Richard and Valarie Hargreaves

Richard Hargreaves (Col. Basil Duke) and his wife Valarie Parris Hargreaves (Henretta Morgan Duke) have been Civil War reenactors for a combined total of approximately 65 years.

For the last 20 years, both have been presenting living history programs to schools, museums, and civic venues, coordinating Civil War weekends, and living history events, all attracting thousands of spectators. They have visited and researched the items, clothing, customs, language, and historical sites that they bring to life in the classroom. Vacations are spent to further their knowledge of the Civil War time of our countries history. They still find time to run a horse carriage business, renovate a 1890's farm house, and operate a small farm in DuPage County.

Their program includes:

Setting of the plantation,

Men & Ladies clothing from the skin out,

Plantation life

and living conditions before, during, and after the war.

Students are handed original items, asked questions, and called upon to participate in the lecture and fashions of the time. It is a program designed for boys and girls, lively, interactive, and visual.

Photos are allowed and questions encouraged. Valarie's focus is home life, living condtions, and clothing. Richard's focus is Military, farming, travel, crops and animals.

A Civil War Christmas program, and first person role playing instruction, is also available.

You may contact the Hargreaves through Don't Know Much About History or by telephoning or clicking the link below.

Richard and Valarie Hargreaves

20W561 Army Trail Road, Addison ,Il, 60101

630.495.1203

Richard and Valarie via Email, Click Here