They must be driven to learn as much as they possibly can about this era. Members must want to pass along this learned information to the general public in an entertaining manner, and be willing to develop methods and modes for meeting this goal. Crewmen must want to work towards the eventual restoration and maintenance of the vessel and utilize the above two goals as a means of aiding in this process. They must want to learn how these men lived, what they thought, what they ate, and what they did. The crewmen must want to portray these men, their lives, their camaraderie, their hopes and fears in a way that will bring history alive to all who visit the vessel, and hopefully even for the crew members themselves.
Crewmen work to present a first-person impression at all times.
All members of the crew are cross-trained in many different drills and activities. For instance, a bandsman is not only a bandsman. He must be able to serve on a gun crew, drill at singlestick or small arms, give personalized presentations on other topics of his choice, and still be able to play three concerts a day. All crewmen are expected to contribute ideas and research to the group. Crewmen are also expected to make the commitment to spend the time required to learn about the war, their role with the crew and to teach others.