how to join a civil war reenactment group
how to join a civil war reenactment group
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. Real sticklers discourage men from wearing wedding bands as that custom was not around during The Civil War. Youre obviously interested in the Civil War, otherwise you wont be considering reenacting. Learning an instrument is typically the easiest way for children to get involved. These events were often staged with paying spectators in mind, leading to sights that irritated reenactors such as rushing the enemy in a chargebut with multi-tiered bleachers behind the enemy. Leather cartridge box, belt, bayonet scabbard and cap box come in a variety of types and colors such as russet brown, but most men choose black so the same accoutrements can be used for both Confederate and Union impressions. 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. 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. Germany . This video brings you to the historic battlefields of Aike. Rivers might be crossed. Civilian - A person, male or female, who reenacts any non-military impression during Reenactments. 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. Then again in 1938, those same veterans returned. 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. WW1 Reenactment Groups. 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. Reenactment Groups in Central Kentucky - American Civil War Forums 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. Members may portray either a military impression, or one of many civilian roles which are appropriate to the Civil War period. These events help reenactors immerse themselves in the reenacting experience, gaining first-hand knowledge of war, battle strategy, and the hardships of combat. Check your local newspaper or reenactment Web sites for listings of upcoming reenactment events in your area. 2022 Sandbox Networks Inc. All rights reserved. If you have an interest in our American History during the period of 1861-1865, we invite you to join our ranks. With the exception of events where rains flood the battlefield, reenactments are rarely cancelled for heat or cold. Thanks for reaching out John we just got in touch to provide you some additional information. 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. The Event Wire - Information. Too far back and the soldier in the front rank is too close to the muzzle blast. Merchants known as sutlers set up on-site to sell clothing, accessories and weapons. 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. There are Federal Zouave units who wear bright red pants, red trimmed jackets, and turbans. For instance, Revolutionary War-era equipment is generally more expensive than Civil War weapons. The most stare-inducing women reenactors are those ladies portraying Catholic nuns who served as nurses during the war. 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. 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. 3 rd Florida Volunteer Infantry, Co. 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! You'll also have to brush up on the language and customs specific to the era. When brigaded with other units, a reenactor general may command 200-300 men. Perhaps you have a friend in the hobby who has encouraged you to give it a try. R. Lee Hadden. "How to Get Started With Historical Reenacting." During the Civil War Native Americans, Blacks, Asians, and Hispanics fought on both sides. 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. 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. 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. While headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, our membership encompasses Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. Marches can range from a mile or so from camp to the battlefield to more than 20 miles at special events. If you've gotten this far then hopefully you've put some thought into this endeavor. 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 . . Just as in the Civil War armies, men who take on the rank must be able to perform at that rank. First-person - When a reenactor speaks to fellow reenactors and the public as a person during the 1860s. The problem with modern day reenacting for USCTs is that they were not at many of the major battles because the original Union generals refused to put them into ranks beside white soldiers and because significant numbers werent enlisted or trained until the middle of 1863. Oftentimes, a young person will find themselves interested in living history but struggle to get involved. 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. 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. Most reenactment groups have extra clothing, uniforms,costumes, and props that they are willing to loan to newcomers. 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.. Salary.com. Take your hits (deaths) If you wish to fight in a different unit that a family member fought in during the civil war. Which branch reenactors join is up to their interest in each branchand their financial resources. Top Five Tips for Getting Started in Civil War Reenacting This is especially important when it comes to clothing and weaponry, as we'll see on the next page. Mega-events, reenactments where reenactors number several thousand, are likely gone forever now that the 150th anniversary events ended in 2015. Also welcome are Black reenactors portraying slaves or free blacks, teamsters, horse handlers, or other roles common to the period. Period clothing and accessories can be very expensive -- depending on the period and figure you're portraying. 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. Civil War reenactors attempt to answer Footes rhetorical question by putting their 21st century selves into the roles of 19th century people. Both sides tolerate them. 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). Stan Honda . Most will sleep/camp at the reenactment event. Although most common in the United States, there are also American Civil War reenactors in Canada, the United Kingdom,. "How to Get Started With Historical Reenacting." The unit you ultimately join should be in a position to provide the elements that you want to get out of reenacting. 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. 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. Reenactors enjoy camping, cooking over an open fire, guns, loud noises, marching, military discipline, and telling stories. Finally, there is the largest investment of all, the musket and bayonet. Focused events try to recreate parts of battles. Reenactors do not dwell on that terrible human cost. Please Keep Reenactment Discussions in Proper Forum! For many people, there's nothing drier than a dense history book. Welcome! Florida. Check out our article How to Join a Reenactment Group. Reenactors living near each other form around a company that comes from that same geographic area. Hundreds of . Or, Dad can stay in the military camp while Mom and the kids stay in a civilian camp. Berdans Sharpshooters were a Federal unit of sharpshooters who wore dark green uniforms as an early form of camouflage. 4) Read As Much As You Can: The best way to start your career in reenacting out right is to read extensively. 7th Florida Infantry Regiment, Company F. 21st Georgia Volunteer Infantry Civil War Reenactment Unit, 24th Georgia vols Company B civil War reenacting group, Company A, 2nd Battalion Georgia Sharpshooters, 104th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Company H, First Maryland Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 28th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Company B, 4th Texas Co. E / 16th Michigan Co. B Civil War Reenactors, Reynolds' Battery L 1st New York Light Artillery, 75th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Company A, Company "C" 2nd Regiment Berdan Sharpshooters. They'll have fun watching the excitement, and you'll get to teach them about history. How Civil Wars Start - Foreign Policy Unit Dues - Unit dues are typically the cheapest of all expenses. The dues are an important aspect of keeping reenactment groups operating. 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. The 26th North Carolina Troops and the 24th Michigan ran head-on into each other on the first day of Gettysburg in McPhersons Woods. 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. Finding a reenactment unit has gone 21st century. Many reenactors are completely outfitted with clothing, packs, gear, and vehicles their typical persona would carry. Dressing Up as Slaves for a Civil War Reenactment : r/TikTokCringe - Reddit 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. A reenactor could choose that impression by joining a reenacting unit following those uniform guidelines. While the vast majority of reenactors are standard uniformed Confederate and Union soldiers, there are some small numbers who wear unique uniforms. Reenactment, appropriately called "living history," also means living under the same conditions encountered during the past. 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. Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved by Milsurpia. 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. The North Florida Artillery was incorporated as a non-profit organization in the state of Florida in March 2007. 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. Finding a reenactment group isn't as easy as looking at a map and finding the unit closest to you. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. The youngest vet eran was 61 and the oldest was 112. 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. 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. While the majority of soldiers were in the 1840 age range, in many enlistment cases birth years were overlooked, or were fabricated. Many organizations, particularly Civil War, offer family friendly scenarios. Little children have no business on the field because they can become separated from parents. How do your feet feel after marching 22 miles in a single day in thin-soled brogans? That is also the reason why most leather gear is black, the standard Union color. Typical costs for reenacting might include the following. Families wishing to stay together all weekend can portray civilians. 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]. Larger regiments will combine those companies to form a state-wide organization. Your email address will not be published. To take part in high quality reenactments a reenactor should expect to drive at least a day for quality events. 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. clear this with both units and dont just show up expecting to be ok. Powell, Kimberly. Colorado Connecticut. The stitch counters can belong in either the mainstream or the campaigner camp. Welcome to the home of the 52nd Tennessee Co. C. We are a group of living historians centered around the American Civil War. Read more. No detail about a reenactors appearance should be ignored. Becoming a Civil War Reenactor - InfoPlease While those shows inspired then young, now-middle aged reenactors to study the war, the producers paid little attention to authenticity. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 1999. Becoming a historical re-enactor requires an unquenchable thirst for history and abiding patience with uncomfortable accommodations and ridiculous outfits. The granddaddy of all Civil War sutlers started outfitting reenactors in the mid-1970s. During the Civil War Native Americans, Blacks, Asians, and Hispanics fought on both sides. The easiest way for children to get involved in reenacting is to do it as a family. An Authentic Civil War Living History Association, Top Five Tips for Getting Started in Civil War Reenacting. A few options to consider. Being a Civil War reenactor is about stepping back in time to create believable characterpersonaor what reenactors call an impression. It is common to find Black reenactors sprinkled in the Confederate ranks. Women participate as nurses, vivandieres, cooks, laundresses, or wives and sisters visiting the soldier in camp. Reenacting is at a cross-roads. Impression Many reenactors will choose an impression during a reenactment. Powell, Kimberly. Historical reenactment groups and living history groups offer an insight into how men and women lived in past times. Both firearms are basically the same, but it is critical that reenactors choose the longer 3-banded models over the sometimes available two-banded models. 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. 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. Once you invest time and money into historical volunteerism, you'll likely find great reward from all your efforts. The 125th Franklin, Tennessee event was held in minus 10 wind chill. They should also have a list of recommended vendors that sell uniforms and equipment that meet their units standards. When you're starting out as a volunteer, the unit you're working with will probably have a spare uniform you can borrow. Learn fife or drum. Photos from the time period show some men marching in ranks with M-1 Garands, World War II semi-automatic rifles. Civil War Re-enactment Group - North Florida Artillery Historical At some late-war battles such as Bentonville, North Carolina and Saylers Creek, Virginia, Federal units armed with repeating rifles chewed into Confederate ranks. Some states require even single shot, reproduction muskets to be registered with the government. These can range anywhere from $5 a month to $25 a month. We've got you covered with our map collection. 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. 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. For reenactments that span several days, this can be grueling. Do you have a passion for Ancient Rome, medieval fashion, or Colonial America, and the Salem Witch Trials? The 125th anniversary of the start of the war in 1986 saw reenacting turn into a serious hobby. Check with your reenacting unit before buying any gun. All races and ethnicities can reenact. It is where the Civil War soldier carried his food and where the reenactor will carry his food, wallet and car keys. In summer, many men carry two. Tennessee civil war reenactments 2022 - Qyk.simrim.it If you can find material written by men from the unit you portray, even better. Tacticals are unscripted battles which are usually not open to the public. "How to Volunteer in Historical Reenactments" Active members, either military or . 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". WELCOME TO THE 49TH INDIANA CO.F. Civil War Reenacting makes an effort to list the websites of reenacting units, but, as might be expected, many units are not listed here. This Forum is for Posting Civil War Event Information. Reenactment Groups - Milsurpia Civilian reenactors are the least expensive impressions to achieve, and have the most flexibility since the clothes chosen can range from elegant to simple. 21st Virginia, F Company, inc., is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501 (c)3 , living history, educational and Civil War re-enactment organization. 4 June 2009. Threadcounter A reenactor who insists on a historically accurate impression, down to fabric and buttonholes having the same threadcount typical of the time. 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. Other less expensive options are impressions of a civilian water boy, drummer boy, messenger, or just a regular kidthey were certainly, if unfortunately, caught up in the war. You'll have the Web at your fingertips to research an object's authenticity -- and to compare prices from multiple vendors. Three factors come into play, and the United States demonstrates all of them. Women reenactors portraying soldiers are not uncommon, just as there were women in ranks during the Civil War. Reenacting does require a commitment, however, in both time and resources. Invitation events are smaller with limited numbers of participants making them easier to manage. They will speak as though the War Between the States is current. Most reenactors are everyday people from all walks of life, with ages ranging from 16 to people in their sixties. The best first purchase you can make is a pair of well-built shoes, usually called brogans or bootees. 9th KY 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. Reenactments are only fun if there are enough enemies on the other side. That is what reenacting is all about; trying to live for a weekend like a Civil War soldier or civilian to figure out how they did it. Reenactors need a shirt, coat, pants, wool socks, and a hat. Sometimes, you'll be able to find authentic uniforms to wear to reenactments, especially for 20th-century wars. First-person When a reenactor speaks to fellow reenactors and the public as a person during the 1860s. Reenacting units keep a list of approved sutlers that have proven to stock authentic and well-made goods. Get Started in Reenacting - ReenactmentHQ 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. 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. CIVIL WAR REENACTING | How to Join a Unit - YouTube They are wondering if sleeping on the ground is as much fun as it was when they were young. 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. Reenactors who claim: My ancestors would roll over in their graves if I portrayed the other side are frowned upon. Living history events include encampments, parades, and school enrichment programs. 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 . 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 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. I show up. For the Bray family in Brunswick, American Civil War reenactment is more than just a historical hobby it's a family affair. Our editors update and regularly refine this enormous body of information to bring you reliable information. The future of reenacting rests on the shoulders of younger generations. Each unit has a different function and will provide a much different experience. Horses, though trained to expect loud noises from cannons, rifles, pistols and clanging sabers, sometimes throw their riders to the ground. Perhaps you have a friend in the hobby who has encouraged you to give it a try. The derogatory term for this same person is stitch nazi.. 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. Mainstreamers cheerfully accept the nickname TBG- which stands for Tubby Bearded Guys. Reenacting - 9th Pennsylvania Reserves 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. I. Delaware. 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. A police officer grips a corner of a torn U.S. flag at a memorial ceremony in New York on Sept. 11, 2004. "How to Become a Re-Enactor." How does a starving man march 20 miles then go into a three-hour battle? [1]. It might be a good idea to spring for the unit's annual fee for insurance coverage in case of an injury. 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. 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. It was anticipation of the 125th anniversary events, starting in 1986, when reenacting turned into a serious hobby. Local living histories at venues such as historically themed parks are where many potential reenactors see their first living historians. Most units will have a decent collection of clothes, gear, and even muskets that you can borrow, but it is often difficult to find loaner shoes since many reenactors only own a single pair. That inattention to historical details led to groan-inducing scenes (for reenactors anyway) in Shenandoah where Jimmy Stewarts teenaged son grabs a Trapdoor Springfield and starts fighting. One note for reenactors living in states with strict gun laws. 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. 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. "Become a Member." You must have a passion for history and an active imagination. Historical reenactors are known for being sticklers for accuracy. Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era is a Pulitzer Prize-winning work on the American Civil War. 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. Civil War reenactment in Florida ends after 40 years - WJXT Most reenactors collect their kit over a period of time, borrowing from generous fellow soldiers until they are fully outfitted. If you asked to galvanize (switch sides) for a battle or event, dont complain. Reenactors often do more interacting with the visiting public such as performing drill and firing demonstrations, and giving flag and equipment talks. Here are the facts and trivia that people are buzzing about. 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. And finally, muskets are real guns. By joining such a society, you'll have time to try out your persona before committing to any major purchases for your own kit. How to Volunteer in Historical Reenactments | HowStuffWorks Following are some useful terms to acquaint you with Civil War Reenacting. Also, merchants who set up during reenactments and sell period-style goods to reenactors and the public. Most reenacting units have both a website and a Facebook page, making it easier for people to find local units. We strive for accurate historical depiction of our original unit." YouTube Video Creator "History Boy" Drummer, 8th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry Co. 1) Put the Credit Card Away: The absolute best advice anyone can give you is to delay purchasing any gear. Company B, the reenacting group, is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer . 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.