be by putting them in writing and submitting them to the Secretary.

 

 

 AUTHENTICITY STANDARDS

 

 

Section A . Muskets  Only the following muskets shall be used by those portraying an Infantry soldier. Only the following three (3 band Muskets as used during by the 7th New Jersey during the war. Those muskets

would included  .58 cal. 1861, 1862, 1863  Springfield or similar contract  rifled musket,.577 cal. 1853 or 1858,British Enfield rifled Musket, or the .69 cal. 1842, or 1847 Springfield  smoothbore musket. No private shall carry any pistols, Bowie or similar style knives.

 

                                     NCO’s are permitted to carry the proper “side arm” as prescribed for his rank.

Section B. Tents

1. Military members are encouraged to own both shelter-half and wedge tents to improve our

camp impression depending on the situation and the requirements of particular living history

scenarios (early war vs. late war, etc.)

2. Those wishing to set up wall tents and/or wedge tents with flies must do so in another area

and should contact the event coordinator in advance to insure that there is sufficient room.

3. As a general rule civilians will camp in an adjacent, but separate area from the military street.

Regimental impressions (chaplain, surgeon) will likewise camp in a separate but nearby area.

If civilians are camped on the military street (for example, a family camping together with the

military member), all efforts should be made to disguise or remove obviously feminine and/or

non-military items (period and non-period) during public hours.

4. Unit members with wedge or wall tents should ensure that tent poles are period or appear

period in appearance. 5. When camp is open to the public, interiors of tents will present a period appearance. All non-period items should be hidden or disguised. Unit members are encouraged to acquire and display various period items such as newspapers, books, games and photos in and around their tent. It is expected that all tents will be “open” for public inspection during public touring hours.

                        Section C. Camp

1. No modern (or period) trash should be seen at anytime during the encampment. Wrappers,

bottles, containers, etc. should be disposed of immediately after use.

2. No trash of any kind should be put into the fire pit. Fire pit is for wood.

3. Fire pit will always be carefully turned in at the conclusion of the encampment.

4. Fire extinguishers will be hidden near the fire pit.

5. Modern beverages are allowed in camp, but must be drunk from period cups or dippers.

Pouring drinks into period cups should be done out of sight of the public.

6. During public hours, no modern food should be prepared and/or consumed in the camp.

Members wishing to eat non-period foods should leave the camp and return after eating.

Members are encouraged to prepare/cook period foods in camp to enhance both their

experience and improve the impressions we put forth to the public.

7. Camp stools and furniture should be of period design. Canvas stools or period-style chairs

and tables are acceptable.

8. Flash lights are permitted in camp, but should be used only sparingly.

Period candle holders and lanterns should be the lighting of choice.

9. Children must be supervised at all times and must be dressed in age-appropriate period

civilian attire. No modern toys are allowed.

10. If you must smoke cigarettes, you should do so well outside the living history area. Period

tobacco use (cigars, pipes, chewing) is permissible in public if appropriate to your

impression.

 

Section D. Event Rules

1. Members are expected to be in period attire for the entire duration of the encampment, during public hours, starting at the opening time of the encampment (usually Saturday morning).

2. Period eyewear (or contact lenses) is required. Unit members can switch to non-period

eyewear during non-public hours if required.

3. No wristwatches, modern makeup, obviously modern footwear or modern jewelry are

permitted, during public hours.

4. Military impressions should be aware of the nature of the living history display (late war vs.

early war, etc.) and make their best effort to appear correct for the encampment portrayal.

5. Infantry members should use only period gun cleaning equipment and supplies during public

hours. After hours use of modern cleaning equipment is allowed, but members are

encouraged to keep such equipment to the minimum necessary for field cleaning purposes.

6.      Each member will keep their “medical” card with them at all times.

Section E. Impressions

1. Members should strive to portray actions and attitudes consistent with their impressions

during public hours. Military members should respect military protocols and the chain of

command within the context of portraying volunteer soldiers. Civilian members are

expected to exhibit behavior and attitudes prevalent in the Victorian era.

2. First person impressions are not required. However, discussions between members and

between members and the public (during public hours) should not focus on current topics

unless it is required to answer a question from the public or make a point related to the Civil

War.

Section F. Enforcement

Elected unit leadership (Board of Directors, military officers and NCOs, and Civilian

Coordinators) are responsible for upholding these standards. Unit members are encouraged to help each

other improve their impressions in a positive, cordial fashion.