TYLER MILLETT, MINNECHAUG STUDENT IS WEEKEND REENACTMENT CORPORAL

Date: May 9, 2011
Contact: Shera Cohen, [phone]

SPRINGFIELD, MA: Tyler Millett, of Hampden, is a Minnechaug Regional High School junior by day and a weekend Civil War reenactor on weekends. Millett takes his hobby very seriously, and has been at it since he was three-years-old.

As a Corporal for the 10th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Millett leads others in this Springfield-based unit. Millett also serves in the Zouaves in New York State on the Union side of the war as First Sergeant. These two activities are apparently not enough for this busy teen – Millett dons the uniform of a Second Lieutenant in the Revolutionary War, as well.

Tyler Millett's next "war" participation will be at the Springfield Armory National Historic Site on Saturday, May 14th, on the Armory grounds from 1pm – 5pm as part of the annual Armory Day. Actually, Millett began his avocation 14 years ago after a visit to the Armory with his mother. "I was hooked. A lot of people don't understand American history. The best way to learn is to live it first-hand. That way, you know what really happened," he said.

Millett will speak and act the part of Corporal as he interacts with visitors to the Armory, along with other members of the 10th MA Infantry. He has extensively learned the use of weapons of the Revolutionary and Civil War eras, and carries a rifle (unloaded). His three uniforms are full dress and as authentic as possible historical reproductions from head to toe.

Millett entrenches himself in the study of history. He has already been accepted at a college where he will continue to study it. While he doesn't urge his friends to become as involved as he is, he says, "They think it's pretty cool."

Armory Day is the annual celebration of the Springfield Armory National Historic Site's history. Spirit of Springfield, organizers of Springfield's 375th Anniversary, selected the Armory as the site of the May 14th afternoon activities.

Springfield Armory National Historic Site commemorates and preserves the site of our Nation's first armory, established in 1794. Managed together with the Commonwealth of MA, Springfield Technical Community College and the National Park Service, the site holds many layers of history within its buildings and grounds. The site of the repulse of Shays' Rebellion, 1787; production of the nation's first interchangeable parts; and home of the world's largest historic American military firearms collection invites our visitors to share its history and beauty. As a unit of the National Park Service, the Visitor Center, Museum, buildings and grounds are open daily, 9am-5pm except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. Admission is free. Contact telephone number is [phone]. Our website is www.nps.gov/spar.  

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