27th New Jersey Constitution
2/20/2012

 ARTICLE #1  Corporate Name

Co F  27th Regiment New Jersey Volunteer Infantry

ARTICLE #2  Purpose

1.) To serve as a living history conduit back to the Civil War Soldier
     in general and our company and regiment in particular, through
     ongoing educational and living history programs and activities.
2.)  To assist with the interpretive activities of local, state, and
      national historic sites.

ARTICLE #3  MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

1.)  Military members must be a minimum of 16 years of age.
      a.) Exceptions:  Musician must be a minimum of 11 years of age
                               Ambulance/Hospital Orderly minimum 11 years.
2.)  Civilian members may be male or female without age
      restrictions
      a.) Civilian members not attached to military members must
            be 16 years of age.
       b.) Civilian impressions must be approved by the membership.
       c.) Civilian impressions may be limited or not allowed at
            specific events or sites.
3.)   All members under 16 years of age:
       a.) Must have parental or guardian supervision at all events
       b.) Parents must sign a liability waiver to enable military
            impression as found in ARTICLE #3- PART 1A
       c.) Minors will not handle or fire any weapon or firearm.
            Exempted are non-fire muskets. Military members may
            carry non-fire weapons only at events that the chain of
            command allows (Determined on an event to event basis)
       d.) Members before July 28, 2010 are exempted.
       e.) Other groups or units attending any of our events will
            adhere to all our rules and regulations regarding firearms.
            At Non-27th NJ Hosted events, our members will adhere
            to our rules and regulations regarding minors and firearms.

        f.)  Spectators will never be allowed to handle any weapon

            belonging to any member of the 27th NJ at any Living

           History or Program unless the member has one hand firmly

           holding or securing the weapon.  The definition of weapon

           in this case will include any musket, pistol, or edged weapon.

ARTICLE # 4   Annual Dues

1.)    Company F 27th Regiment New Jersey Volunteer Infantry
        currently charges each member $30.00 per year.  This amount

        includes $15.00 for Unit Insurance and $10.00 for the Website.

        Dues are payable and due at the annual meeting.  Dues not paid

        by Saint Patrick's Day Parade are considered late.  Members

        that are late in paying due will not be allowed to hold office or

        hold military rank.
2.)    Current money to be paid out  by the 27th Regt New Jersey:
         a.) Website: $195.00 for 2025

         b.) Website Domain: $15.15 for 2025

         c.) Unit Insurance: $15.00 per member for 2025

3.)    Associate Memberships are for non-military members that give their time

        and talent to support 27th New Jersey Programs.  They will be

        exempt from dues but must be insured privately or through their

        regular group.  All Associate Memberships will be determined by

        the executive committee.

4.)    All Persons attending 27th New Jersey Events must be on the Group 

        Insurance to participate.

ARTICLE # 5   Personal Deportment

1.)   All members will maintain the highest level of personal conduct
       whenever acting as an agent of this organization.
2.)   Alcohol will never be consumed during any event or program
       whenever the public is present by any member of this group.
3.)  Smoking should be curtailed during living history type programs,
      but should never include the use of cigarettes, chewing tobacco,
      or snuff.
4.)  Abusive or profane language and behavior has no place in the
      living history enviroment and will not be tolerated by any member.
5.)  Illegal drug use is prohibited at all times.
6.)  A family atmosphere will be maintained at all events and programs
7.)  Horseplay with or without weapons is patently unsafe and will
      not be tolerated from any member.
8.)  Disrespectful or insubordinate behavior towards any member or
      ranking individual in charge at any event will not be tolerated
      by any member

ARTICLE # 6   AUTHENTICITY

1.)  Every effort will be made by all members to authentically portray
      our forebears of the 27th New Jersey and their families.
2.)  The uniform will be that of the common infantryman whom
       served during the years 1862-1863.
3.)  There will be no undo adornment of the uniform that cannot be
       justified from photographic evidence or research materials of
       the men of the 27th New Jersey.  All uniforms of our member-
       ship prior to July 28, 2010 have been approved.
4.)  Equipment will be correct to the time period and theater of
      operations portrayed.
5.)  All shoulder weapons must be pre-1863 three (3) band muzzel
      loading military muskets or rifle muskets of at least .577 Cal.
      and be of the percussion system of ignition.
6.)  Sidearms were not generally worn by enlisted men and they are
      not to be carried or displayed by enlisted members of the
      company.  Exempted will be the Payroll Clerk.
7.)  Large unauthentic looking bowie or sheath knives are not to be
      worn or displayed. Exempted will be the Unit Pioneer.

8.)  Only period correct flags may be flown at our events.  Our impressions are

      the 27th NJ, 11th NJ, and 9th Virginia.  These are the only colors that we will

      use in our events unless prior permission is given by the Executive Board.

      Four by Five Flags are not permitted. 



ARTICLE # 7  Training and Safety

1.)   A comprehensive training program will be put in place to:
       a.) Train new members in the fundamentals of re-enacting and
             living history interpretation
       b.) Further train experienced members in new and more complex
            areas beyond the fundamentals.
       c.)  Ensure safe weapon handling procedures are taught to all
             members.
       The Training will be performed by the First Sergeant

ARTICLE #8  Meetings


1.)   There will be a general meeting to be held every January at our
        Shippen Manor Headquarters or other suitable location.  This
        meeting will set the schedule of events for the upcoming year,
        addressing any concerns from the membership, and any
        other business of the 27th New Jersey.
2.)   Every member on the roster has a voice and 1 vote
3.)   Meetings may be called at any event with a minimum of 10
        voting members present.  These should be only for emergency
        items, new events, or matters too important to wait until the
        general meeting in January.

ARTICLE # 9  Election of Officers and Non-Commissioned
                       Officers

 

Voting of Military Positions Will be by Military Members In Good Standing Only.

1.)   Office of Commanding Officer   Term of Three (3) Years
        Min. 6 years Exp  4 Years with 27th NJ
2.)   Office of Sergeant                     Term of Two (2) Years
        Min. 3 Years Exp.  2 Years with 27th NJ
3.)   Office of Corporal (2)                Term of Two (2) Years
        Min. 2 Years Exp.  2 Years with 27th NJ

4.)   Office of Color Corporal (1)       Term of Two (2) Years

        Min. 2 Years Exp.  2 Years with 27th NJ

All Officers and Non-commissioned Officers Must be at Least 18 Years
or Older.

All NCO's must attend at least one (1) event to maintain their rank.

If an NCO Should  Leave The Unit Before His Term Expires, The Commanding Officer Will Pick A Replacement From The Ranks.  The Replacement Must Be Learned In The School Of The Soldier And In Good Standing In The Regiment. Terms Will Be The Same As Above.

The Following Positions Will Not Be Voted On and Have No Term Limit:

1.)   Assistant Surgeon (1st Leut.)   Jason Dilts
2.)   Chaplain (1st Leut.)                  Andy Drysdale
3.)   Pioneer                                     Ray Vernon

4.)   First Sergeant                          Jeff Chandler 

ARTICLE # 10  Election of Executive Board

1.)    Office of President                   Term of Two (2) Years
2.)    Office of Vice-President            Term of Two (2) Years
3.)    Office of Secretary                   Term of Two (2) Years
The Company Officer and Civilian Coordinator are Also On the
Executive Board.

If a Dues Structure is Set Up, Then the Office of Treasurer May Be
Added With A Term Limit of Two (2) Years.
The Executive Board Will Meet Prior To The General Meeting

ARTICLE # 11  Civilian Affairs

 

Voting of Civilian Positions Will Be By Civilian Members In Good Standing Only.

1.)     Office of Civilian Coordinator    Term of Two (2) Years

ARTICLE # 12   EVENTS

1.)   We don't tell our members that they need to attend every event,
        but for our group to be successful in portraying mem and
        women of the 1860's your participation is needed.  Being this
        is just a hobby, always keep in mind that your family, job, and
        health should always come first,
2.)    When you commit to an event, please plan on staying until the
         event is over.  Our hosts expect our entire unit to be present
         until the event is over.  If an emergency does come up, please
         talk to the officer or first Sergeant if you must leave early.

ARTICLE #13  Website and Messageboards

1.)   The official website of the 27th New Jersey is hosted by
        Hometeams with the address(es) being:
        www.27thnewjerseycompanyf.org

2.)   The 27th New Jersey Maintains A Facebook Page and a Facebook Group

        Page.