This goal is achieved by authentically portraying the life of the Confederate soldier, the Southern lady, or the civilian of the times. The 42nd Virginia actively participates in parades, battle reenactments, living history encampments and events, honor guard duties, instructional school programs, hikes, etc. Programs are presented annually in county parks, National Battlefield Parks, the U.S. Capitol, and other public facilities. The Regiment is flexible in its activities and solicits creative contributions from its membership. The 42nd Virginia is comprised of men, women, and children from all walks of life who posses in common the desire to recreate and thus help others to experience the most dynamic and influential period in American history.
Some events are primarily civilian in nature.
The Regiment therefore encourages all interested members to portray civilian life. Many events include first-person competitions, ladies' dress competitions and fashion shows, period games, seminars on 19th century life, and period dancing. In addition, men and women alike may don their finest period attire to attend annual balls where they may reel, schottische, and waltz to authentic music of the era. Civilians are expected to adopt and portray a specific persona. There are few limits on the types of persona available, the only stipulation being that they be consistent with the times.