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

Reenactors accept discomfort, port-a-johns, close quarters, and the aches that come with carrying gear that weighs 20 pounds or more. Beginners should start by attending Civil War Reenactments and observing what goes on. The 125th anniversary of the start of the war in 1986 saw reenacting turn into a serious hobby. 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. 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. Typical costs for reenacting might include the following. 4. In addition to special uniforms, some reenactors will be tempted to get special firearms. Special Thanks They like to bring tents, camp chairs, hidden ice chests, and other gear that the original army would never have had. 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. Becoming a historical re-enactor requires an unquenchable thirst for history and abiding patience with uncomfortable accommodations and ridiculous outfits. Any unit you contact should be extremely welcoming and do everything they can to have you join their ranks. For official duties, these youngstersoften between 10 and 14were called on to fill supporting roles such as drummers, buglers, messengers, and field assistants. 8th Confederate Cavalry / 7th Kentucky Cavalry, 3rd Arkansas Volunteer Infantry Company A, 1st Arkansas US Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 2nd Connecticut Volunteer Heavy Artillery Regiment, Co. 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. Just as in the Civil War armies, men who take on the rank must be able to perform at that rank. 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.. 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. Before you start investing cash in reenacting, attend enough events to ensure that its a hobby that you truly enjoy and want to purse. That could be in California, Wisconsin, or even Russia. Finally, there is the largest investment of all, the musket and bayonet. Families wishing to stay together all weekend can portray civilians. 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. Being a Civil War reenactor is about stepping back in time to create believable characterpersonaor what reenactors call an impression. Farby is a Civil War Reenactment term for anything not typical of the period. 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. 4) Read As Much As You Can: The best way to start your career in reenacting out right is to read extensively. Are you looking for something you can do with your family? Between a quarter and a third of the Union army was made up of European immigrants so real or imitation Irish and eastern European accents are welcome. Some units have fifers and drummers. If there were other units at the events you attended who seemed like a better fit for what youre looking for, consider contacting them about falling in at their next event. Choose a Persona 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. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 1999. Wearing historically accurate clothing is essential to your impression and attention to details is important, i.e. Sutlers Merchants who followed troops during the Civil War. Check out our article How to Join a Reenactment Group. Reenactors need a shirt, coat, pants, wool socks, and a hat. The state of Pennsylvania hosted thousands of former Union and Confederate soldiers during the weeklong event. 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. Nothing spoils the look of a rank of men in a battle line then seeing someone wearing modern day glasses or ear rings. Prospective reenactors should research units to judge how accepting they are of family participation. Otherwise, the 60 grains of powder and a piece of paper wadding for each charge is authentic. Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Jane McGrath 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. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links at no additional cost to you. The age restriction on handling firearms does not prevent one from taking part in the hobby. The further that is away from the face, the better. Reenactment, appropriately called "living history," also means living under the same conditions encountered during the past. 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. That means single reenactors in a specialty uniform must search out similar reenactors to fall in with at events. "How to Become a Re-Enactor." The NPS decided that mock battles detracted from the commemorative nature of the battlefields. There are essentially three types of reenactors; mainstream, campaigners, and stitch counters. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. .com/us/military/civil-war-reenactor.html. Unit Dues - Unit dues are typically the cheapest of all expenses. A haversack, a kind of handbag worn over the left shoulder, is generally black. 2022 Sandbox Networks Inc. All rights reserved. Figure the cost of your accessories into your budget, too. We are a Union regiment of the Southern Skirmish Association which aims to bring the history of the American Civil War to life with battles, drill displays, and a taste of 19th century camp life. How the Civilian Conservation Corps Worked, Historical Reenactment Costumes and Equipment, 2nd Rhode Island Regiment. All reenactors come into the unit as privates. While the three-banded musket is standard, there might be the occasional chance to carry something else. In 2014 the name was changed to North Florida Artillery Historical Foundation, Inc. was established as a non profit/IRS organization. There are scores of sutlers who operate regionally and nationally. Have you often wondered what it might have been like to actually live in the past? First-person - When a reenactor speaks to fellow reenactors and the public as a person during the 1860s. Do your research before making any purchases to ensure that you get the most authentic bang for your buck. Also welcome are Black reenactors portraying slaves or free blacks, teamsters, horse handlers, or other roles common to the period. One place to find equipment for sale is at the reenactment events. 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. It is particularly valuable for its calendar of upcoming events, and book reviews. "How to Get Started With Historical Reenacting." https://www.thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852 (accessed March 5, 2023). 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. 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. Muskets are real guns and fire a full powder charge but no bullet. Learn more about the mythic conflict between the Argives and the Trojans. There is no age requirement for being a Civil War reenactor, but, of course, minors will need to have their parents approval and support. When brigaded with other units, a reenactor general may command 200-300 men. If youre interested in an immersive, authentic experience, joining a mainstream unit will be a poor fit. Horses, though trained to expect loud noises from cannons, rifles, pistols and clanging sabers, sometimes throw their riders to the ground. 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. 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. Typical costs for reenacting might include the following. 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. Buy at a reenactment or with the help of an experience unit member. Be sure to look into this. 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. Alright, as a black man I have to say this: * ahem * IF. Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved by Milsurpia. The stitch counters can belong in either the mainstream or the campaigner camp. In historical reenactments, people from all walks of life gather together, dressed head-to-toe in period clothing. Unit Dues - Unit dues are typically the cheapest of all expenses. The organization has grown to include dozens of civil war reenactors and their families. 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. American Civil War Society. 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. All races and ethnicities can reenact. While the majority of soldiers were in the 1840 age range, in many enlistment cases birth years were overlooked, or were fabricated. Most reenacting units are equipped to act as either Federal or Confederate troops in order to be able to balance numbers at reenacting events. 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. 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. 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). That means most Union forces on Southern battlefields likely talk with Southern accents even though they are in blue. While Confederate regulations called for a kepi, most men opted for a slouch hat, a broad-brimmed hat of varying styles. 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. And that's not including weaponry: An M1 Garand will put you out $700 to $900, while other period guns cost less than $100. Are you looking for a highly immersive experience that puts you right in the shoes of a Civil War soldier? They carried Sharps rifles. And finally, muskets are real guns. The atmosphere is relaxed, allowing reenactors to recruit new members. Although most common in the United States, there are also American Civil War reenactors in Canada, the United Kingdom,. Cavalry and artillery reenactors have the added burden of worrying about their horses and mules stepping into holes on the field. The derogatory term for this same person is stitch nazi.. (May 8, 2009) http://www.2ri.org/become_a_member.htm, Bromer, Zachary. The most famous reenactment of the 1960s was the July 1961 Battle of First Manassas or Bull Run, held on the Manassas National Battlefield. A reenactor is a special breed of person. Which branch reenactors join is up to their interest in each branchand their financial resources. 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. Don't be overwhelmed! What did the Gettysburg artillery barrage sound like? - Confederate States or Confederate States Army. 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. If you choose an active reenactment role, you'll need to be in good health, capable of the physical activity and lack of everyday comforts that are inherent in reenacting. Immersion events are small reenactments where reenactors carry everything with them with no resupply from vehicles. There are alternative ways to get your history education. All races and ethnicities can reenact. That is also the reason why most leather gear is black, the standard Union color. Cavalry reenactors have uniforms that are patterned after original cavalry uniforms. Most units have a list of acceptable gear and approved sutlers. If you've gotten this far then hopefully you've put some thought into this endeavor. Authenticity, while ignored in the 1960s, is now universally required by reenacting units. Although most common in the United States, there are also American Civil War reenactors in Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Italy, Denmark . Women reenactors portraying soldiers are not uncommon, just as there were women in ranks during the Civil War. The 125th Franklin, Tennessee event was held in minus 10 wind chill. Join us for a captivating reenactment of a Civil War skirmish, brought to life in stunning detail! The 26th North Carolina Troops and the 24th Michigan ran head-on into each other on the first day of Gettysburg in McPhersons Woods. Reenactments are family events, so feel free to bring the kids, too. Reenactors who claim: My ancestors would roll over in their graves if I portrayed the other side are frowned upon. 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. I. Delaware. Hard-core reenactors give up all amenities of modern life, from deodorant to modern wristwatches. AUTHENTIC Civil War Flag General W.F. or C.S.A. Do you have a passion for Ancient Rome, medieval fashion, or Colonial America, and the Salem Witch Trials? How do war reenactments work? Our editors update and regularly refine this enormous body of information to bring you reliable information. We come from in and around Shelby County. 1) Put the Credit Card Away: The absolute best advice anyone can give you is to delay purchasing any gear. The website also lists a number of sutler websites. 4 June 2009. ThoughtCo, Aug. 26, 2020, thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852. Before you purchase a musket and show up to your first event, you may find the following tips useful. The USCTs fought as all Black units commanded by white officers. 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. Reenactors refer to their clothing and equipment as theirkit. To take part in high quality reenactments a reenactor should expect to drive at least a day for quality events. The Centennial created some interest in Hollywood, resulting in some Civil War era television shows like The Gray Ghost (1957) and The Americans (1961), and movies like Shenandoah (1965). Stan Honda . Arkansas Infantry Reenactors. If you are having any kind of encampment and want it in a certain order, let them know ahead of time. Civilian - A person, male or female, who reenacts any non-military impression during Reenactments. Powell, Kimberly. They'll have fun watching the excitement, and you'll get to teach them about history. Threadcounter A reenactor who insists on a historically accurate impression, down to fabric and buttonholes having the same threadcount typical of the time. These can range anywhere from $5 a month to $25 a month. Many units have loaner gear or special requirements. 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. Check with your reenacting unit before buying any gun. You'll have the Web at your fingertips to research an object's authenticity -- and to compare prices from multiple vendors. 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! Reenacting remained a small hobby during the mid-1970s when events numbering several hundred reenactors were common. Reenacting is at a cross-roads. Confederate States or Confederate States Army. And many battle reenactment societies require that you acquaint yourself thoroughly with the manual of arms. Perry's Headquarters Flag, Authentic, Original, Antique Civil War Cavalry Boots, 1840-Civil War Authentic Mechanic/ Wheel Cap Campaigner Repro by Mike Anderson, A RARE AUTHENTIC ORIGINAL EARLY CIVIL WAR CAVALRY UNIFORM, Authentic General US Grant Civil War Currier and Ives Lithograph Original Frame. The Event Wire - Information. By now you are probably wondering, "how much is all of this going to cost me? They will speak as though the War Between the States is current. These events help reenactors immerse themselves in the reenacting experience, gaining first-hand knowledge of war, battle strategy, and the hardships of combat. 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. A Civil War Reenactment is the recreation of past battles for the education and entertainment of both spectators and hobbyists alike. The granddaddy of all Civil War sutlers started outfitting reenactors in the mid-1970s. Shopping online is a good alternative to making purchases at a reenactment. What period of history most grabs your interest? Reenactors recreate history by portraying the look, actions, and lives of a person from a particular time period of history. Here you can find a list of groups that portray the Great War period. Then again in 1938, those same veterans returned. 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. First-person When a reenactor speaks to fellow reenactors and the public as a person during the 1860s. If the unit is a horse-drawn battery, the reenactors are expected to help groom, water, and feed the horses. The best first purchase you can make is a pair of well-built shoes, usually called brogans or bootees. The most stare-inducing women reenactors are those ladies portraying Catholic nuns who served as nurses during the war. 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. An Authentic Civil War Living History Association, Top Five Tips for Getting Started in Civil War Reenacting. Attend a few such reenactment events and talk to members of the involved groups to learn more about their reenactment focus and activities. 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. Scouring the sutlers' goods may also set you up for an impulse buy that your historic persona doesn't really need. Check ourencyclopedia for a gloss on thousands of topics from biographies to the table of elements. 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. A police officer grips a corner of a torn U.S. flag at a memorial ceremony in New York on Sept. 11, 2004. Living histories take place at the actual battlefield by invitation from the National Park Service. They are great foundational introductions to the topic. On the downside in terms of authenticity, they operate in much smaller groups that sometimes preclude them from being able to do the complicated drills that Civil War regiments would have done, and which the mainstreamers relentlessly practice. While reenacting is a hobby, it has some of the trappings of operating in an actual army. The largest event was likely the 135th Gettysburg reenactment where an estimated 15,000 attended. If its not, consider trying another group. During fights with frequent firing, muskets have been known to cook off, a pre-mature explosion of the black powder poured down the barrel caused by a still-burning spark. Only a handful of men will make generals and they must know how to command at that level. 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). Learn fife or drum. Typically, the age restriction for most events is 16 years old to carry a musket/rifle. 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. That part of history cannot be changed. 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.