Our Team

 

 

Chad Johnson, President
Indian River, MI

From an early age, Chad has been passionate about historical education and experiences. He developed this interest through a family vacation to Colonial Williamsburg and later pursued it as a trained educator with a history and education degree. He has worked as a living historian for the National Park Service and has started multiple historical reenactment groups. He is experienced in presenting and speaking to groups, having spoken at Civil War roundtables and teacher education groups, and taught classes for Calvin University alumni. Chad has also been involved in several Civil War films and is a team member of the Civil War Digital Digest. As one of the founders and visionaries of Homespun Historical Ventures Inc., Chad is dedicated to promoting historical education and preservation.

  

 

John Manore III, Secretary

Toledo, OH

John James Manore, III, Esq., is one of the founders and visionaries behind Homespun Historical Ventures Inc.. 2022 represents the fiftieth year since John started Civil War living history and reenacting. John was an original member of the 100th OVI, which was a founding unit of the Mudsills, a member of Sherman's Bummers and it's by-product the 116th Regt. Penna. Vols. of the National Regiment of which he is still actively engaged as their Ord. Sgt. John is also an active member of Mess No. 1, and the Tiger Light Guard. John believes that the hobby should pursue as much as possible a historically accurate representation of both Federal and States Rights soldiers to honor the memory of those who fought in this war."

 

Robert J. Small, Director of Operations 

Hagerstown, MD

One of the founders and visionaries behind Homespun Historical Ventures Inc., Robert has dedicated most of his life to historical preservation programs across the nation. His love for history and passion to provide event participants and spectators with accurate portrayals of historical events has been a driving force behind Homespun Historical Ventures Inc.'s establishment.

 

Will Debord, Treasurer

Jefferson City, TN

 William Debord, Treasurer of Homespun Historical Ventures, is a seasoned historian, reenactor, and member of the Tennessee Army National Guard with over 20 years of service. His passion for history began in 1993, inspired by Civil War stories passed down through his family, and later deepened by a Bachelor of Science in History from Bellevue University. Will has dedicated himself to living history, participating in various historical groups with a commitment to authenticity. As Treasurer, he combines his financial expertise and historical insight to manage resources and advance Homespun Historical Ventures' mission of preserving history for future generations.

 

Amy Debord, Civilian Coordinator 

Jefferson City, TN

Amy Debord, Civilian Coordinator for Homespun Historical Ventures since 2024, is a dedicated Civil War reenactor and historian with eight years of experience. With a history minor and active involvement in the Lakeway Civil War Preservation Association, she brings valuable expertise to the preservation and interpretation of Civil War history. Her role as a consultant and her membership in the Amaranth Society reflect her commitment to exploring the era’s social and cultural dimensions. Through her reenactments and research, Amy works to foster public appreciation for the experiences of those who lived through the Civil War.

 


Doug Dobbs, Onsite Logistics Coordinator

Greencastle, PA

Doug Dobbs has decades of experience in living history and teaching high school history classes. His passion for the Civil War era has led him to complete remarkable preservation projects, including extensive research on John Brown. This has resulted in him not only creating an impressive John Brown impression, but also serving as an interpreter at Harper's Ferry and the Kennedy Farmhouse (John Brown Farm) in Washington County, MD. With almost 20 years of experience in event logistics coordination, we are proud to have Doug on board with Homespun Historical Ventures Inc. Without him, our events would not be possible.