Welcome to Gem of the Hills Historian, where I am delighted to share my experiences as a living historian as well as my observations about this educational hobby.

I am proud to serve as Major of the Hardee Guard Battalion and as the former Captain of the 31st Alabama Infantry / 79th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry - Company E. and have integrated information about my company of living historians into this site in order to give visitors an insight into how we operate and to help others better understand our ongoing mission to teach about a crucial event in the United States' history as well as the soldiers who lived through it.

Fall 2026 Schedule:

Major Sumner's Established Event Schedule:

Sequoya Birthplace Museum, Vonore, TN / 12th-13th September, 2026 (HGB Event)
Skirim Creek, Crossville, AL / 25th-27th September, 2026
Battle of Franklin National Event, Lafyette Georgia / 2nd-4th October, 2026 (HGB Event)
Cowboy Days at Old Baker Farm, Harpersville, AL / 10th-11th October, 2026
Revolutionary / Pioneer Days at Old Baker Farm, Harpersville, AL / 17th-18th October, 2026
Scoutfest at the American Village, Montevallo, AL / 14th-15th November, 2026
(Additional Events to be Posted)

Spring 2026 Happenings

Stainless Banner of the Confederacy - Jubal Early Headquarters Flag - Made by N.J. Sekela - Patterned after the original produced in 1863 by the Richmond Clothing Bureau April and May have been quite busy months for local living history and for me personally. From Fort Harker to the CMP to Strieght’s Raid, and Resaca, members of the 31st Alabama and Hardee Guard have been very active across both Alabama and Georgia. Personally, this has been the most challenging and interesti

Another Flag… and Marching through March

Another Flag… Yes, of course, thanks to our friend Lieutenant Jennings. New Federal Colors! In the transference of responsibility for the company, I was tasked to transfer the company colors to Lieutenant Jennings. Given that they are to rest with the company’s commanding officer. The thought of having my own colors that would stay with me as I serve the battalion crossed my mind shortly afterwards. I therefore turned to Levi with a request to reproduce a standard Philade

A Promotion and Change

Insignia of the Rank of Major - Federal Army 2026 is off to a quite interesting beginning as I transition to a new rank and new role within my living history journey. The change is not quite one that I expected to unfold in the manner in which it has and there have been challenges on my part in adjusting to the circumstances now before me. Sometimes change can be a difficult undertaking, especially for someone like me who is quite accustomed to developing habits and perfec