24 October - And The Guest Author Is . . .

Knowing History

Melissa Strobel
In The Swan's Shadow
Dressing Up In Strange Clothes Since 1992

Shades is so pleased to have Melissa Strobel of In The Swan's Shadow as the Guest Author for Friday From The Collectors 24 October. Melissa will show us the Civil War photographs she researches to faithfully reenact the hair and dress of the period.

Read about Melissa in her own words:

Blessed with amazingly tolerant parents, my love affair with history and genealogy began at a young age. I was born, raised and...well, still living in the Pittsburgh area. I frequently work in and around Gettysburg, which is my first love.

When I graduated high school and started college I began my hobbies in living history and medieval recreation groups, with an eye toward public history as a career.

Several years and a family later, I have developed a background in American History and Sociology, and have worked with museums, genealogical societies, (American) Civil War roundtables, historical societies, living historians/historical interpreters, and started The Ebon Swan, a jewelry business focusing on pretty things with historical roots.

Presently I am director of the 11th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Company I American Civil War living history group, and am the Seneschal (president) of my local chapter of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA).

Join Shades 24 October for Friday From The Collectors when we are treated to Melissa Strobel's outstanding research and love of the Civil War.

See You Then!