Proper handling of weapons is an essential component of successful living history programs.

Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site has established standards necessary to protect visitors, interpreters and staff when weapons are being used during an interpretive program. Unit commanders will be held accountable for their memberships’ compliance with these standards.

Weapons

1. Unit commanders must select a safety officer for their unit who will be responsible for weapons inspection, enforcing safety practices and reporting to Fort Ward staff on safety issues.
   
   
2. An individual who brings a weapon onto the park site is responsible for maintaining the security and safe usage of the weapon at all times. At no time will the weapon be left unattended or handled by visitors.
   
   
3. No one under the age of 18 will be allowed to fire a weapon.
   
   
4. Weapons may be loaded and discharged only during approved drills and/or demonstrations with the unit safety officer’s presence and approval. No weapon will be fired any time anyone is in the field of fire. No weapon will be loaded or fired in the camp area or any other unapproved site in the park.
   
   
5. An immediate cease fire and halt will be called when anyone is in, or moves in, close proximity to the field of fire or demonstration to create an unsafe situation. No weapon will be fired until the situation is resolved.
   
   
6. Edged weapons are to be drawn only for formation and approved drills. Bayonets may only be fixed for drills and demonstrations, or for company rifle stacks, and will not be left unattended at any time. At no other time are edged weapons to be unsheathed.
   
   
7. As an agency of the City of Alexandria, Fort Ward will not accept responsibility for the loss or damage of any weapons or equipment used in a living history program, or the personal safety of reenactors involved in the handling and discharge of weapons.

 

Demonstrations

1. The unit safety officer will inspect all weapons, ammunition and accouterment at the beginning of the day and directly prior to a demonstration. Only reproduction black powder weapons will be used in a firing demonstration. Individual participants will carry enough ammunition for two demonstrations.
   
   
2. A safe distance or barrier will be maintained between reenactors and visitors during all weapons firing demonstrations and/or demonstrations of drill with fixed bayonets. Demonstrations will be conducted only in an area designated by Fort Ward staff.
   
   
3. The unit must remove all cartridges (spent and unspent) and debris from the demonstration area.

Ammunition

1. Black powder will be carried securely in pre-rolled paper cartridges.
   
   
2. Only blank paper cartridges, made properly and neatly, and which do not exceed the maximum of 60 grains f.f.g., will be accepted. The use of newspaper, staples and other unsafe materials is prohibited.
   
   
3. Loose powder, live ammunition or fireworks are not allowed in the park.