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

This manual includes such things as company tactics and firing details [source: Miller]. Since the war took place in the South, it is more difficult for Yankees in Northern states to make the events in the Southern states. 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. 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. Load more. To a CIVIL WAR reenactment. Your mentor can also assist you in finding used gear either from unit members or outside resources like eBay or Facebook. And finally, muskets are real guns. 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. Can one really hear a Civil War era term the rattle of musketry? 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. Many units have loaner gear or special requirements. 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. "How to Volunteer in Historical Reenactments" Being a Civil War reenactor is about stepping back in time to create believable characterpersonaor what reenactors call an impression. Reenactors have a variety of reasons for dressing up on the weekends then plunging into their interpretation of a war that killed, by recent estimates, 750,000 people. Also: Post Your Event Photos, Reviews, & Wrap-Ups. This is especially important when it comes to clothing and weaponry, as we'll see on the next page. The age restriction on handling firearms does not prevent one from taking part in the hobby. They carried Sharps rifles. 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. There is no age requirement for being a Civil War reenactor, but, of course, minors will need to have their parents approval and support. Reenacting units are organized in some of the same ways as Civil War companies and regiments. Members may portray either a military impression, or one of many civilian roles which are appropriate to the Civil War period. Units of mainstreamers may number from 20 to 100. Only a handful of men will make generals and they must know how to command at that level. But, for whatever reason, something about recreating the life of a Civil War soldier resonates with you and youre interested in joining the hobby. 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 . Reenactments are only fun if there are enough enemies on the other side. Cavalry reenactors have uniforms that are patterned after original cavalry uniforms. If you are up to the task, here's some information to get you started. How to join a reenactment group is not the hardest part of this journey, it's just the beginning. That means most Union forces on Southern battlefields likely talk with Southern accents even though they are in blue. California. 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. Mainstreamers cheerfully accept the nickname TBG- which stands for Tubby Bearded Guys. Local living histories at venues such as historically themed parks are where many potential reenactors see their first living historians. A colonial shopkeeper will have a pretty simple costume compared to a Civil War general's uniform. 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. 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. While we are based in Middle Tennessee, we have active and semi-active members in many states from Florida to Arizona and Alabama to Iowa besides our core Tennessee and Kentucky group. Are you really excited about being a part of large battle reenactments? When events are not limited by the numbers of participants per side, some events have seen Confederates outnumber Federals by five to oneat battles which the Federals won. How the Civilian Conservation Corps Worked, Historical Reenactment Costumes and Equipment, 2nd Rhode Island Regiment. No one in the 21st century really knows what it was like in the 19th century, but one can develop an idea from reading about the time period and convert that idea into a reenacting reality. For further reading suggestions and links to many of these online resources, please see the Stonewall Brigades Recommended Reading list. Unit Dues - Unit dues are typically the cheapest of all expenses. Powell, Kimberly. We do this by portraying soldiers and citizens at . 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. 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. The derogatory term for this same person is stitch nazi.. Typical costs for reenacting might include the following. Sutlers set up large tents at reenactments and also sell on-line. By joining such a society, you'll have time to try out your persona before committing to any major purchases for your own kit. 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. You'll have the Web at your fingertips to research an object's authenticity -- and to compare prices from multiple vendors. It is common to find Black reenactors sprinkled in the Confederate ranks. Reenactments vary greatly in size, with events in New England typically showcasing 100500 infantry, while the 150th anniversary of Gettysburg in 2013 is expected to field more than 15,000 reenactors, plus thousands of civilian interpreters, 400 horses, and 100 cannon. It is particularly valuable for its calendar of upcoming events, and book reviews. Young Civil War Reenactor (photo by D. Farr). This list is by no means complete. Brogans are broad-soled half boots with leather soles worn by the common foot soldier. Reliving the Civil War: A Re-enactors Handbook. A local company commander will be assigned to recruit new members, train them in the basics of military drill, and guide them in the purchase of the correct gear. To volunteer in historical reenactments, you'll be dedicating your time, sacrificing your modern comforts and paying a pretty penny. Our way to offer tribute to these great men of the Civil War is to study as much as possible . The weapons that reenactors carry are real -- and loaded. Aside from physical distance, a reenactor needs to take into consideration a few factors. Larger regiments will combine those companies to form a state-wide organization. The organization has grown to include dozens of civil war reenactors and their families. 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. Reenactors sacrifice immense amounts of time, effort, and money to recreate history. 4. Some states require even single shot, reproduction muskets to be registered with the government. Discover more about American history at one of these events. 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. The unit you ultimately join should be in a position to provide the elements that you want to get out of reenacting. Powell, Kimberly. And, they must already have relationships with the brigades and divisions they want to command. Get a feel for the atmosphere and conditions of a living history event before you rush to buy vintage style military uniforms & equipment. First-person - When a reenactor speaks to fellow reenactors and the public as a person during the 1860s. 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. To submit a reenactment group for consideration, please contact us here. The only difference between the Civil War and the reenacting firing is that no Mini ball is rammed down the barrel. And many battle reenactment societies require that you acquaint yourself thoroughly with the manual of arms. They'll have fun watching the excitement, and you'll get to teach them about history. It was anticipation of the 125th anniversary events, starting in 1986, when reenacting turned into a serious hobby. Some of the young men who started reenacting decades ago when the 125th anniversary events attracted them are now passing through middle age. 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. Eric Tetreault/Connecticut Renaissance Faire. Living Histories at original battlefields are by invitation by the National Park Service or the states that also maintain battlefields. 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]. 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. A reenactor could choose that impression by joining a reenacting unit following those uniform guidelines. And, if one wants, one can carry original muskets if they are safe. Civilian A person, male or female, who reenacts any non-military impression during Reenactments. Your email address will not be published. Buy at a reenactment or with the help of an experience unit member. 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. 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. Also, merchants who set up during reenactments and sell period-style goods to reenactors and the public. If you're thinking about volunteering in a historical reenactment, experienced reenactors will tell you that you shouldn't delve into this hobby without knowing what you're getting into. The Event Wire - Information. You'll also have to brush up on the language and customs specific to the era. 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! By now you are probably wondering, "how much is all of this going to cost me? 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. No detail about a reenactors appearance should be ignored. 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. 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. It is up to reenactors to know if they have the stamina to participate in the action. Civil War Encampment & Reenactment 2021 August 5, 2021 | Education, Events and Programs, Historic Hanna's Town Thank you to everyone who joined us for the biannual Civil War Encampment and Reenactment! That could be in California, Wisconsin, or even Russia. Rivers might be crossed. That means single reenactors in a specialty uniform must search out similar reenactors to fall in with at events. They are great foundational introductions to the topic. A Civil War Reenactment is the recreation of past battles for the education and entertainment of both spectators and hobbyists alike. How to Get Started on a Literature Review, Discovering the Occupations of Your Ancestors, Ancient Sources on Persian or Iranian History, Fun Family History Activities for Family Reunions, 3 Practical Ways to Become a Better Homeschooling Teacher, Certificate in Genealogical Research, Boston University. If the 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. Oftentimes, a young person will find themselves interested in living history but struggle to get involved. The stitch counters can belong in either the mainstream or the campaigner camp. (May 8, 2009) http://www.2ri.org/become_a_member.htm, Bromer, Zachary. A plastic mug would be farby as would a polyester uniform since they didnt have polyester in 1861. Before you purchase a musket and show up to your first event, you may find the following tips useful. 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. Hand to hand combat is heavily scripted, never engage on your own. In addition to having to wear hot, uncomfortable clothing, participants can forget about sleeping in comfortable beds, eating decent food and taking hot showers. That will mean pushing long hair under a hat, taking off ear rings, and doing their best to hide the evidence of being female. While headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, our membership encompasses Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. 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) 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. 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. Civil War soldiers or civilians didnt have digital watches or plastic frame eyeglasses. 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. Unit Dues - Unit dues are typically the cheapest of all expenses. We are active from Virginia to New England. Perhaps you attended a reenactment as a spectator and found yourself wishing you were in the midst of the smoke and confusion rather than watching it from afar. . There are Federal Zouave units who wear bright red pants, red trimmed jackets, and turbans. A few options to consider. 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. In other words, you can try it out and see how you like it. But if you're more interested in other wars or time periods, don't despair. People come to Civil War reenacting in a myriad of ways. The problem with these specialty impressions is that they only operate as units. Our editors update and regularly refine this enormous body of information to bring you reliable information. Women reenactors portraying soldiers are not uncommon, just as there were women in ranks during the Civil War. Which branch reenactors join is up to their interest in each branchand their financial resources. Shopping online is a good alternative to making purchases at a reenactment. For many people, there's nothing drier than a dense history book. If you've gotten this far then hopefully you've put some thought into this endeavor. What's more, you could get hurt. Sutlers Merchants who followed troops during the Civil War. Focused events try to recreate parts of battles. While reenacting is fun, it is also a physically taxing hobby. While it is rare, people have died from the exertion. Reenactment, appropriately called "living history," also means living under the same conditions encountered during the past. There are essentially three types of reenactors; mainstream, campaigners, and stitch counters. Once a prospective reenactor joins a unit the next step is to buy gear from sutlers, merchants specializing in the hobby named after the original civilian shop keepers who catered to the needs of Civil War soldiers. Any unit you contact should be extremely welcoming and do everything they can to have you join their ranks. Reenactor A person, male or female, dedicated to recreating the War Between the States or Civil War. Reenacting units staged living histories to explain weapons and uniforms at venues like schools and public parks to recruit new hobbyists. Most organization will not watch your 10 year old kid all day. When you're starting out as a volunteer, the unit you're working with will probably have a spare uniform you can borrow. The 26th North Carolina Troops and the 24th Michigan ran head-on into each other on the first day of Gettysburg in McPhersons Woods. 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. 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. Historical reenactment groups and living history groups offer an insight into how men and women lived in past times. Perhaps you have a friend in the hobby who has encouraged you to give it a try. How do war reenactments work? You must have a passion for history and an active imagination. R. Lee Hadden. The main thing one has to learn is the infantry drill, and to follow orders to execute maneuvers. 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. 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. Finding an organization for a child to partake in is not difficult. "How to Get Started With Historical Reenacting." Women participate as nurses, vivandieres, cooks, laundresses, or wives and sisters visiting the soldier in camp. 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. Whats not to like? That part of history cannot be changed. 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. that appeal to campaigners. 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. As a Civil War reenactor you will become a soldier, or a civilian, wearing authentic 1860s period clothing and learning to live as . A love of history, a desire to better understand what Civil War era soldiers and civilians experienced, the pleasure of camping with friends and cooking over an open fire all explain why reenactors follow this hobby. In exchange for staging drill and firing demonstrations for the visiting public, the reenactment units (usually those with a reputation for authenticity) are allowed to camp on the actual battlefields. Immersion events are small reenactments where reenactors carry everything with them with no resupply from vehicles. An Authentic Civil War Living History Association, Top Five Tips for Getting Started in Civil War Reenacting. Reenactors do not dwell on that terrible human cost. 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. "Become a Member." With the exception of events where rains flood the battlefield, reenactments are rarely cancelled for heat or cold. Uniforms are all wool for Federal portrayals, and a wool and cotton blend for Confederates. Although most common in the United States, there are also American Civil War reenactors in Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Italy, Denmark . Don't buy a uniform or other equipment until you've joined a unit, which might have its own particular rules for attire. 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. Need a reference? 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. 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. A love of history of all time periods is common though reenactors focus on the 19th century. Mega events involve thousands of reenactors. Real sticklers discourage men from wearing wedding bands as that custom was not around during The Civil War. The 125th Franklin, Tennessee event was held in minus 10 wind chill. Most will sleep/camp at the reenactment event. Reenactors believe that a weekend playing soldier or civilian brings them closer to understanding the experiences of the men and women who lived in that time. If the unit is dedicated to historical accuracy, the accommodations will be meager. 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.. Once you do, it's time to create your own historical persona. 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.