Faces of the Valley: Leechburg resident Matthew Hooks helps Civil War history live on

Matthew Hooks’ passion for the past can’t be contained.

A self-described history nerd, Hooks helps generate interest for countless others through his Civil War reenactment group.

As co-founder of the 78th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Company F, the Leechburg resident is eager to share his hobby in hopes of educating and entertaining.

“We always want more people to be enthusiastic about it,” said Hooks, 43.

“These are men and women who lived through civil unrest. They should be commemorated.”

Founded in 1999, the Freeport-based volunteer infantry is open to anyone who has an interest in authentically portraying the soldiers and civilians of the American Civil War period.

The family-friendly organization wants people with a zest for local history.

“If they have ancestors that might’ve served in conflict, that’s a plus,” Hooks said.

“We have members who are service members and others who like to read about that time period.”

All are full-fledged Civil War reenactors who dedicate many hours of research to bring their characters to life. That includes clothes, arms, accessories and mannerisms of Civil War soldiers and civilians.

Hooks warns that the pastime is not exactly cheap.

Authentic reproductions of federal infantry troop uniforms and equipment can cost up to $2,000.

The dark-blue jacket and sky-blue trousers, along with muskets, backpacks and canteens, are exact replicas of what soldiers and civilians would have had in the 1860s.

Loaner equipment is available for anyone who wants to try the hobby before buying, Hooks said.

Annual dues are much less expensive — $15 for individuals and $20 for families.

Proceeds help with the group’s core mission of fundraising for battlefield restoration that isn’t covered by the U.S. Parks Service. Members have donated to the American Battlefield Trust and Shenandoah Battlefield Foundation.

Community engagement also is a priority for members, Hooks said.

They participate in memorial services, living history programs, school presentations and national battle reenactments.

Up next is an event at the Burtner House in Harrison, one of the five oldest homesteads in Allegheny County.

The Fall Festival on Sept. 30 will see Hooks and his crew setting up a Civil War encampment, much to the delight of the crowds who travel to the event.

Jeff Jones, president of the Burtner House Restoration Society, said the volunteer infantry is a big draw. The group has been a staple of the event for as long as Jones can remember.

“The kids and even the adults love seeing how they dressed, especially the women with their big hoop skirts,” Jones said.

“They lay out their muskets and ammunition bags, and people get to see how the soldiers lived during the war, out in the field.”

Visitors will get a chance to hold the rifles and backpacks to experience the heft of the items soldiers had to lug on their backs.

“These guys are well versed and they answer everyone’s questions,” Jones said. “Education is what it’s all about, but they also do firing demos, which people really love.”

The original 78th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Company F was recruited in Freeport under the command of Capt. Charles Gillespie.

The company reported to Camp Orr in Kittanning on Sept. 3, 1861, and fought in the battles of Stones River, Chickamauga and Resaca, among others.

Today, the group that mimics them is preparing to mark its 25th anniversary.

About 40 or so members meet four times a year at St. Mary, Mother of God Church in Freeport. The public is welcome.

Members participate in about four larger events each year, in places like Gettysburg, and then put on about a dozen local events in schools and at the Alle-Kiski Valley Heritage Museum in Tarentum.

“I’ve always been a student of American history, and Pittsburgh played a big part on many stages,” Hooks said.

“We want to talk about the unit, who were raised in the Pittsburgh area, and do our small part as the next generation to remind people what their experience was.”