Check your local newspaper or reenactment Web sites for listings of upcoming reenactment events in your area. Here you can find a list of groups that portray the Great War period. If you've gotten this far then hopefully you've put some thought into this endeavor. For instance, the Stonewall Brigades list is located here. 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. One place to find equipment for sale is at the reenactment events. 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. 2) Consider What You Want Out of Reenacting: Spend some time thinking about what aspects of reenacting interest you. Civil War News is a monthly newspaper that covers news about battlefield preservation, and reenacting. It was anticipation of the 125th anniversary events, starting in 1986, when reenacting turned into a serious hobby. 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. 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. Powell, Kimberly. If the unit is dedicated to historical accuracy, the accommodations will be meager. 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. You've probably thought to yourself that reenacting sounds like fun, but you're just not sure about committing yourself due to time, money, and lack of know-how. It is particularly valuable for its calendar of upcoming events, and book reviews. 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. In addition to special uniforms, some reenactors will be tempted to get special firearms. Get a feel for the atmosphere and conditions of a living history event before you rush to buy vintage style military uniforms & equipment. Reenacting units are organized in companies and regiments by reenactors from the same geographic area, much as Civil War companies and regiments were organized. Youre obviously interested in the Civil War, otherwise you wont be considering reenacting. Thats why reenactors, like Civil War soldiers, are trained to not put their hand over the muzzle of the musket; least they get a palm full of painful, burning powder. Reenacting can be a family hobby with Dad, Mom, and the kids all portraying 19th century roles. Gear - How much a reenactor spends on their gear is a product of individual means, love for the hobby, and type of unit. Focused events try to recreate parts of battles. In summer, many men carry two. Their website is: www.CivilWarNews.com, Camp Chase Gazette is a how-to magazine for authentic reenactors. and then went into battle to save Lees army, but until one has marched that same route, it is all theory. 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. 53rd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Company C, Inc. Company B of the 71st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, 87th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Company C, 97th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Company A, 97th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Co B, 151st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Company D, 10th Virginia Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 12th Virginia Infantry, Companies A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, and K, Co. E of the Second Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, 33d Regiment - Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, Company K, 2nd Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Association, Company E, 3rd Regiment, Confederate Engineers. I. Delaware. Whoever is physically able can take to the battlefield with certain age restrictions. This Forum is for Posting Civil War Event Information. These can range anywhere from $5 a month to $25 a month. 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 . Rivers might be crossed. For a great description of womens clothing and textiles during the Civil War, read this Civil War Fashion piece by Kathy Dhalle on the Bits of Blue & Gray website. 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. 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. Units portraying the Vietnam War aren't nearly as prolific as World War 2 or Civil War impressions. Also: Post Your Event Photos, Reviews, & Wrap-Ups. Shopping online is a good alternative to making purchases at a reenactment. We had a weekend with perfect weather and many exciting and educational activities. 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. For many people, there's nothing drier than a dense history book. 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. 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. For the sake of authenticity, women do not bear arms. Otherwise, the 60 grains of powder and a piece of paper wadding for each charge is authentic. Reproduction clothing can cost several hundred dollars, and reproduction period rifles as much as $1000. Three factors come into play, and the United States demonstrates all of them. Only a handful of men will make generals and they must know how to command at that level. Typical costs for reenacting might include the following. 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. Family Friendly Units - If reenacting is to become your next family adventure, you're going to have to find a family friendly unit. While the vast majority of reenactors are standard uniformed Confederate and Union soldiers, there are some small numbers who wear unique uniforms. Odds are that youve already read a decent amount about the war, but most Civil War books focus on the movements of vast armies and the leaders who directed them. 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. 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. Historical reenactment groups and living history groups offer an insight into how men and women lived in past times. Not all reenactment groups will offer the same experiences. 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. The N word season pass premium + membership is in full effect for the day. 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. AUTHENTIC Civil War Flag General W.F. 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. There is no age requirement for being a Civil War reenactor, but, of course, minors will need to have their parents approval and support. Spectators wont see much action, but the reenactors will see only other reenactors and no more bleachers. 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. Required fields are marked *. Check your local newspaper or search the Internet to find a reenactment near you. The easiest way for children to get involved in reenacting is to do it as a family. 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 . To submit a reenactment group for consideration, please contact us here. 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. Prospective reenactors should research units to judge how accepting they are of family participation. Attend a few such reenactment events and talk to members of the involved groups to learn more about their reenactment focus and activities. Following are some useful terms to acquaint you with Civil War Reenacting. If the unit is a horse-drawn battery, the reenactors are expected to help groom, water, and feed the horses. Just how much does it cost to be a Civil War reenactor? To take part in high quality reenactments a reenactor should expect to drive at least a day for quality events. This can be a great way to save money, but make sure you run all major purchases by your mentor to ensure youre buying quality gear and not getting swindled. We have members in four states Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi and Arkansas. Florida. 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. 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. Learn about one of the world's oldest and most popular religions. Hand to hand combat is heavily scripted, never engage on your own. How does a starving man march 20 miles then go into a three-hour battle? [1]. Welcome to the official website of the Georgia Division Reenactors Association! We do this by portraying soldiers and citizens at . Your email address will not be published. Most organization will not watch your 10 year old kid all day. And, they must already have relationships with the brigades and divisions they want to command. Do you have a passion for Ancient Rome, medieval fashion, or Colonial America, and the Salem Witch Trials? And finally, muskets are real guns. While Confederate regulations called for a kepi, most men opted for a slouch hat, a broad-brimmed hat of varying styles. Sutlers Merchants who followed troops during the Civil War. Perhaps a particular company or regiment in the war had distinctive uniforms. 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. If you are up to the task, here's some information to get you started. https://www.thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852 (accessed March 5, 2023). While those shows inspired then young, now-middle aged reenactors to study the war, the producers paid little attention to authenticity. "How to Volunteer in Historical Reenactments" Horses, though trained to expect loud noises from cannons, rifles, pistols and clanging sabers, sometimes throw their riders to the ground. Merchants known as sutlers set up on-site to sell clothing, accessories and weapons. 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! 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. Authentic Campaigner is a blog dedicated to events, impressions, goods, etc. 1) Put the Credit Card Away: The absolute best advice anyone can give you is to delay purchasing any gear. 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. The 150th Manassas, Virginia event was held when the temperature on the field was 114 degrees. Sandbox Learning is part of Sandbox & Co., a digital learning company. Most reenactors are everyday people from all walks of life, with ages ranging from 16 to people in their sixties. Hard-core reenactors give up all amenities of modern life, from deodorant to modern wristwatches. Cavalry and artillery reenactors have the added burden of worrying about their horses and mules stepping into holes on the field. Take your hits (deaths) If you wish to fight in a different unit that a family member fought in during the civil war. That is my indication and EXPRESSED consent to be treated like a slave by all participating confederate soldiers. While reenacting is fun, it is also a physically taxing hobby. Reenactors recreate history by portraying the look, actions, and lives of a person from a particular time period of history. Just about anyone with an interest in reenactment can become a reenactor. The United States Colored Troops, the freemen and runaway slaves who joined the Union army in numbers around 180,000, are a small, but highly appreciated branch of reenacting. Post Advance Schedules Up to 1 Year in Advance. Most reenacting units require members to own dual impressions; both Union and Confederate. 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. For instance, Revolutionary War-era equipment is generally more expensive than Civil War weapons. 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. 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. 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. Marches can range from a mile or so from camp to the battlefield to more than 20 miles at special events. 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. The 125th Franklin, Tennessee event was held in minus 10 wind chill. How do I join a unit as a reenactor? When brigaded with other units, a reenactor general may command 200-300 men. Being at that part of the line during the reenactment is special as it clearly reinforces the advantage the Union army had with repeating rifles. Little children have no business on the field because they can become separated from parents. A musket will shoot a flame of fire and unburned powder out the muzzle. While the majority of soldiers were in the 1840 age range, in many enlistment cases birth years were overlooked, or were fabricated. The physically disabled cannot take the field as soldiers, but the impression of a wounded soldier in a period wheel chair being pushed by a civilian in period clothes is welcome. This manual includes such things as company tactics and firing details [source: Miller]. People come to Civil War reenacting in a myriad of ways. 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). 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 . We strive for accurate historical depiction of our original unit." YouTube Video Creator "History Boy" Drummer, 8th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry Co. Most reenacting units have both a website and a Facebook page, making it easier for people to find local units. It might be a good idea to spring for the unit's annual fee for insurance coverage in case of an injury. C.S. 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). There's nothing volunteering in a historical reenactment to experience the sights, sounds and smells of history. Unit Dues - Unit dues are typically the cheapest of all expenses. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Your email address will not be published. In other words, you can try it out and see how you like it. 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. They like to bring tents, camp chairs, hidden ice chests, and other gear that the original army would never have had. Infoplease is a reference and learning site, combining the contents of an encyclopedia, a dictionary, an atlas and several almanacs loaded with facts. - Confederate States or Confederate States Army. Infantry is the easiest branch to learn and to finance. 4 June 2009. In historical reenactments, people from all walks of life gather together, dressed head-to-toe in period clothing. 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. Scouring the sutlers' goods may also set you up for an impulse buy that your historic persona doesn't really need. 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. The NPS decided that mock battles detracted from the commemorative nature of the battlefields. While this material is of interest to reenactors, our hobby requires a detailed knowledge of the daily experience of individual soldiers. Is there a list or quartermaster who do I need to contact to get involved as a reenactor for the civil war. Infoplease knows the value of having sources you can trust. 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. 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. Eric Tetreault/Connecticut Renaissance Faire. 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. First-person - When a reenactor speaks to fellow reenactors and the public as a person during the 1860s. 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. Invitation events are smaller events where organizers limit the number of participants in order to better manage the scale. While some of the research is now a bit dated, there is no better place to start than Bell Wileys classicsThe Life of Johnny Reb: The Common Soldier of the Confederacyand The Life of Billy Yank: The Common Soldier of the Union. Families wishing to stay together all weekend can portray civilians. 4) Read As Much As You Can: The best way to start your career in reenacting out right is to read extensively. 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. The Stonewall Brigade is an authentic living history association concentrated in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania dedicated to accurately portraying the common soldier of the Civil War. Although most common in the United States, there are also American Civil War reenactors in Canada, the United Kingdom,. There is at least one Civil War era brass band using period instruments and playing period music. Check ourencyclopedia for a gloss on thousands of topics from biographies to the table of elements. Powell, Kimberly. Reenacting units organized around a specific regiment with a general type of uniform will not allow a Berdan sharpshooter or a Louisiana Tiger in the ranks. All races and ethnicities can reenact. Reenactors do not dwell on that terrible human cost. 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]. 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) The weapons that reenactors carry are real -- and loaded. Civil War Reenactment Groups The American Civil War, fought between 1861 and 1865, continues to live on in the form of living history reenactments. Most will sleep/camp at the reenactment event. Arkansas Infantry Reenactors. Most units have a list of acceptable gear and approved sutlers. 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. Uniforms are all wool for Federal portrayals, and a wool and cotton blend for Confederates. So, many die-hard history-lovers volunteer in historical reenactments for an action-packed and enlightening experience. 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 ]. What's more, you could get hurt. Reenacting events come in varying categories. Most people take their roles seriously and pride themselves on representing history as accurately as possible. California. Brogans are broad-soled half boots with leather soles worn by the common foot soldier. Mega events involve thousands of reenactors. After all, every one of the reenactors at an event arrived in a 21st century vehicle of some kind. Are you really excited about being a part of large battle reenactments? They are wondering if sleeping on the ground is as much fun as it was when they were young. Finding a reenactment unit has gone 21st century. While it is rare, people have died from the exertion. You may need to attend a handful of events with them before you get a good feel for the units personality and whether it is a good fit for you. The ones below have been in business for years and may be considered the mainstays of the hobby. A Civil War Reenactment will have various units such as artillery, cavalry, or infantry units. Cavalry reenactors have uniforms that are patterned after original cavalry uniforms. The 26th North Carolina Troops and the 24th Michigan ran head-on into each other on the first day of Gettysburg in McPhersons Woods. Typically, the age restriction for most events is 16 years old to carry a musket/rifle. At some late-war battles such as Bentonville, North Carolina and Saylers Creek, Virginia, Federal units armed with repeating rifles chewed into Confederate ranks. 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. Reenactors adopt what they call impressions based on the type of person they want to portray. 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. First-person When a reenactor speaks to fellow reenactors and the public as a person during the 1860s.
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