Thanks for posting the article, Kat. Good comments here too, and I guess I don't have much to add. I have been an invited, paid performer to several Civil War memorial events; with and without sound systems. No one has ever asked me to dress in period, play only period music, on period instruments, using someone's best guess at period style. They knew that I sing modern versions of some old folk period folk songs, and some new songs based upon the history of the era. These same groups invited historians, authors to speak - none of whom made any attempt at period style in their dress or presentation. I have always felt welcome and appreciated by those at these events, and never felt a moment of guilt over my lack of 'authenticity.'

Perhaps, Mr Isaacson's complaint is aimed at those who do try to emulate the period, and do so without much concern for detail.