It's History With a Twist: A Look at The Scandalous Women of the Civil War Guild

The Scandalous Women of the Civil War Guild mix history with scandal and adventure as they perform first-person narratives from daring historical personages. These women defied 19th century decorum and flourished outside the communal spheres of family, church and home. 

Stafford resident Kim Harmon charms audiences as Victoria Woodhull who rose to prominence from a child fortune-teller to become the first woman candidate to run for the presidency of the United States in 1872, against the incumbent Ulysses S. Grant, and Democrat Horace Greely. Ignored by editors of established periodicals, she founded her own newspaper to tout her scandalous beliefs of free-love, divorce, and voting rights for women. 

Sheila Chambers, of Stafford, developed an enslaved character, a composite representing millions of women who toiled from sunup to sundown. They wielded resistance in many forms, often subtle and undiscovered.

“When I look in the mirror and see the ancestors staring back…and when I open my mouth to sing and hear the strong, deep, melodic voice of the enslaved flowing from my lungs, I have no choice but to follow my heart by capturing through music their stories that were never told.”

Faceless and nameless, their existence lives on through the lyrics of their songs. Chambers, a composer, captures their enduring spirit with her dramatic voice.

Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield, often portrayed by Malanna Henderson of Spotsylvania, became a renowned opera singer, and the first African American to give a commanding performance at Buckingham Palace for Queen Victoria in 1853. 

“Here, I have a chance to combine my love of history with my talents as a singer, songwriter and actress,” Henderson said.

Founder of the Lady Time Travelers, and the Women of the American Civil War, member Denise Benedetto of Locust Grove, often dons the persona of Mary Elizabeth Bowser, a free woman with a photographic memory. Disguised as an enslaved domestic in the Jefferson Davis household, Bowser learned of and passed on military secrets to the Union.

The Scandalous Women of the Civil War Guild was founded in 2022 by Yvette S. Blake, Spotsylvania resident and Army veteran, when she gathered members from various Civil War reenactment groups to form a new guild. She breathes life into Lucy Ann Walker, who by moving garments on the clothesline signaled to her husband, Dabney, across the Rappahannock River, the movements of the Rebel army. Dabney was a scout for the Union, and she, a laundress for the Confederates.

“I love history and strive to honor our ancestors,” states Blake. “Moreover, it’s my desire to educate the public on the adventures and challenges of women during the Civil War through historical re-enactments and demonstrations. I want to make history fun by incorporating the past with a twist of the present and serve as a community resource for those seeking to better understand and appreciate the culture of women during the Civil War.”

Since their inception, the ten-member guild have appeared at civic events including DC Emancipation Day Parade, Fairfax History Day, Fort Pocahontas, 160th Reenactment, Historic Port Royal School 100th Anniversary, Fredericksburg Women’s Group, and many more.
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The Scandalous Women of the Civil War Guild has been at numerous recent events in the area and will be setup at the 4th Annual WIN Tea at The Clubs at Quantico on March 30. Tickets and more information for the event themed "Women Empowering Women to Affect Change" can be found at staffordnaacp.org.