The Signal Corps in the American Civil War – Living History Demonstration

Find out how messages were sent on Civil War battlefields through the Signal Corps at this special living history weekend at the Pry House

Join us at the Pry House Field Hospital Museum for a special Signal Corps demonstration weekend on November 2 – 3, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Historians Audrey Scanlan-Teller and Tracy McIntire will discuss the origins of the U.S. Signal Corps and demonstrate the use of signal flags as a form of military communication. During the Civil War, both armies introduced a new signal technology that permitted rapid communication across the battlefield using flags. With signal stations on the field and surrounding ridges, the U.S. Signal Corps operated throughout the Battle of Antietam, not only sending messages, but also observing behind the Confederate lines. This living history demonstration is included with admission to the Pry House.

Audrey Scanlan-Teller earned her MA and PhD in art history at the University of Delaware. Since 2005, she has portrayed a Civil War enlisted soldier for historical interpretive demonstrations, a portrayal that compelled her to study the women soldiers of the Civil War. She is currently a historical interpreter at South Mountain State Battlefield and a volunteer at Antietam National Battlefield Park.

Tracey McIntire earned her BA in English at Rivier College. Following her lifelong interest in American history, she currently works for the American Battlefield Trust and is a historical interpreter at South Mountain State Battlefield and a volunteer at Antietam National Battlefield Park.