Civilian reenactors are the least expensive impressions to achieve, and have the most flexibility since the clothes chosen can range from elegant to simple. Sutlers set up large tents at reenactments and also sell on-line. (May 8, 2009) http://www.2ri.org/become_a_member.htm, Bromer, Zachary. They are also made from a relatively standardized style, so they can be used across a wide variety of impressions should you ultimately decide to join another unit or develop a different impression. Not sure about the geography of the middle east? In addition to special uniforms, some reenactors will be tempted to get special firearms. 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. Still, American Civil War reenactments can take place wherever the hobbyists can find ground. Depending upon your reenactment scenario, this may be a real individual or a fictional one who could have lived during your time period of interest. Reenactors need a shirt, coat, pants, wool socks, and a hat. - Confederate States or Confederate States Army. Muster A gathering, especially of troops, for service, inspection, review or roll call. All races and ethnicities can reenact. Reenacting for many is a serious, but fun, event. If looking to dive into Vietnam reenacting, the number one piece of advice is to speak to a unit before making purchases. In a reenactment, a persona is a character and role that you choose to portray. She teaches at the Genealogical Institute of Pittsburgh and the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. In historical reenactments, people from all walks of life gather together, dressed head-to-toe in period clothing. C.S. If you are up to the task, here's some information to get you started. You can buy relatively cheap U.S. uniforms from the World Wars. They'll have fun watching the excitement, and you'll get to teach them about history. They are designed to save you money, help you avoid some of the most common mistakes first time reenactors make, and give you the best chance at enjoying the hobby over the long-term. The largest event was likely the 135th Gettysburg reenactment where an estimated 15,000 attended. 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. 3 rd Florida Volunteer Infantry, Co. Most reenacting units have both a website and a Facebook page, making it easier for people to find local units. Three factors come into play, and the United States demonstrates all of them. 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. These groups often focus on reenactment of wars, offering members (and sometimes the public) a glimpse of what life was like during the conflicts that shaped history. A reenactor is a special breed of person. If the unit is a horse-drawn battery, the reenactors are expected to help groom, water, and feed the horses. "Dream Job: Historical Reenactor." When brigaded with other units, a reenactor general may command 200-300 men. 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. 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. All reenactors come into the unit as privates. 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. It is common to find Black reenactors sprinkled in the Confederate ranks. Just as in the Civil War armies, men who take on the rank must be able to perform at that rank. The 150th Manassas, Virginia event was held when the temperature on the field was 114 degrees. And, they must already have relationships with the brigades and divisions they want to command. By joining such a society, you'll have time to try out your persona before committing to any major purchases for your own kit. https://28thmass.orgLately I've noticed quite a few of you showing more interest in Civil War reenacting specifically. Encampments allow visitors to wander through a Civil War camp and observe soldiers training, resting, playing, and simply relaxingall without television, iPods, or computers! 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. Mountains might be climbed. Typical costs for reenacting might include the following. For many people, there's nothing drier than a dense history book. and then went into battle to save Lees army, but until one has marched that same route, it is all theory. 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. Not only does it reinforce our sense of pride in our heritage, but its something in which the entire family can participate. There are a wide variety of canteens including wooden ones that Confederate soldiers carried, but which would not be appropriate for Union soldiers. 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. 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. Here you can find a list of groups that portray the Great War period. Reliving the Civil War: A Re-enactors Handbook. 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. Reenacting. Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Jane McGrath Event Dues - This can really depend on the event and what is provided with the fee. After all, every one of the reenactors at an event arrived in a 21st century vehicle of some kind. Don't buy a uniform or other equipment until you've joined a unit, which might have its own particular rules for attire. The 49th Indiana, Company F is Indiana's oldest and largest nonprofit organization devoted to portraying life during the American Civil War. 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). To take part in high quality reenactments a reenactor should expect to drive at least a day for quality events. Civil War reenactors attempt to answer Footes rhetorical question by putting their 21st century selves into the roles of 19th century people. Confederate reenactors armed with single shot muskets have no choice but to fall or withdraw in the face of men using rifles that could carry upwards of 13 rounds that could be fired in a matter of seconds. Local living histories at venues such as historically themed parks are where many potential reenactors see their first living historians. Mega events involve thousands of reenactors. 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. Invitation events are smaller with limited numbers of participants making them easier to manage. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 1999. While the three-banded musket is standard, there might be the occasional chance to carry something else. The derogatory term for this same person is stitch nazi.. Civil War Reenacting makes an effort to list the websites of reenacting units, but, as might be expected, many units are not listed here. As they learn how to be a soldier, they take tests and advance through the non-commissioned ranks to corporals and sergeants. Home | 49th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Co.F Their website is: www.CivilWarNews.com, Camp Chase Gazette is a how-to magazine for authentic reenactors. Help/Ideas for Organizing a Reenactment - American Civil War Forums Artillery reenactors are expected to know how to work all of the positions of the cannon, which can cost upwards of $15,000 and likely belongs to one person. A few options to consider. Reenactments are family events, so feel free to bring the kids, too. Your email address will not be published. Tacticals are unscripted battles which are usually not open to the public. Germany . Do your research before making any purchases to ensure that you get the most authentic bang for your buck. This Forum is for Posting Civil War Event Information. By Robert Arvay. 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. With sound recordings, new generations could hear the Rebel yellyelped by 95-year-old men who still had the spunk to give it. 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. Children can usually even participate, although most reenactment groups have a minimum age (12 or 13 is common) for children to be allowed in more dangerous roles, such as on the battlefield. 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. Powell, Kimberly. Prospective reenactors should research units to judge how accepting they are of family participation. Be sure to look into this. It was I who asked historian Shelby Foote some 20 years ago: Is there anything about The War you dont know? I got the quick answer: I still dont know how they did it.. You'll have the Web at your fingertips to research an object's authenticity -- and to compare prices from multiple vendors. Becoming a historical re-enactor requires an unquenchable thirst for history and abiding patience with uncomfortable accommodations and ridiculous outfits. Becoming a Civil War Reenactor - InfoPlease Also welcome are Black reenactors portraying slaves or free blacks, teamsters, horse handlers, or other roles common to the period. How do your feet feel after marching 22 miles in a single day in thin-soled brogans? This manual includes such things as company tactics and firing details [source: Miller]. 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. Civil War Reenacting - Essential Civil War Curriculum While reenacting is fun, it is also a physically taxing hobby. There is no poll showing where reenactors live, but observation would put a majority of them in The South. That model Springfield was not developed until 1869. 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. If you have an interest in our American History during the period of 1861-1865, we invite you to join our ranks. I show up. We have members in four states Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi and Arkansas. This list is by no means complete. 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. R. Lee Hadden. Hundreds of . Wearing historically accurate clothing is essential to your impression and attention to details is important, i.e. While reenacting is a hobby, it has some of the trappings of operating in an actual army. Learn fife or drum. The 125th Franklin, Tennessee event was held in minus 10 wind chill. Dressing Up as Slaves for a Civil War Reenactment : r/TikTokCringe - Reddit Civil War Reenactment Groups The American Civil War, fought between 1861 and 1865, continues to live on in the form of living history reenactments. Reproduction clothing can cost several hundred dollars, and reproduction period rifles as much as $1000. Larger regiments will combine those companies to form a state-wide organization. Impression Many reenactors will choose an impression during a reenactment. There are scores of sutlers who operate regionally and nationally. The ones below have been in business for years and may be considered the mainstays of the hobby. Don't be overwhelmed! Colorado Connecticut. Authentic Campaigner is a blog dedicated to events, impressions, goods, etc. While those shows inspired then young, now-middle aged reenactors to study the war, the producers paid little attention to authenticity. Most units have a list of acceptable gear and approved sutlers. Some larger units will have majors, lieutenant colonels and colonels. Be prepared to be footsore! Attend a few such reenactment events and talk to members of the involved groups to learn more about their reenactment focus and activities. For reenactments that span several days, this can be grueling. 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. Typically, the age restriction for most events is 16 years old to carry a musket/rifle. The persona you select should have some personal significance to you. Or, Dad can stay in the military camp while Mom and the kids stay in a civilian camp. Can one really hear a Civil War era term the rattle of musketry? 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. There are Federal Zouave units who wear bright red pants, red trimmed jackets, and turbans. Some units are thinking of staging parts of battles as authentically as possible, complete with the scaled down, but statistically correct numbers of casualties, and the maneuvers mentioned in survivor accounts. These characteristics can be challenging to identify by examining a units website or Facebook page or by chatting with the members at an event. Reenactors do not dwell on that terrible human cost. Reenacting events come in varying categories. 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. Salary.com. Also, merchants who set up during reenactments and sell period-style goods to reenactors and the public. There's nothing volunteering in a historical reenactment to experience the sights, sounds and smells of history. The persona is sometimes referred to as an impression. Reenacting units are organized in companies and regiments by reenactors from the same geographic area, much as Civil War companies and regiments were organized. 2) Consider What You Want Out of Reenacting: Spend some time thinking about what aspects of reenacting interest you. Each reenactor has a specific role to play, so volunteers are expected to have extensive knowledge of the historical event as well as the time period in which it occurs. Learn about one of the world's oldest and most popular religions. Instead they staged brigade-sized snowball fights. If the idea of volunteering in historical reenactments is appealing to you, the first thing you should do is attend some of these events as a spectator. Do other countries have war reenactments? - floreseagle.youramys.com A plastic mug would be farby as would a polyester uniform since they didnt have polyester in 1861. Period clothing and accessories can be very expensive -- depending on the period and figure you're portraying. 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 most stare-inducing women reenactors are those ladies portraying Catholic nuns who served as nurses during the war. Only a handful of men will make generals and they must know how to command at that level. They are wondering if sleeping on the ground is as much fun as it was when they were young. It is particularly valuable for its calendar of upcoming events, and book reviews. 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]. In summer, many men carry two. While doing their impression many will do a first-person impression. 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. Infoplease knows the value of having sources you can trust. Before you purchase a musket and show up to your first event, you may find the following tips useful. 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. 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. If you have any specific ideas, try to make those known as far in advance as possible so the re-enactors know what to expect and can plan to do what you wish. 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. WW1 Reenactment Groups. Particularly welcomeand neededat reenactments are Black reenactors. Many units have loaner gear or special requirements. 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. 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. For instance, the Stonewall Brigades list is located here. 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. 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. 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. Post Advance Schedules Up to 1 Year in Advance. By now you are probably wondering, "how much is all of this going to cost me? olg pick 4 Family Friendly Units - If reenacting is to become your next family adventure, you're going to have to find a family friendly unit. Once you do, it's time to create your own historical persona. how to join a civil war reenactment group - Iccleveland.org The gear does not stop at just a firearm either. Did you have ancestors who participated in a particular war? (May 8, 2009) http://www.salary.com/personal/layoutscripts/psnl_articles.asp?tab=psn&cat=cat011&ser=ser032, Miller, John. 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. Speculation among reenactors is that smaller, focused events is where the hobby is headed. The largest event was the 135th Gettysburg reenactment which involved 15,000 reenactors. Short of actually traveling back in time, however, there is no better way to learn about history than by living it first-hand as a reenactor. That means most Union forces on Southern battlefields likely talk with Southern accents even though they are in blue. In 2014 the name was changed to North Florida Artillery Historical Foundation, Inc. was established as a non profit/IRS organization. Reenactors wanting to get as close as possible to how the soldiers lived will use this resource. The age restriction on handling firearms does not prevent one from taking part in the hobby. Perhaps a particular company or regiment in the war had distinctive uniforms. In other words, you can try it out and see how you like it. 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. What does it take to start a civil war? - American Thinker Civil War soldiers or civilians didnt have digital watches or plastic frame eyeglasses. Once you invest time and money into historical volunteerism, you'll likely find great reward from all your efforts. Active members, either military or . Stan Honda . 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. Sandbox Learning is part of Sandbox & Co., a digital learning company. 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 ]. Families wishing to stay together all weekend can portray civilians. Youre obviously interested in the Civil War, otherwise you wont be considering reenacting. For the Bray family in Brunswick, American Civil War reenactment is more than just a historical hobby it's a family affair. Read more. 2nd Rhode Island Regiment. The only difference between the Civil War and the reenacting firing is that no Mini ball is rammed down the barrel. "How to Volunteer in Historical Reenactments" Also: Post Your Event Photos, Reviews, & Wrap-Ups. 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. Focused events try to recreate parts of battles. Check your laws! Infoplease is a reference and learning site, combining the contents of an encyclopedia, a dictionary, an atlas and several almanacs loaded with facts. Some states require even single shot, reproduction muskets to be registered with the government. The youngest vet eran was 61 and the oldest was 112. https://www.thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852 (accessed March 5, 2023). Living History Archive. Units portraying the Vietnam War aren't nearly as prolific as World War 2 or Civil War impressions. Check ourencyclopedia for a gloss on thousands of topics from biographies to the table of elements. Reenactors accept discomfort, port-a-johns, close quarters, and the aches that come with carrying gear that weighs 20 pounds or more. Living Histories at original battlefields are by invitation by the National Park Service or the states that also maintain battlefields. How To Join A Civil War Reenactment Group | TooIF You will need to visit a sutlery (supply store run by a civilian, a "sutler"), either online or in person, in order to get your basic gear, called a "kit". How to join a reenactment group is not the hardest part of this journey, it's just the beginning. That is my indication and EXPRESSED consent to be treated like a slave by all participating confederate soldiers. Reenactors adopt what they call impressions based on the type of person they want to portray. The problem with these specialty impressions is that they only operate as units. Our Organization - 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment 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. Reenacting units keep a list of approved sutlers that have proven to stock authentic and well-made goods. While Confederate regulations called for a kepi, most men opted for a slouch hat, a broad-brimmed hat of varying styles. 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. - "A Union Civil War Living History and Reenacting organization located in the greater Connecticut area. 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. Whoever is physically able can take to the battlefield with certain age restrictions. Too far back and the soldier in the front rank is too close to the muzzle blast. 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. You'll also have to brush up on the language and customs specific to the era. Women participate as nurses, vivandieres, cooks, laundresses, or wives and sisters visiting the soldier in camp. Once you've chosen a time period and character, you need to learn everything you can,from the way they dressed and ate, to their manner of speech, cultural beliefs, and social interactions. 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. A Civil War Reenactment is the recreation of past battles for the education and entertainment of both spectators and hobbyists alike. Some of the young men who started reenacting decades ago when the 125th anniversary events attracted them are now passing through middle age. Some people do take the "authenticity" to an extreme, but most groups welcome anyone with an interest. Cavalry reenactors have uniforms that are patterned after original cavalry uniforms. As a spectator, you have a great opportunity to get a preview of what volunteering is like. I. Delaware. 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. Winter reenactors will want heavy overcoats which can cost upwards of $300. Reenactment groups and societies can be found all over the world, although they are especially active in the U.S., UK, Germany, Sweden, Canada, and Australia. List of historical reenactment groups - Wikipedia 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. Reenactor Groups by State Listing presented by the Quartermaster Shop Most reenacting units are equipped to act as either Federal or Confederate troops in order to be able to balance numbers at reenacting events. Historical reenacting gives you that chance. 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. 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. Nothing spoils the look of a rank of men in a battle line then seeing someone wearing modern day glasses or ear rings. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. This video brings you to the historic battlefields of Aike. Muskets are real guns and fire a full powder charge but no bullet. 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. Contact | 49th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Co.F 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]. Nearly all of the muskets available today are made in Italy, but some used ones manufactured back in the 1970s and 1980s are available from Japan and England.