New members invited to join the 137th New York Volunteers

Perhaps you have an ancestral link to the Civil War, or you’ve wandered around local cemeteries and have come across Civil War gravestones, or are just otherwise interested in the history of that time. The 137th New York Volunteer Infantry re-enactors, often accompanied by members of the 141st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, participates in parades, living history demonstrations, memorial services and battle reenactments, among other patriotic ceremonies and dedications. The regiments serve to educate the public by portraying the soldiers, civilians and musicians of the Civil War in an effort to keep their story of courage, sacrifice and valor alive.

The 137th New York, a regiment mustered in September 1862, brought together soldiers from Tioga, Tompkins and Broome Counties of New York and saw action during multiple battles of the war, among them some of the fiercest, such as Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. Today, the 137th New York re-enactors are associated with the U.S. Volunteers, an umbrella organization for Civil War reenacting units, and adhere to rules, regulations and by-laws as they carry functioning muskets and fire live black powder during events.

Binghamton area resident Ben Gardiner and his wife, Laura, visited Gettysburg for the first time in 2008.

That trip inspired the couple to join the 137th.  Gardiner said, “That’s all it took.”

Today, both are recruiters for the 137th, and Ben, a Second Lieutenant and Unit Adjutant, handles multiple duties, including training.

Gardiner chooses to portray an Irish immigrant soldier in honor of his ancestry as well as represents the contingent of Irish soldiers of the 137th. Gardiner’s ancestor, John Harnett, was wounded at the Battle of South Mountain while fighting for the Union Army in Maryland, and through related research Gardiner learned that Harnett lived on an $8 a month pension until his death in 1910 at age 75.

“I learned so much, it really did change my life,” Gardiner said.

The Gardiner’s visited Harnett’s grave last Memorial Day, where they placed a G.A.R. (Grand Army of the Republic) marker, along with U.S. and Irish flags. The couple was joined by the Altona, N.Y. town historian and her family, and hopes to make the trek annually.

Gardiner, retired in 2017 from the N.Y.S. Dept. of Transportation after 31 years, also served over 20 years in the New York Guard (State Military Reserves) as an Engineer Officer and Lieutenant Colonel. Laura Gardiner is also a New York Guard veteran, and retired after 16 years as a Warrant Officer.

The 137th seeks new members on-going, and you don’t necessarily have to be a veteran to be a part of the group.

Gardiner explained, “There is no requirement to be a U.S. military veteran. As re-enactors we assume the persona of a Civil War Union Soldier and honor the nation’s colors.”

For individuals interested in joining the group, an application must be completed and approval is based on passing regiment requirements. The minimum age of 12 with parental consent is required for military members who can serve as messengers, runners, color bearers and musicians. Once age 16, members are allowed to take safety training before handling firearms. Female members can portray male soldiers and civilian re-enactors can portray period correct men, women and children.

Gardiner shared that members typically participate in events from March through November. As many as 20 events are scheduled in 2018, and the 137th plans to participate in the 155th Gettysburg reenactment in July. 

Gardiner said an average of ten members turn out at most events, although the roster lists more than 50. With more participation, Gardiner said, the 137th could make more of an impact at larger events, such as at the national level.

“Feel free to interact with us at events, too, and ask questions,” Gardiner said.

The annual meeting of the 137th is scheduled for Feb. 17. Interested individuals can contact Ben Gardiner at (607) 775-0798 or email him at bengardiner@juno.com. You can also like “The 137th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment” on Facebook.