They should also have a list of recommended vendors that sell uniforms and equipment that meet their units standards. Do not make the mistake of spending a lot of money on gear that ends up gathering dust in your basement or up for sale on eBay. They are wondering if sleeping on the ground is as much fun as it was when they were young. 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. It is where the Civil War soldier carried his food and where the reenactor will carry his food, wallet and car keys. Perhaps the most famous civil war in history began on April 12, 1861, when secessionist Southerners attacked the United States Army garrison at Fort Sumter, South Carolina . 21st Virginia, F Company, inc., is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501 (c)3 , living history, educational and Civil War re-enactment organization. And that's not including weaponry: An M1 Garand will put you out $700 to $900, while other period guns cost less than $100. Reenacting Civil War battles began during the War when both sides staged mock battles when heavy snows kept the men in camp from going out and killing each other. Each reenactment is a unique experience that allows participants to see through the eyes of a historical person and undergo all the hardships that go along with the times -- short of actually being killed in battle or catching typhoid. Attend a few such reenactment events and talk to members of the involved groups to learn more about their reenactment focus and activities. By now you are probably wondering, "how much is all of this going to cost me? Most reenactment groups are very welcoming to new people and will show you the ropes and even outfit you until you can gradually acquire your own kit. How to join a reenactment group is not the hardest part of this journey, it's just the beginning. (May 8, 2009) http://www.2ri.org/become_a_member.htm, Bromer, Zachary. Immersion events are small reenactments that attract campaigners. If looking to dive into Vietnam reenacting, the number one piece of advice is to speak to a unit before making purchases. 1) Put the Credit Card Away: The absolute best advice anyone can give you is to delay purchasing any gear. Most reenacting units have both a website and a Facebook page, making it easier for people to find local units. Two TV mini-series, Blue & Gray (1982), and North & South (1985) drove interest in reenacting in the early 1980s. Just as in the Civil War armies, men who take on the rank must be able to perform at that rank. Don't let that stop you! 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. While the vast majority of reenactors are standard uniformed Confederate and Union soldiers, there are some small numbers who wear unique uniforms. In addition to having to wear hot, uncomfortable clothing, participants can forget about sleeping in comfortable beds, eating decent food and taking hot showers. Do you have a passion for Ancient Rome, medieval fashion, or Colonial America, and the Salem Witch Trials? But if you're more interested in other wars or time periods, don't despair. Mountains might be climbed. If its not, consider trying another group. Learn fife or drum. This is especially important when it comes to clothing and weaponry, as we'll see on the next page. Most reenactors are everyday people from all walks of life, with ages ranging from 16 to people in their sixties. Load more. First-person When a reenactor speaks to fellow reenactors and the public as a person during the 1860s. 2 nd Connecticut Volunteer Heavy Artillery Regiment, Co. Salary.com. Reenacting can be a family hobby with Dad, Mom, and the kids all portraying 19th century roles. 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. 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. You must have a passion for history and an active imagination. 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. Only a handful of men will make generals and they must know how to command at that level. Reenactment, appropriately called "living history," also means living under the same conditions encountered during the past. This video brings you to the historic battlefields of Aike. Gear - How much a reenactor spends on their gear is a product of individual means, love for the hobby, and type of unit. 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. While reenacting is fun, it is also a physically taxing hobby. We have committed ourselves to the education of the company membership and general public as to the lifestyle, military service and general values of the Black Civil War soldier through an authentic presentation of living history activities including battle reenactments, interpretive programs, training seminars, and similar programs. Check your local newspaper or reenactment Web sites for listings of upcoming reenactment events in your area. Since the war took place in the South, it is more difficult for Yankees in Northern states to make the events in the Southern states. A group of men this size can engage in brigade drill, practicing the same types of maneuvers the Civil War soldiers learned in order to face an enemy coming from any direction. Immerse yourself in the time period by reading books and primary source documents related to the area, and the type of person you've chosen to portray. If you wear eyeglasses, consider purchasing period frames high on your shopping list as well. I show up. 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. How does a starving man march 20 miles then go into a three-hour battle? [1]. Camping with ones friends can be an attractive incentive to pack up the gear and drive away rather than staying home doing chores. Arkansas Infantry Reenactors. 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. A Civil War Reenactment is the recreation of past battles for the education and entertainment of both spectators and hobbyists alike. Across the United States, Civil War battles rank among the most popular events to reenact -- they're often held on the original battlefields for true authenticity. Here you can find a list of groups that portray the American Civil War period. Event Dues - This can really depend on the event and what is provided with the fee. How do your feet feel after marching 22 miles in a single day in thin-soled brogans? and then went into battle to save Lees army, but until one has marched that same route, it is all theory. One can read the history of how Confederate Major General Ambrose Powell Hills Light Division marched 22 miles from Harpers Ferry, Virginia to Sharpsburg, Maryland. Still, American Civil War reenactments can take place wherever the hobbyists can find ground. Cavalry reenactors have uniforms that are patterned after original cavalry uniforms. Horses, though trained to expect loud noises from cannons, rifles, pistols and clanging sabers, sometimes throw their riders to the ground. Living History Archive. Check ourencyclopedia for a gloss on thousands of topics from biographies to the table of elements. If you asked to galvanize (switch sides) for a battle or event, dont complain. Historical reenactors are known for being sticklers for accuracy. Perhaps you have a deep interest in the Civil War and want to experience it and understand it in a way that books can never truly capture. Learn more about the world with our collection of regional and country maps. Typical costs for reenacting might include the following. Encampments allow visitors to wander through a Civil War camp and observe soldiers training, resting, playing, and simply relaxingall without television, iPods, or computers! Most reenacting units require members to own dual impressions; both Union and Confederate. While it is rare, people have died from the exertion. Please Keep Reenactment Discussions in Proper Forum! By Robert Arvay. Is there a list or quartermaster who do I need to contact to get involved as a reenactor for the civil war. While the three-banded musket is standard, there might be the occasional chance to carry something else. R. Lee Hadden. One asked the obvious question to a man who had written more than 3,000 pages seemingly covering every aspect of a war that stretched from New Mexico to New York: Is there anything about the War that you dont know?, Footes response was immediate: I still dont know how they did it. Hand to hand combat is heavily scripted, never engage on your own. It is particularly valuable for its calendar of upcoming events, and book reviews. Also, merchants who set up during reenactments and sell period-style goods to reenactors and the public. No detail about a reenactors appearance should be ignored. 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. The main thing one has to learn is the infantry drill, and to follow orders to execute maneuvers. They are great foundational introductions to the topic. These can range anywhere from $5 a month to $25 a month. Reenacting units are organized in some of the same ways as Civil War companies and regiments. Reenacting units staged living histories to explain weapons and uniforms at venues like schools and public parks to recruit new hobbyists. The thinking is that events where only several hundred troops are participating can be much more manageable and affordable to stage than the huge events that required hundreds of acres of land for the reenactment itself, plus parking for thousands of participants and spectators. How did my ancestors survive battles, diseases, and prison camps on far away battlefields then return home to produce me? Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 1999. Hard-core reenactors give up all amenities of modern life, from deodorant to modern wristwatches. Most units have a list of acceptable gear and approved sutlers. 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. There is at least one Civil War era brass band using period instruments and playing period music. 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. 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. A haversack, a kind of handbag worn over the left shoulder, is generally black. Mega events involve thousands of reenactors. 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). Also: Post Your Event Photos, Reviews, & Wrap-Ups. C.S. How to Get Started on a Literature Review, Discovering the Occupations of Your Ancestors, Ancient Sources on Persian or Iranian History, Fun Family History Activities for Family Reunions, 3 Practical Ways to Become a Better Homeschooling Teacher, Certificate in Genealogical Research, Boston University. If the unit is dedicated to historical accuracy, the accommodations will be meager. Focused events try to recreate parts of battles. With sound recordings, new generations could hear the Rebel yellyelped by 95-year-old men who still had the spunk to give it. As you look at different reenacting units, you may see three terms in particular, which are commonly used to describe different segments of the reenacting spectrum. We have members in four states Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi and Arkansas. Fit for Effective Service: Virginia Arms Her Stonewall Brigade, Its Ancient Reputation: The Stonewall Brigade at Cedar Mountain, The Stonewall Brigade at Gettysburg Part Four: The Fate of the Flags, How to Adapt a Confederate ANV Impression by Time Period, Top Tips for Transitioning From Mainstream to Authentic Reenacting. Find WW1 Reenactment groups to join now! Once the basics are purchased, reenactors move on to acquire other gear like a canvas dog tent, or a larger A-frame tent, a gum or rubber blanket/poncho for putting down on the ground or wearing as rain gear, and cooking gear like tin frying pans and cooking grates. Many reenactors are completely outfitted with clothing, packs, gear, and vehicles their typical persona would carry. Your mentor can also assist you in finding used gear either from unit members or outside resources like eBay or Facebook. Colorado Connecticut. 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). Although most common in the United States, there are also American Civil War reenactors in Canada, the United Kingdom,. Larger regiments will combine those companies to form a state-wide organization. New reenactors start as privates and promotion to non commissioned officer or officer status depends on passing tests and demonstrating an ability to command larger bodies of men in maneuvers on the field. "How to Get Started With Historical Reenacting." Whoever is physically able can take to the battlefield with certain age restrictions. 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. 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. Most reenactors join the infantry, which is followed in popularity by the artillery, then the cavalry and there are a few naval interpreters. Too far forward, and the percussion cap is exploding in his ear. Winter reenactors will want heavy overcoats which can cost upwards of $300. 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. While these stories may transport you to Elizabethan England or ancient Rome, they're still fiction, after all, and don't always provide authentic history lessons. C.S. By joining such a society, you'll have time to try out your persona before committing to any major purchases for your own kit. 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. Reenacting units keep a list of approved sutlers that have proven to stock authentic and well-made goods. Just as in the 1860s, some reenacting gear can be shoddy (a Civil War era word), so taking knowledgeable advice from other veteran reenactors in ones unit makes sure newcomers do not buy the wrong gear. Reenactors wanting to get as close as possible to how the soldiers lived will use this resource. Infantry is the easiest branch to learn and to finance. The most stare-inducing women reenactors are those ladies portraying Catholic nuns who served as nurses during the war. Most reenactment groups have extra clothing, uniforms,costumes, and props that they are willing to loan to newcomers. Finding a reenactment unit has gone 21st century. Unit Dues - Unit dues are typically the cheapest of all expenses. Infoplease knows the value of having sources you can trust. 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. Which branch reenactors join is up to their interest in each branchand their financial resources. Reenacting is at a cross-roads. Then again in 1938, those same veterans returned. Reenacting for many is a serious, but fun, event. We strive for accurate historical depiction of our original unit." YouTube Video Creator "History Boy" Drummer, 8th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry Co. No reenactor will respond to an unknown general who walks onto the field and tries to take command of units who do not know him. Some larger units will have majors, lieutenant colonels and colonels. In particular, take notice of the grisly conditions a reenactor has to deal with -- especially in battle reenactments. "How to Get Started With Historical Reenacting." This can mean everything from uncomfortable clothes and terrible food to inclement weather and a poor excuse for a bed. Have you often wondered what it might have been like to actually live in the past? Can one really hear a Civil War era term the rattle of musketry? ThoughtCo, Aug. 26, 2020, thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852. 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. The dues are an important aspect of keeping reenactment groups operating. Reenactors take their jobs very seriously. 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. John Miller, a veteran reenactor who specializes in the Civil War, warns prospective volunteers that the hobby can get dangerous [source: Miller]. That is also the reason why most leather gear is black, the standard Union color. Historical reenactment groups and living history groups offer an insight into how men and women lived in past times. Here are the facts and trivia that people are buzzing about. Following are some useful terms to acquaint you with Civil War Reenacting. You'll have the Web at your fingertips to research an object's authenticity -- and to compare prices from multiple vendors. 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! 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. The 49th Indiana, Company F is Indiana's oldest and largest nonprofit organization devoted to portraying life during the American Civil War. Reenactments are only fun if there are enough enemies on the other side. For those men who need vision correction and who do not wear contact lens, there are sutlers who deal in eye glasses which are correct for the period. The 26th North Carolina Troops and the 24th Michigan ran head-on into each other on the first day of Gettysburg in McPhersons Woods. 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. Otherwise, the 60 grains of powder and a piece of paper wadding for each charge is authentic. Impression Many reenactors will choose an impression during a reenactment. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Reenactors need a shirt, coat, pants, wool socks, and a hat. These reenactors can make a modest living by working in museums or historic sites such as Plymouth, Mass., or Williamsburg, Va. Required fields are marked *. 5) Purchase Slowly and Strategically: When you are ready to start purchasing gear, take your time and make your purchases strategic. 4) Read As Much As You Can: The best way to start your career in reenacting out right is to read extensively. Stan Honda . Work with your unit point of contact to ensure that the items you select even from these vendors are appropriate, since not every jacket a particular vendor offers will fit your units desired impression. The troops do their best to mimic the movements of the actual battle, but as in real war, things often don't go according to plan . 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. 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. Women reenactors portraying soldiers are not uncommon, just as there were women in ranks during the Civil War. Not all organizations allow family's along for the ride. For instance, Revolutionary War-era equipment is generally more expensive than Civil War weapons. The North Florida Artillery was incorporated as a non-profit organization in the state of Florida in March 2007. Reenactors who claim: My ancestors would roll over in their graves if I portrayed the other side are frowned upon. American Civil War Society. These events help reenactors immerse themselves in the reenacting experience, gaining first-hand knowledge of war, battle strategy, and the hardships of combat. 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. We are a Civil War reenactment group based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee that portrays the 9th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry (US). 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. All reenactors come into the unit as privates. Reenactors often do more interacting with the visiting public such as performing drill and firing demonstrations, and giving flag and equipment talks. A reenactor is a special breed of person. There is no poll showing where reenactors live, but observation would put a majority of them in The South. Most organization will not watch your 10 year old kid all day. Becoming a historical re-enactor requires an unquenchable thirst for history and abiding patience with uncomfortable accommodations and ridiculous outfits. Get a feel for the atmosphere and conditions of a living history event before you rush to buy vintage style military uniforms & equipment. 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. Unit Type - Not all organizations are the same. Events Could Include: Reenactments, Living Histories, Round Tables, Battlewalks, Shows, Lectures & More. For many people, there's nothing drier than a dense history book. Spectators wont see much action, but the reenactors will see only other reenactors and no more bleachers. "How to Volunteer in Historical Reenactments" 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. There is no age requirement for being a Civil War reenactor, but, of course, minors will need to have their parents approval and support. 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. You can buy relatively cheap U.S. uniforms from the World Wars. 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. 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. Sutlers Merchants who followed troops during the Civil War. That part of history cannot be changed. The important thing to remember is the child still needs adult supervision. 3 rd Florida Volunteer Infantry, Co. Typical costs for reenacting might include the following. 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. 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. California. The derogatory term for this same person is stitch nazi.. Now that the sesquicentennial is over, the future of reenacting is being debated. Besides the weather elements, there may be holes in the field that twist ankles, yellow jacket nests that are disturbed, and poison ivy and poison oak lurking in the woods. 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. Here is a sampling of an infantry soldier's kit from the website of the 28th Massachusetts, Volunteer Infantry, 4th Regiment, Irish Brigade: Federal issue forage cap (dark or indigo blue) 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. All races and ethnicities can reenact. 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. Living histories take place at the actual battlefield by invitation from the National Park Service. Attend a few such reenactment events and talk to members of the involved groups to learn more about their reenactment focus and activities. 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. 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. The only difference between the Civil War and the reenacting firing is that no Mini ball is rammed down the barrel. The N word season pass premium + membership is in full effect for the day. 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. That means single reenactors in a specialty uniform must search out similar reenactors to fall in with at events. 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. Living history events include encampments, parades, and school enrichment programs.
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