Requirements of Membership

Event Attendance:

While some events recreate an actual battle from the past, other events portray 18th century camp life to the public. Men of the unit focus on educating the public and involving them in the life of an artillery soldier. Each member takes on the role of one of General Washington’s Continental Soldiers 

Women and children portray camp life through cooking, sewing and other 18th activities for the public to observe. No prior experience is needed – you will quickly learn about the 18th century way of life and will soon be able to share your new knowledge with the public. Children are also invited to participate and usually adapt very well to living the 18th-century lifestyle. The knowledge they gain about the Revolutionary War will certainly impress their teachers.

Re-Enactment Clothing:

Appropriate period clothing is required to participate with the group in camp and must be worn during public visitation hours. Much of the clothing worn by re-enactors can be made, if you have basic sewing skills. Clothing is also sold by sutlers (retail merchants) either at re-enactment events or on the internet. There may be limited clothing available for loan through the members of Mott’s until you can acquire your own articles. Mott’s does permit women to dress as and play the part of male soldiers except when prohibited by the host site. When you sign up, you will receive Mott’s New Member Handbook. This handbook will assist you with the making/purchasing of your clothes, and assure you get the proper and necessary items at minimal expense.

18th Century Portrayals:

Because we are portraying a specific time period, all things “modern” must be hidden or covered up. This includes tattoos, jewelry (including multiple body piercing jewelry), make up, watches etc. (a plain gold wedding band and/or pocket watch is acceptable.) Period eye wear is preferred but not required. As well as authentic 18th-century appearance, correct period behavior is also important. We ask that you use appropriate language when among the public, no smoking of commercial cigarettes in camp (period appropriate pipes are fine to use) and any cell phone use should done outside of camp boundaries during public visitation hours. When eating or drinking during public visiting hours, 18th century eating utensils should be used, for example a wood bowl, tin plate, horn spoon, two/three prong fork, tin cup, stoneware mug, etc. Unit eating utensils and dishes are available for you to use during an event, until you can purchase your own.

Event Locations:

Most of Mott's events are in the tri-state area (NY, NJ and PA), though we have traveled as far south as South Carolina and as far north as Canada for major events. There is no requirement to live in New Jersey as long as you can logistically attend five events a year. Travel costs are the personal responsibility of each member.

Camp Responsibilities:

Each camp member is responsible for helping with the set-up and take-down of the camp. The men are in charge of taking care of the cannon, both on and off the battlefield, as well as assisting with getting wood and water for the camp. The ladies (camp followers) are usually in charge of cooking and keeping an eye on camp during battles/tactical demos. Planned activities are sometimes set up for public demonstration.

Cannon Responsibilities:

Mott’s owns a light bronze 3-pounder cannon, an historically correct reproduction designed to move with the infantry. Cannon crew members will be thoroughly trained in the authentic and safe procedures for the operation and movement of the cannon. All crew members practice and learn all positions in non-firing drills (health and physical ability permitting) but individuals may request not to serve in certain crew positions during live firing. All members share the responsibility for overseeing the safe operation of the cannon and for securing cannon equipment. As such, any member regardless of rank can call a halt to the loading and firing process in the event there is a safety concern.

Camping at Events:

When re-enactments take place over two or more days, 18th-century camping is an option. Sitting around the camp fire at night in the 18th century atmosphere is an experience not to be missed. While you’re welcome to “hotel” it, the unit owns canvas wedge tents and they are available for the more adventurous. Most sites supply straw to pad your bedding and tent with. You can use modern sleeping equipment, like sleeping bags, cots, air bags, or pillows, but these items must be hidden or put away during the day time hours. Please note, most sites offer only portable toilets, so running water and showers will not normally be available. There usually is water available for basic cleaning needs, but it will have to be carried into camp from its source

Food in Camp:

Depending on the event, if food is not provided by the sponsor, meals (lunch and dinner) are usually prepared in camp by and for Mott’s members. A nominal fee is charged, to cover the cost of the food. You are welcome to bring your own food if you prefer, but please keep your foodstuffs accurate to the time period (meaning no Big Macs or Doritos in camp please!).  Most cooking is done by the camp followers and one person usually acts as “head cook” for that day. It is each camp follower's duty to assist the head cook as needed, or to make sure all cooking assignments are done before visiting other camps or the sutlers.

Membership Dues and Meetings:

A nominal membership fee is required each year. The dues are used to cover insurance costs for the cannon, gun powder, repairs or replacement of unit equipment, and other costs. Dues are also required for optional membership for the Brigade of the American Rrevolution (BAR) and will be collected the same time as Mott’s dues. 
For new recruits, there is a six-month trial period starting with your first event. After the trial period, members of the unit will vote to accept you as a full active member of Mott’s.
An annual membership meeting is held, to review upcoming events and/or to vote in officers, board members and field commands. Any member in good standing can apply for an open board or field position. There will also be brief periodic meetings during the year, usually held at an event. (Notification will be given well in advance.)

Each event brings a new adventure and chance to share our knowledge of 18th-century living with the public. Everything you do and say during public visitation hours will be observed and there’s a great sense of satisfaction in sharing our history in this way. Also there are opportunities to visit great historical sites and see areas not usually open to the general public. We hope you’ll seriously consider becoming part of Mott’s Artillery and we think you’ll discover what we already know - living history is a rewarding, one-of-a-kind experience!
If you are interested in more information, have any questions, or would like to sign up as a trial member, please contact one of our Board members listed in the "Contact Us" section. We hope to hear from you!