First formed in America in 1859, the Zouaves were highly trained militia units patterned after the European Zouave regiments in North Africa during the Crimean War. These units toured the country delighting people with their precise drill formations and colorful uniforms. Once the Civil War began, volunteers clamored to enlist in one of these elite fighting groups, and Zouave units were formed both North and South.

Our speakers this month are Scott Harrington and Tim Heubner, both reenactor members of the 5th New York Duryee's Zouaves.

Scott has been reenacting and researching information on the Civil War since 1976. During this time, he has held the position of Captain in both Company A (East Coast) and currently Company C (West Coast) of the 5th New York Duryee's Zouaves. He has also participated in World War I reenacting. He is the co-author of "Aiki Toolbox: Exploring the Magic of Aikido" and is currently involved in several other writing projects. Harrington has given talks about the Zouaves to American Legion posts, Civil War Round Tables, and was involved with the "Zouave" episode of the nationally syndicated television show Mail Call.

Tim Heubner has been a member of the 5th New York, Company C, since 1999, and has served as its President for the last five years. His interest in the Civil War began when as a young boy his grandmother showed him a portrait of his great uncle, Elmer Ellsworth, founder of the U.S. Zouave Cadets in 1859. As he learned about his famous ancestor, it kindled a life-long passion for the subject. Huebner has spoken at schools, genealogy organizations, and Civil War reenactments. He is currently working on "Killers, Scoundrels and Fools," his first book on the war. In his non-Civil War moments, he works as a garden consultant for Home Depot, and writes free-lance articles on the Walt Disney Company.

Please join these 21st century Zouaves as they regale us with the history of this colorful soldier.

Janet Whaley
Program Chair

 

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