how to join a civil war reenactment group how to join a civil war reenactment group

The further that is away from the face, the better. If you've gotten this far then hopefully you've put some thought into this endeavor. Choose a Persona The soldier in the rear rank must always keep his three-banded muskets middle band at the ear of the file partner in the front rank. Any unit youre interested in joining should be eager to loan you a uniform and equipment for your first few events (if they are not or if youre pressured to purchase equipment right away, youre probably considering the wrong unit). Before showtime, pots and pans are some of the tools reenactor Tanya Haessly makes the most use of as a camp cook, feeding families and individuals taking part in a Civil War reenactment in Janney . The English Civil War Society UK: English Civil War: 1642 AD 1651 AD Combat reenactment, living history, educational visits, film and TV work Ermine Street Guard UK: Roman army: 50 AD 200 AD Combat reenactment, living history, TV and film work, education work, research Historia Normannis UK France USA: Middle Ages: 1100 1215 Combat reenactment . What period of history most grabs your interest? Units of mainstreamers may number from 20 to 100. A colonial shopkeeper will have a pretty simple costume compared to a Civil War general's uniform. Local video entrepreneurs filmed those 125th anniversary reenactments on VHS tapes, selling them to the reenactors who hoped to see themselves acting as Civil War soldiers. The basic costs of outfitting an infantryman are between $1,500 and $2,000 which rises to $2,500 to $3,000 with the purchase of tents, ponchos, cooking gear, overcoats and other additional gear. Don't buy a uniform or other equipment until you've joined a unit, which might have its own particular rules for attire. If you are up to the task, here's some information to get you started. Each unit also has a slightly different personality and quirks they might be laid back or intense, their members may all have similar backgrounds and have known each other all their lives or they may be more diverse, they may be highly social at events and the life of the party or they may be more reserved. Reenacting can be a family hobby with Dad, Mom, and the kids all portraying 19th century roles. Do not buy from sutlers on-line then select which unit you want to join. City, county and state governments and private entrepreneurs with connections to those reenacting units saw the tourist potential of staging mock battles on private or public land. Hard-core reenactors give up all amenities of modern life, from deodorant to modern wristwatches. If the unit is a horse-drawn battery, the reenactors are expected to help groom, water, and feed the horses. Arkansas Infantry Reenactors. Berdans Sharpshooters were a Federal unit of sharpshooters who wore dark green uniforms as an early form of camouflage. While we are based in Middle Tennessee, we have active and semi-active members in many states from Florida to Arizona and Alabama to Iowa besides our core Tennessee and Kentucky group. The youngest vet eran was 61 and the oldest was 112. Home Research Top Five Tips for Getting Started in Civil War Reenacting. One of the last Civil War reenactments by Civil War vet erans was the Great Reunion of 1913, on the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. ThoughtCo, Aug. 26, 2020, thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. olg pick 4 Perhaps you have a friend in the hobby who has encouraged you to give it a try. If the idea of volunteering in historical reenactments is appealing to you, the first thing you should do is attend some of these events as a spectator. Uniforms are all wool for Federal portrayals, and a wool and cotton blend for Confederates. Reenacting is at a cross-roads. Living History Archive. Your email address will not be published. Buy at a reenactment or with the help of an experience unit member. Reenactment also takes time, but this can be as little as a 2-3 hour event once or twice a year, to a half-dozen three-day weekend encampments. Stan Honda . Once a prospective reenactor joins a unit the next step is to buy gear from sutlers, merchants specializing in the hobby named after the original civilian shop keepers who catered to the needs of Civil War soldiers. During the Civil War Native Americans, Blacks, Asians, and Hispanics fought on both sides. Encampments allow visitors to wander through a Civil War camp and observe soldiers training, resting, playing, and simply relaxingall without television, iPods, or computers! The problem with these specialty impressions is that they only operate as units. Don't be overwhelmed! These characteristics can be challenging to identify by examining a units website or Facebook page or by chatting with the members at an event. As they learn how to be a soldier, they take tests and advance through the non-commissioned ranks to corporals and sergeants. While the majority of soldiers were in the 1840 age range, in many enlistment cases birth years were overlooked, or were fabricated. The same uniforms worn in the summer are worn in the winter. Check your local newspaper or search the Internet to find a reenactment near you. Two TV mini-series, Blue & Gray (1982), and North & South (1985) drove interest in reenacting in the early 1980s. Scouring the sutlers' goods may also set you up for an impulse buy that your historic persona doesn't really need. A musket will shoot a flame of fire and unburned powder out the muzzle. Some units focus on the military side of reenacting, preferring to keep civilian women in a separate camp while other units allow children to run around the military camp. If you crave intrigue and a dash of melodrama, historical fiction can make the past come alive. Nearly all of the muskets available today are made in Italy, but some used ones manufactured back in the 1970s and 1980s are available from Japan and England. Oftentimes, a young person will find themselves interested in living history but struggle to get involved. When you're starting out as a volunteer, the unit you're working with will probably have a spare uniform you can borrow. We strive for accurate historical depiction of our original unit." YouTube Video Creator "History Boy" Drummer, 8th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry Co. While Confederate regulations called for a kepi, most men opted for a slouch hat, a broad-brimmed hat of varying styles. After a near disaster where one reenactor was hit by a Mini ball fragment left in a musket that had been live fired before the event, the National Park Service thereafter banned reenactments from being held on its battlefields. (May 8, 2009) http://www.salary.com/personal/layoutscripts/psnl_articles.asp?tab=psn&cat=cat011&ser=ser032, Miller, John. The most stare-inducing women reenactors are those ladies portraying Catholic nuns who served as nurses during the war. Once you invest time and money into historical volunteerism, you'll likely find great reward from all your efforts. Focused events try to recreate parts of battles. These groups often focus on reenactment of wars, offering members (and sometimes the public) a glimpse of what life was like during the conflicts that shaped history. There are Federal Zouave units who wear bright red pants, red trimmed jackets, and turbans. Can one really hear a Civil War era term the rattle of musketry? We have members in four states Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi and Arkansas. Threadcounter A reenactor who insists on a historically accurate impression, down to fabric and buttonholes having the same threadcount typical of the time. Of course, you might decide that Civil War reenactments aren't your cup of tea, and you'd prefer to dabble in the Colonial era. We are a Civil War reenactment group based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee that portrays the 9th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry (US). How do I join a unit as a reenactor? In 1913 elderly Union and Confederate veterans met at the 50th anniversary of Gettysburg and put themselves through their pacesbut without the muskets they had used against each other. Military reenactors will choose infantry, artillery, cavalry or medical (and a few others such as engineers or sharpshooters) and many will choose a civilian impression. No one in the 21st century really knows what it was like in the 19th century, but one can develop an idea from reading about the time period and convert that idea into a reenacting reality. Our editors update and regularly refine this enormous body of information to bring you reliable information. Cavalry reenacting is the most expensive branch to portray as the mounted soldiers have to buy period saddles, bridles, carbines, shotguns, pistols and sabers in addition to owning and transporting the horses to the events. BROOKSVILLE, Fla. - Each January, Hernando County scrambled to put out the welcome mat for what has been called the largest Civil War reenactment in Florida the Brooksville Raid. Most units require members to be at least 16 years old before they can fall into ranks with a musket because of the maturity necessary to handle a firearm. In addition to having to wear hot, uncomfortable clothing, participants can forget about sleeping in comfortable beds, eating decent food and taking hot showers. These would be reproduction arms originally manufactured by Springfield and copied by the Confederates, or Enfield, which was an English import used by both sides. Reenacting remained a small hobby during the mid-1970s when events numbering several hundred reenactors were common. - Confederate States or Confederate States Army. Reenactors who claim: My ancestors would roll over in their graves if I portrayed the other side are frowned upon. Once you've chosen a time period and character, you need to learn everything you can,from the way they dressed and ate, to their manner of speech, cultural beliefs, and social interactions. Units portraying the Vietnam War aren't nearly as prolific as World War 2 or Civil War impressions. That model Springfield was not developed until 1869. The dues are an important aspect of keeping reenactment groups operating. Mainstream is exactly what it sounds like, reenactors ranging in age from teenagers to well-beyond middle age who like the hobby, but who also do not fit the Civil War image of soldiers being thin and between the ages of 18-25. The only difference between the Civil War and the reenacting firing is that no Mini ball is rammed down the barrel. C.S. Take the time to fully research your character and period, considering where yourpersonalives, his age, hisoccupation, and his social status, before purchasing items which may or may not be authentic or appropriate. Little children have no business on the field because they can become separated from parents. Experience being part of bringing our nation's most turbulent and tragic era to life. Becoming a historical re-enactor requires an unquenchable thirst for history and abiding patience with uncomfortable accommodations and ridiculous outfits. Sutlers Merchants who followed troops during the Civil War. A reenactor could choose that impression by joining a reenacting unit following those uniform guidelines. As you become more engaged with the unit, it's time to think about acquiring your own reenactment kit so that new recruits can use the spares while they test the waters. In addition to special uniforms, some reenactors will be tempted to get special firearms. Civil War Reenactment is one of the fastest growing hobbies in the United States, and with good reason. Authentic Campaigner is a blog dedicated to events, impressions, goods, etc. Check with your reenacting unit before buying any gun. How do war reenactments work? Aside from physical distance, a reenactor needs to take into consideration a few factors. This can mean everything from uncomfortable clothes and terrible food to inclement weather and a poor excuse for a bed. 2 nd Connecticut Volunteer Heavy Artillery Regiment, Co. They carried Sharps rifles. What's more, you could get hurt. st croix zillow dollar genetal near me bnha x innocent reader. (May 8, 2009) http://www.2ri.org/become_a_member.htm, Bromer, Zachary. Once the leather gear, muskets, and bayonets are purchased, only the opposite sides coat and pants are a necessary purchase to correctly portray the other side. that appeal to campaigners. The basic costs of outfitting an infantryman will run between $1,500 and $2,000 with the bulk of the cost being in the $800 musket. But if you've got the mettle and undying enthusiasm for history, we'll walk you through the basics of how to get involved. Brogans are broad-soled half boots with leather soles worn by the common foot soldier. Their website is: www.CivilWarNews.com, Camp Chase Gazette is a how-to magazine for authentic reenactors. Check your local newspaper or reenactment Web sites for listings of upcoming reenactment events in your area. There are three types of reenactors; mainstreamers who do not fit the Civil War image of young thin soldiers and bring extra gear for comfort, campaigners who pride themselves in living rough in the open and achieving authenticity and stitch counters who pay attention to details of the history of uniforms and equipment and who generally maneuver with either mainstreamers or campaigners. Battle reenactments are scripted recreations of actual Civil War engagements, which spectators pay to come and watch. Being a reenactor can not only put you in touch with your inner soldier, drummer, or fifer, but can also deepen your understanding of our country's past. Mega-events also created problems for reenactors such as too little and too far away parking, too little drinking water, and too few port-a-johns. Civil War reenacting group in Colorado, Wyoming, Texas, and New Hampshire. And, if one wants, one can carry original muskets if they are safe. If youre interested in an immersive, authentic experience, joining a mainstream unit will be a poor fit. Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Jane McGrath There are alternative ways to get your history education. An Authentic Civil War Living History Association, Top Five Tips for Getting Started in Civil War Reenacting. With the exception of events where rains flood the battlefield, reenactments are rarely cancelled for heat or cold. Reenacting. The N word season pass premium + membership is in full effect for the day. Most large re-enactment events take place outdoors, so spring through fall are very active times of the year for the majority of these groups. Attend a few such reenactment events and talk to members of the involved groups to learn more about their reenactment focus and activities. Brush up on your geography and finally learn what countries are in Eastern Europe with our maps. Both shows used reenactors for the first time, a revelation for Hollywood directors who suddenly realized that their extras knew how to act like Civil War soldiers. Reenactors generally participate in three types of events: Battle reenactments are scripted recreations of actual Civil War engagements, which spectators pay to come and watch. A few options to consider. Unit Type - Not all organizations are the same. Welcome! Whether you've chosen to be a fur trapper, a soldier or a medieval princess, this clothing and accessories you select for your kit should match your persona. Depending upon your reenactment scenario, this may be a real individual or a fictional one who could have lived during your time period of interest. Men and boys threw on gray and blue pants and work shirts, grabbed whatever arms they could find, and marched out onto whatever fields were handy to recreate battles. Finding a reenactment group isn't as easy as looking at a map and finding the unit closest to you. That inattention to historical details led to groan-inducing scenes (for reenactors anyway) in Shenandoah where Jimmy Stewarts teenaged son grabs a Trapdoor Springfield and starts fighting. The 49th Indiana Volunteer Infantry is Indiana's oldest, largest and best drilled civil war unit. The largest event was likely the 135th Gettysburg reenactment where an estimated 15,000 attended. If you wear eyeglasses, consider purchasing period frames high on your shopping list as well. Following are some useful terms to acquaint you with Civil War Reenacting. A love of history of all time periods is common though reenactors focus on the 19th century. Living histories take place at the actual battlefield by invitation from the National Park Service. In summer, many men carry two. A basic infantryman's kit can be assembled starting around $1,000, but once you start adding in costly replica weapons and period-authentic accoutrementsor you have your heart set on being a cavalry officeryou could easily spend many thousands. Immersion events are small reenactments that attract campaigners. And, they must already have relationships with the brigades and divisions they want to command. Both firearms are basically the same, but it is critical that reenactors choose the longer 3-banded models over the sometimes available two-banded models. We seek to commemorate the great hardships and sacrifices of the soldiers and citizens of Indiana during our nation's most turbulent and defining moment in history, the American Civil War. A police officer grips a corner of a torn U.S. flag at a memorial ceremony in New York on Sept. 11, 2004. Most people choose a reenactment group that operates fairly close to home - at least within a day's drive. Some units are thinking of staging parts of battles as authentically as possible, complete with the scaled down, but statistically correct numbers of casualties, and the maneuvers mentioned in survivor accounts. By now you are probably wondering, "how much is all of this going to cost me? A Civil War Reenactment is the recreation of past battles for the education and entertainment of both spectators and hobbyists alike. While doing their impression many will do a first-person impression. It was anticipation of the 125th anniversary events, starting in 1986, when reenacting turned into a serious hobby. A haversack, a kind of handbag worn over the left shoulder, is generally black. Reenactors carry everything with them with no resupply from a vehicle, speak in first person and essentially lose themselves entirely in the war for the weekend. Company B, the reenacting group, is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer . The dues are an important aspect of keeping reenactment groups operating. While those shows inspired then young, now-middle aged reenactors to study the war, the producers paid little attention to authenticity. Most reenactors are everyday people from all walks of life, with ages ranging from 16 to people in their sixties. The best first purchase you can make is a pair of well-built shoes, usually called brogans or bootees. The Event Wire - Information. John Miller, a veteran reenactor who specializes in the Civil War, warns prospective volunteers that the hobby can get dangerous [source: Miller]. California. The reason is obvious. 2022 Sandbox Networks Inc. All rights reserved. While still too small in numbers to simulate actual Civil War battles, the mega-events at least gave reenactors a sense of what the major battles would have been like. Figure the cost of your accessories into your budget, too. Some of the young men who started reenacting decades ago when the 125th anniversary events attracted them are now passing through middle age. While reenactors do like authenticity, they draw the line at paying upwards of $30 for registration fees, but finding over-flowing port-a-johns by Sunday morning. Winter reenactors will want heavy overcoats which can cost upwards of $300. Otherwise, the 60 grains of powder and a piece of paper wadding for each charge is authentic. Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved by Milsurpia. While family involvement may be the goal of some reenactors, others enjoy the freedom of being away from the family on the weekend. Sometimes, you'll be able to find authentic uniforms to wear to reenactments, especially for 20th-century wars. Stitch counters are authenticity historians who know the history of hats, shoes, uniforms, muskets, buttons, even how a uniform was manufactured thus the nick name. Once youre sure that the discomfort (sleeping on cots or bedrolls, wearing uncomfortable clothes, and generally avoiding anything farby) is worth it, then find a unit to join. Living like a person in 1863, even if only for a few hours or a few days, would surely sharpen your skills as a historian, actor, and citizen. For further reading suggestions and links to many of these online resources, please see the Stonewall Brigades Recommended Reading list. A more specialized type of reenactment is living history, which requires reenactors to adopt specific historic personas and engage directly with the public to educate them about a certain period. Don't let that stop you! While headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, our membership encompasses Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. For instance, Revolutionary War-era equipment is generally more expensive than Civil War weapons. Local living histories at venues such as historically themed parks are where many potential reenactors see their first living historians. Women have to make the effort to disguise themselves as men. Reenactors enjoy camping, cooking over an open fire, guns, loud noises, marching, military discipline, and telling stories. Being a Civil War reenactor is about stepping back in time to create believable characterpersonaor what reenactors call an impression. The majority of reenactors choose to be soldiers, but even in a military reenactment group, there are other characters, such as wives, camp followers, surgeons, tinkers and sutlers (merchants). Reenactors accept discomfort, port-a-johns, close quarters, and the aches that come with carrying gear that weighs 20 pounds or more. Confederate Zouaves called Louisiana Tigers wear striped baggy pants. Do your research before making any purchases to ensure that you get the most authentic bang for your buck. "I decided to join the Civil War reenacting group that helped to make the movie." . R. Lee Hadden. Reenactors often do more interacting with the visiting public such as performing drill and firing demonstrations, and giving flag and equipment talks. If you have an interest in our American History during the period of 1861-1865, we invite you to join our ranks. While the three-banded musket is standard, there might be the occasional chance to carry something else. The age restriction on handling firearms does not prevent one from taking part in the hobby. In particular, take notice of the grisly conditions a reenactor has to deal with -- especially in battle reenactments. Reenacting does require a commitment, however, in both time and resources. That means most Union forces on Southern battlefields likely talk with Southern accents even though they are in blue. Thanks for reaching out John we just got in touch to provide you some additional information. While military reenacting is popular in many countries and covering many wars, Civil War Reenacting has been a growing hobby since it began in the 1960s spurred on by the Centennial. CIVIL WAR REENACTING | How to Join a Unit 9,438 views Premiered Mar 6, 2019 405 Dislike Share Save Studio T Reenacting 3.33K subscribers https://28thmass.org Lately I've noticed quite a. When events are not limited by the numbers of participants per side, some events have seen Confederates outnumber Federals by five to oneat battles which the Federals won. Most reenactors join the infantry, which is followed in popularity by the artillery, then the cavalry and there are a few naval interpreters. We come from in and around Shelby County. But, there are legitimate roles for reenactors in their early teens to act as runners, or fifers or drummers if they are musically inclined to join units which have field musicians. While this material is of interest to reenactors, our hobby requires a detailed knowledge of the daily experience of individual soldiers. The 26th North Carolina Troops and the 24th Michigan ran head-on into each other on the first day of Gettysburg in McPhersons Woods. And that will generally be a four-wheel-drive SUV as all reenactors will one day find themselves in a muddy field wondering if they will be able to get out in time to get back to work on Monday. With sound recordings, new generations could hear the Rebel yellyelped by 95-year-old men who still had the spunk to give it. Historical reenactment groups and living history groups offer an insight into how men and women lived in past times. Its educational and, finally, its a great way to escape the worries of today and pretend in the great outdoors. I, Eighth Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, Company A, Incorporated, 11th Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, Company G, Fourteenth Regiment Connecticut, Van Dyke's Howitizers 1st Florida Artillery. Powell, Kimberly. Historical reenacting gives you that chance. Mountains might be climbed. Still, the best plan for new reenactors is to join a unit and ask for help from the old hands in selecting uniforms and equipment. Members may portray either a military impression, or one of many civilian roles which are appropriate to the Civil War period. Mega-events, reenactments where reenactors number several thousand, are likely gone forever now that the 150th anniversary events ended in 2015. This list is by no means complete. I show up. As a spectator, you have a great opportunity to get a preview of what volunteering is like. But if you're more interested in other wars or time periods, don't despair. They, in turn, showed the VHS tapes to younger historians, who learned that the soldiers on screen were not actors, but young men acting out their historical fantasies. What reenacting does is give men and women a chance to walk in the footsteps of those people who came before us just a little over 150 years ago. Keep attending reenactments until you find a period that suits your specific interests and talents. While reenacting is fun, it is also a physically taxing hobby. To volunteer in historical reenactments, you'll be dedicating your time, sacrificing your modern comforts and paying a pretty penny. The three types seem to always be warring with each other in blog posts with the campaigners laughing at the age of the mainstreamers; the mainstreamers laughing at the campaigners with their dirty faces; and the stitch counters laughing at both of them for wearing a uniform that was proper in 1862, but which wasnt worn in 1864. Time and place generally work together, so while you're picking your time period, you will generally have a certain location in mind as well. And that's not including weaponry: An M1 Garand will put you out $700 to $900, while other period guns cost less than $100. For instance, the 26th Regiment of North Carolina Troops also portrays the 24th Michigan of The Iron Brigade when it reenacts as Federals. Civilian A person, male or female, who reenacts any non-military impression during Reenactments. There is no poll showing where reenactors live, but observation would put a majority of them in The South. Prospective reenactors should research units to judge how accepting they are of family participation. I. Delaware. First-person When a reenactor speaks to fellow reenactors and the public as a person during the 1860s. Some units have fifers and drummers. "How to Volunteer in Historical Reenactments" These reenactors can make a modest living by working in museums or historic sites such as Plymouth, Mass., or Williamsburg, Va. However, it is important that you find a unit that is a good match for you if you want to continue to enjoy reenacting over the long-haul. It publishes articles such as how to cut and pack rations of raw pork, how to properly do bayonet drill, calendars of events, and how to contact different reenactment units. Horses, though trained to expect loud noises from cannons, rifles, pistols and clanging sabers, sometimes throw their riders to the ground.