Youre obviously interested in the Civil War, otherwise you wont be considering reenacting. For many people, there's nothing drier than a dense history book. Reenactors wanting to get as close as possible to how the soldiers lived will use this resource. Some people do take the "authenticity" to an extreme, but most groups welcome anyone with an interest. Many organizations, particularly Civil War, offer family friendly scenarios. Reenacting is at a cross-roads. Here you can find a list of groups that portray the American Civil War period. Required fields are marked *. (May 8, 2009) http://www.2ri.org/become_a_member.htm, Bromer, Zachary. There are reenactment groups for almost any era that captures your interest, such as ancient Rome, the Middle Ages, the American Revolution or either of the World Wars. Finding a reenactment group isn't as easy as looking at a map and finding the unit closest to you. They will take on the persona of one who is living through the period and will not speak in modern language. or C.S.A. 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. Aside from physical distance, a reenactor needs to take into consideration a few factors. Before you start investing cash in reenacting, attend enough events to ensure that its a hobby that you truly enjoy and want to purse. The weapons that reenactors carry are real -- and loaded. John Miller, a veteran reenactor who specializes in the Civil War, warns prospective volunteers that the hobby can get dangerous [source: Miller]. There are scores of sutlers who operate regionally and nationally. There is no age requirement for being a Civil War reenactor, but, of course, minors will need to have their parents approval and support. Now that the sesquicentennial is over, the future of reenacting is being debated. 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 26th North Carolina Troops and the 24th Michigan ran head-on into each other on the first day of Gettysburg in McPhersons Woods. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852. Reenactors who claim: My ancestors would roll over in their graves if I portrayed the other side are frowned upon. I. Delaware. Most reenactors join the infantry, which is followed in popularity by the artillery, then the cavalry and there are a few naval interpreters. 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. You can buy relatively cheap U.S. uniforms from the World Wars. 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. It is common to find Black reenactors sprinkled in the Confederate ranks. These organizations will often have a camp life where young ones can partake in 1860's life styles. Perhaps you have a friend in the hobby who has encouraged you to give it a try. 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. All reenactors come into the unit as privates. Learn more about the mythic conflict between the Argives and the Trojans. The unit you ultimately join should be in a position to provide the elements that you want to get out of reenacting. clear this with both units and dont just show up expecting to be ok. While reenacting is fun, it is also a physically taxing hobby. Extreme Points of the United States (States & Territories), Federal issue forage cap (dark or indigo blue), State issue forage cap with McDowell visor (dark or indigo blue), Federal fatigue blouse ("sack coat," dark or indigo blue) with four brass buttons, Federal trousers, foot pattern (sky blue), Issue muslin shirt (or other period pattern), USM1855 cartridge box, .58 caliber, mid-war model (black leather), USM1855 bayonet scabbard (black leather, one-piece Springfield style), M1853 three-band .577 caliber Enfield rifle musket and bayonet, Musket sling for M1853 Enfield (untreated leather), Haversack, U.S. regulation wartime issue (black tarred canvas), USM1858 smooth side canteen (jean cloth or dark blue wool cover) with strap (leather preferred over cotton drill or linen). We had a weekend with perfect weather and many exciting and educational activities. Florida. Company B, the reenacting group, is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer . Arch supports were not invented in the 1860s, but feel free to put anything inside that helps you march. Both sides tolerate them. . The totally geared up reenactor will invest around $2 500 to $3 000 however that equipment with the exception of brogans will last as long as the reenactor will. Civil War Encampment & Reenactment 2021 August 5, 2021 | Education, Events and Programs, Historic Hanna's Town Thank you to everyone who joined us for the biannual Civil War Encampment and Reenactment! This is especially important when it comes to clothing and weaponry, as we'll see on the next page. 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. A Civil War Reenactment is the recreation of past battles for the education and entertainment of both spectators and hobbyists alike. Too many curious volunteers have spent hundreds of dollars on costumes and equipment only to find out that the experience is more grueling than they bargained for. Over the past weekend, the Brays hosted the first encampment training of 2021 at their home for the 3rd Maine reenactment unit, the largest in Maine. Encampments allow visitors to wander through a Civil War camp and observe soldiers training, resting, playing, and simply relaxingall without television, iPods, or computers! Your mentor can also assist you in finding used gear either from unit members or outside resources like eBay or Facebook. By joining such a society, you'll have time to try out your persona before committing to any major purchases for your own kit. American Civil War Society. Once you do, it's time to create your own historical persona. At battles where the 24th Michigan with its distinctive long frock coats and tall black hats was not present, the men of the 26th North Carolina Troops put on common Union shell jackets and portray whatever Union units were present. Colonial-era muskets run a few hundred dollars, and with the rest of the necessary kit, you're looking at more than $1,000 [source: 2nd Rhode Island Regiment]. Are you looking for something you can do with your family? How does a starving man march 20 miles then go into a three-hour battle? [1]. There's nothing volunteering in a historical reenactment to experience the sights, sounds and smells of history. Some larger units will have majors, lieutenant colonels and colonels. A love of history, a desire to better understand what Civil War era soldiers and civilians experienced, the pleasure of camping with friends and cooking over an open fire all explain why reenactors follow this hobby. Battle reenactments are scripted recreations of actual Civil War engagements, which spectators pay to come and watch. You may want to speak candidly with your current units commander about what youre looking for in another unit, as they may have contacts or suggestions for other units that you can consider (if a unit commander isnt willing to do this, its probably a sign you should leave that unit anyways, as theyre not looking out for your best interests). The most stare-inducing women reenactors are those ladies portraying Catholic nuns who served as nurses during the war. Are you interested in conducting research into tiny details of soldiers lives? How did my ancestors survive battles, diseases, and prison camps on far away battlefields then return home to produce me? It is up to reenactors to know if they have the stamina to participate in the action. It is ultimately more important that you be happy and fulfilled in reenacting to ensure the hobby remains vibrant than for any particular unit to add an additional musket to the ranks. Germany . Little children have no business on the field because they can become separated from parents. If you're thinking about volunteering in a historical reenactment, experienced reenactors will tell you that you shouldn't delve into this hobby without knowing what you're getting into. The 49th Indiana, Company F is Indiana's oldest and largest nonprofit organization devoted to portraying life during the American Civil War. Whats not to like? If you have the time, it can even be fun to learn to make some of your clothing or items yourself, just as it was done in the past. and then went into battle to save Lees army, but until one has marched that same route, it is all theory. Kimberly Powell is a professional genealogist and the author of The Everything Guide to Online Genealogy. Buy at a reenactment or with the help of an experience unit member. Most reenactors are everyday people from all walks of life, with ages ranging from 16 to people in their sixties. Reenactors put themselves in the shoes of those from an earlier time where food was scarce, disease was rampant, and a good nights sleep might mean sleeping in the mud. American Civil War reenactment is an effort to recreate the appearance of a particular battle or other event associated with the American Civil War by hobbyists known (in the United States) as Civil War reenactors, or living historians.. Find WW1 Reenactment groups to join now! Many units will choose opposite unit impressions that have something to do with the primary unit they portray, or perhaps a unit that passed through their home area. The Author (far right in a Derby) with Shelby Foote at a Reenactment in the Early 1990s, Photograph provided by: Color Sergeant Clint Johnson 26th Regiment of North Carolina Troops, Shelby Foote, a historian who spent more than 20 years writing a three-volume history of The Civil War, was surrounded by several reenactors outside of a university where he was speaking. For official duties, these youngstersoften between 10 and 14were called on to fill supporting roles such as drummers, buglers, messengers, and field assistants. If you're portraying a poor farmer during the Revolutionary War, then don't purchase a fancy rifle that would have been out of his financial grasp. If you asked to galvanize (switch sides) for a battle or event, dont complain. 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. A musket will shoot a flame of fire and unburned powder out the muzzle. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. You'll also have to brush up on the language and customs specific to the era. There is at least one Civil War era brass band using period instruments and playing period music. 7th Florida Infantry Regiment, Company F. 21st Georgia Volunteer Infantry Civil War Reenactment Unit, 24th Georgia vols Company B civil War reenacting group, Company A, 2nd Battalion Georgia Sharpshooters, 104th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Company H, First Maryland Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 28th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Company B, 4th Texas Co. E / 16th Michigan Co. B Civil War Reenactors, Reynolds' Battery L 1st New York Light Artillery, 75th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Company A, Company "C" 2nd Regiment Berdan Sharpshooters. 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. Modern day work boots are not acceptable. Reenactors refer to their clothing and equipment as theirkit. Welcome to the home of the 52nd Tennessee Co. C. We are a group of living historians centered around the American Civil War. If they try for officer ranks like lieutenant and captain, they must take even more rigorous tests to demonstrate that they know the commands that moved men around the field. Cavalry and artillery reenactors have the added burden of worrying about their horses and mules stepping into holes on the field. 3 rd Florida Volunteer Infantry, Co. Powell, Kimberly. Most will sleep/camp at the reenactment event. For the sake of authenticity, women do not bear arms. These events were often staged with paying spectators in mind, leading to sights that irritated reenactors such as rushing the enemy in a chargebut with multi-tiered bleachers behind the enemy. Since 1974, we have represented Indiana's civil war heritage in movies and documentaries, for newspapers and TV, and at schools, museums and reenactments across the US. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links at no additional cost to you. Not sure about the geography of the middle east? While the majority of soldiers were in the 1840 age range, in many enlistment cases birth years were overlooked, or were fabricated. Infoplease knows the value of having sources you can trust. Home Research Top Five Tips for Getting Started in Civil War Reenacting. While those shows inspired then young, now-middle aged reenactors to study the war, the producers paid little attention to authenticity. 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. 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. Too far back and the soldier in the front rank is too close to the muzzle blast. How do your feet feel after marching 22 miles in a single day in thin-soled brogans? These events help reenactors immerse themselves in the reenacting experience, gaining first-hand knowledge of war, battle strategy, and the hardships of combat. Tacticals are unscripted battles which are usually not open to the public. Some states require even single shot, reproduction muskets to be registered with the government. Larger regiments will combine those companies to form a state-wide organization. While the uniforms are generallywelluniform, hats (at least for Confederate portrayals) can be a matter of personal choice. Reenacting. Authentic Campaigner is a blog dedicated to events, impressions, goods, etc. Reenactors recreate history by portraying the look, actions, and lives of a person from a particular time period of history. Real sticklers discourage men from wearing wedding bands as that custom was not around during The Civil War. This can mean everything from uncomfortable clothes and terrible food to inclement weather and a poor excuse for a bed. They are encouraged to buy their opposite impression as soon as they can afford the cost. Is there a list or quartermaster who do I need to contact to get involved as a reenactor for the civil war. The atmosphere is relaxed, allowing reenactors to recruit new members. Be prepared to be footsore! There is no poll showing where reenactors live, but observation would put a majority of them in The South. People come to Civil War reenacting in a myriad of ways. Children as young as 8 have been seen at many reenactments partaking in field music. Spectators wont see much action, but the reenactors will see only other reenactors and no more bleachers. Your email address will not be published. Emmitsburg Area Historical Society.http://www.emmitsburg.net/archive_list/articles/misc/re-enactor.htm, Special Offer on Antivirus Software From HowStuffWorks and TotalAV Security, How the Civilian Conservation Corp Worked. Once you invest time and money into historical volunteerism, you'll likely find great reward from all your efforts. that appeal to campaigners. Discover more about American history at one of these events. "How to Become a Re-Enactor." For example, most reenactors portray common soldiers, but maybe someone wants to portray a foreign-born ancestor so their impression will be augmented by speaking in an accent. That part of history cannot be changed. How to join a unit, where and how to k. Are you looking for a highly immersive experience that puts you right in the shoes of a Civil War soldier? They carried Sharps rifles. Immersion events are small reenactments that attract campaigners. The N word season pass premium + membership is in full effect for the day. A local company commander will be assigned to recruit new members, train them in the basics of military drill, and guide them in the purchase of the correct gear. Reenactors have a variety of reasons for dressing up on the weekends then plunging into their interpretation of a war that killed, by recent estimates, 750,000 people. This practice of changing uniforms to fit the reenactments needs is called galvanizing based on a real term applied to captured Confederates who were released from prison camps if they joined the Union army to go west to fight Indians. How to Get Started With Historical Reenacting. 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. Berdans Sharpshooters were a Federal unit of sharpshooters who wore dark green uniforms as an early form of camouflage. To submit a reenactment group for consideration, please contact us here. While this material is of interest to reenactors, our hobby requires a detailed knowledge of the daily experience of individual soldiers. While Confederate regulations called for a kepi, most men opted for a slouch hat, a broad-brimmed hat of varying styles. 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. Reenactors believe that a weekend playing soldier or civilian brings them closer to understanding the experiences of the men and women who lived in that time. For reenactments that span several days, this can be grueling. What did the Gettysburg artillery barrage sound like? Reenactors do not dwell on that terrible human cost. First-person When a reenactor speaks to fellow reenactors and the public as a person during the 1860s. Reenactors need a shirt, coat, pants, wool socks, and a hat. Almost every reenactor can tell you stories about uniforms or equipment they rushed to purchase when they first started out and later regretted after they learned it was of poor quality or didnt fit the impression they ultimately pursued. Reenactors adopt what they call impressions based on the type of person they want to portray. In many war reenactments, there aren't roles for women on the battlefield, but some events have side attractions geared toward women, such as tea parties, craft activities and quilt shows. Hand to hand combat is heavily scripted, never engage on your own. The Texas Rifles are seeking men and women of valor to join us and thousands of other history-minded hobbyists to experience, first hand, one of the country's fastest-growing, most unique recreational activities. That means most Union forces on Southern battlefields likely talk with Southern accents even though they are in blue. That is what reenacting is all about; trying to live for a weekend like a Civil War soldier or civilian to figure out how they did it. 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. It was anticipation of the 125th anniversary events, starting in 1986, when reenacting turned into a serious hobby. To take part in high quality reenactments a reenactor should expect to drive at least a day for quality events. Figure the cost of your accessories into your budget, too. And, they must already have relationships with the brigades and divisions they want to command. Many units keep a stock of uniforms and other equipment on hand in order to let people try the hobby out rather than invest in it only to discover that they do not really like playing the role of a 1860s soldier. Also: Post Your Event Photos, Reviews, & Wrap-Ups. If you're interested in volunteering as a Civil War reenactor, the entire kit (including uniform, canteen, weapon and leatherwear) will cost about $850 to $1,500 [source: Miller]. The website also lists a number of sutler websites. 2022 Sandbox Networks Inc. All rights reserved. Many groups may bridge these labels and there is a great degree of variation within the clusters, but generally reenacting organizations fall into one of the following categories: 3) Do Your Research on Units: The current reality of the reenacting hobby is that every unit is eager, if not borderline desperate, to add new recruits to their ranks. Civil War Traveler lists a variety of events, including reenactments, searchable by state so newcomers can see some reenactments in person and talk to unit members. 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. https://www.thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852 (accessed March 5, 2023). Did you have ancestors who participated in a particular war? Units portraying the Vietnam War aren't nearly as prolific as World War 2 or Civil War impressions. Although most common in the United States, there are also American Civil War reenactors in Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Italy, Denmark . Civil War reenactors attempt to answer Footes rhetorical question by putting their 21st century selves into the roles of 19th century people. There are alternative ways to get your history education. Most people take their roles seriously and pride themselves on representing history as accurately as possible. 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. But if you want to portray a German soldier from World War II, the uniforms are pricier -- typically $300 to $400 [source: Miller]. 4 June 2009. Units Groups of Civil War reenactors who participate as an actual unit that fought during the War, i.e., the 7th Texas Infantry, the 69th New York or the 19th Alabama. Reenactment, appropriately called "living history," also means living under the same conditions encountered during the past. Invitation events are smaller events where organizers limit the number of participants in order to better manage the scale. 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. Mega-events made it hard to lose ones self in the moment when a narrator was giving blow-by-blow accounts of the battle over loud speakers. To a CIVIL WAR reenactment. Wearing historically accurate clothing is essential to your impression and attention to details is important, i.e. By now you are probably wondering, "how much is all of this going to cost me? Or, Dad can stay in the military camp while Mom and the kids stay in a civilian camp. Members may portray either a military impression, or one of many civilian roles which are appropriate to the Civil War period. American Civil War Reenactment Groups Historical reenactment groups and living history groups offer an insight into how men and women lived in past times. There are Federal Zouave units who wear bright red pants, red trimmed jackets, and turbans. Farby is a Civil War Reenactment term for anything not typical of the period. For further reading suggestions and links to many of these online resources, please see the Stonewall Brigades Recommended Reading list. In addition to special uniforms, some reenactors will be tempted to get special firearms. 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. Their website is: www.campchase.com), The Citizens Companion focuses on civilian reenacting and is also published by the same company that publishes Camp Chase Gazette. Then again in 1938, those same veterans returned. The fully equipped reenactor will spend around $2,500 to $3,000, but that gear, with the exception of brogans, will last as long as the reenactor will. We do this by portraying soldiers and citizens at . 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. The gear does not stop at just a firearm either. Powell, Kimberly. Also welcome are Black reenactors portraying slaves or free blacks, teamsters, horse handlers, or other roles common to the period. The 49th Indiana Volunteer Infantry is Indiana's oldest, largest and best drilled civil war unit. Although most common in the United States, there are also American Civil War reenactors in Canada, the United Kingdom,. While two-banded muskets were very common in ranks during the War, reenactors should not use them because of safety concerns with respect to the length of the barrel. 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. While headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, our membership encompasses Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. This manual includes such things as company tactics and firing details [source: Miller]. The youngest vet eran was 61 and the oldest was 112. Sometimes, you'll be able to find authentic uniforms to wear to reenactments, especially for 20th-century wars. Our way to offer tribute to these great men of the Civil War is to study as much as possible . While some historians downplay or even deny the existence of gun-toting Black Confederates, insisting the only Blacks in Confederate gray were body servants, Black reenactors often have family knowledge that their ancestors did fight for the Confederacy. Women participate as nurses, vivandieres, cooks, laundresses, or wives and sisters visiting the soldier in camp. 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. Please Keep Reenactment Discussions in Proper Forum! 4. Civil War soldiers or civilians didnt have digital watches or plastic frame eyeglasses. Colonial-era muskets run a few hundred dollars, and with the rest of the necessary kit, you're looking at more than $1,000 [source: 2nd Rhode Island Regiment ]. Reenacting events come in varying categories. Children were active participants in the Civil War. Most units have a list of acceptable gear and approved sutlers. Reenacting units are organized in companies and regiments by reenactors from the same geographic area, much as Civil War companies and regiments were organized. Check your local newspaper or search the Internet to find a reenactment near you. We have members in four states Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi and Arkansas. Perhaps you attended a reenactment as a spectator and found yourself wishing you were in the midst of the smoke and confusion rather than watching it from afar. The stitch counters can belong in either the mainstream or the campaigner camp. Also, merchants who set up during reenactments and sell period-style goods to reenactors and the public.

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