Uniforms are all wool for Federal portrayals, and a wool and cotton blend for Confederates. Stan Honda . Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 1999. With sound recordings, new generations could hear the Rebel yellyelped by 95-year-old men who still had the spunk to give it. 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. There are reenactment groups for almost any era that captures your interest, such as ancient Rome, the Middle Ages, the American Revolution or either of the World Wars. 21 Virginia F-Company 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. The problem with these specialty impressions is that they only operate as units. The age restriction on handling firearms does not prevent one from taking part in the hobby. .com/us/military/civil-war-reenactor.html. 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. 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. They'll have fun watching the excitement, and you'll get to teach them about history. American Civil War Society. We are active from Virginia to New England. Typical costs for reenacting might include the following. Tacticals are unscripted battles which are usually not open to the public. Load more. Reenacting does require a commitment, however, in both time and resources. There is at least one Civil War era brass band using period instruments and playing period music. Women reenactors portraying soldiers are not uncommon, just as there were women in ranks during the Civil War. 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. How do war reenactments work? Most reenactors are everyday people from all walks of life, with ages ranging from 16 to people in their sixties. 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. 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]. Many groups may bridge these labels and there is a great degree of variation within the clusters, but generally reenacting organizations fall into one of the following categories: 3) Do Your Research on Units: The current reality of the reenacting hobby is that every unit is eager, if not borderline desperate, to add new recruits to their ranks. Don't let that stop you! Living like a person in 1863, even if only for a few hours or a few days, would surely sharpen your skills as a historian, actor, and citizen. The basic costs of outfitting an infantryman are between $1,500 and $2,000 which rises to $2,500 to $3,000 with the purchase of tents, ponchos, cooking gear, overcoats and other additional gear. For instance, the 26th Regiment of North Carolina Troops also portrays the 24th Michigan of The Iron Brigade when it reenacts as Federals. 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. 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. 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. Impression Many reenactors will choose an impression during a reenactment. The main thing one has to learn is the infantry drill, and to follow orders to execute maneuvers. Learn fife or drum. What did the Gettysburg artillery barrage sound like? 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. Young Civil War Reenactor (photo by D. Farr). 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. For the Bray family in Brunswick, American Civil War reenactment is more than just a historical hobby it's a family affair. Used by permission of Kathleen Smith. Some larger units will have majors, lieutenant colonels and colonels. The stitch counters can belong in either the mainstream or the campaigner camp. Unit Dues - Unit dues are typically the cheapest of all expenses. The persona is sometimes referred to as an impression. 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. First-person When a reenactor speaks to fellow reenactors and the public as a person during the 1860s. 2022 Sandbox Networks Inc. All rights reserved. Reenactors living near each other form around a company that comes from that same geographic area. It is up to reenactors to know if they have the stamina to participate in the action. Join us for a captivating reenactment of a Civil War skirmish, brought to life in stunning detail! American Civil War reenactment - Wikipedia (May 8, 2009) http://www.salary.com/personal/layoutscripts/psnl_articles.asp?tab=psn&cat=cat011&ser=ser032, Miller, John. Be sure to look into this. Kimberly Powell is a professional genealogist and the author of The Everything Guide to Online Genealogy. If you are having any kind of encampment and want it in a certain order, let them know ahead of time. Your email address will not be published. Company B, the reenacting group, is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer . The USCTs fought as all Black units commanded by white officers. 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. Reenacting units keep a list of approved sutlers that have proven to stock authentic and well-made goods. A Civil War Reenactment is the recreation of past battles for the education and entertainment of both spectators and hobbyists alike. Modern day work boots are not acceptable. Check your local newspaper or reenactment Web sites for listings of upcoming reenactment events in your area. In addition to special uniforms, some reenactors will be tempted to get special firearms. Cavalry reenactors have uniforms that are patterned after original cavalry uniforms. Reenactor Groups by State Listing presented by the Quartermaster Shop 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. For the sake of authenticity, women do not bear arms. Do your research before making any purchases to ensure that you get the most authentic bang for your buck. Wearing historically accurate clothing is essential to your impression and attention to details is important, i.e. Typical costs for reenacting might include the following. Just how much does it cost to be a Civil War reenactor? 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 reenactor could choose that impression by joining a reenacting unit following those uniform guidelines. While there are several models such as an early war smoothbore musket, or a mid-war rifle musket, there are really only two brand choices for infantry. This manual includes such things as company tactics and firing details [source: Miller]. As they learn how to be a soldier, they take tests and advance through the non-commissioned ranks to corporals and sergeants. Attend a few such reenactment events and talk to members of the involved groups to learn more about their reenactment focus and activities. You'll have the Web at your fingertips to research an object's authenticity -- and to compare prices from multiple vendors. I. Delaware. Reenactors wanting to get as close as possible to how the soldiers lived will use this resource. The only difference between the Civil War and the reenacting firing is that no Mini ball is rammed down the barrel. - Confederate States or Confederate States Army. 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. Many units have loaner gear or special requirements. Threadcounter A reenactor who insists on a historically accurate impression, down to fabric and buttonholes having the same threadcount typical of the time. Children as young as 8 have been seen at many reenactments partaking in field music. 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. People come to Civil War reenacting in a myriad of ways. Most units will be eager to help you select gear that fits with their authenticity standards and will offer up the unit commander, a non-commissioned officer, or another senior member to mentor you through your initial purchases. They, in turn, showed the VHS tapes to younger historians, who learned that the soldiers on screen were not actors, but young men acting out their historical fantasies. 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. We have members in four states Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi and Arkansas. 9th KY 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 - 9th Pennsylvania Reserves 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. It might be a good idea to spring for the unit's annual fee for insurance coverage in case of an injury. C.S. Reenacting gear includes the uniform, accoutrements, a musket, shoes, hat and more, all purchased from sutlers, merchants specializing in reproduction products for reenactors. At the reenactments of those battles, Federal reenactors with access to repeating rifles like the 1860 Henry or the Spencer rifle or carbine will brigade together to recreate those particular actions. Take the time to fully research your character and period, considering where yourpersonalives, his age, hisoccupation, and his social status, before purchasing items which may or may not be authentic or appropriate. Infoplease is a reference and learning site, combining the contents of an encyclopedia, a dictionary, an atlas and several almanacs loaded with facts. Emmitsburg Area Historical Society.http://www.emmitsburg.net/archive_list/articles/misc/re-enactor.htm, Special Offer on Antivirus Software From HowStuffWorks and TotalAV Security, How the Civilian Conservation Corp Worked. 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. 5) Purchase Slowly and Strategically: When you are ready to start purchasing gear, take your time and make your purchases strategic. The future of reenacting rests on the shoulders of younger generations. How to Volunteer in Historical Reenactments | HowStuffWorks 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. 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". These events help reenactors immerse themselves in the reenacting experience, gaining first-hand knowledge of war, battle strategy, and the hardships of combat. 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. The 52nd Tennessee Infantry Reenacting units staged living histories to explain weapons and uniforms at venues like schools and public parks to recruit new hobbyists. Unit Dues - Unit dues are typically the cheapest of all expenses. https://www.thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852 (accessed March 5, 2023). Once you do, it's time to create your own historical persona. Most reenactors collect their kit over a period of time, borrowing from generous fellow soldiers until they are fully outfitted. 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. Most reenactment groups have extra clothing, uniforms,costumes, and props that they are willing to loan to newcomers. While headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, our membership encompasses Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. R. Lee Hadden. 1) Put the Credit Card Away: The absolute best advice anyone can give you is to delay purchasing any gear. AUTHENTIC Civil War Flag General W.F. 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. While military reenacting is popular in many countries and covering many wars, Civil War Reenacting has been a growing hobby since it began in the 1960s spurred on by the Centennial. Mega-events, reenactments where reenactors number several thousand, are likely gone forever now that the 150th anniversary events ended in 2015. While the vast majority of reenactors are standard uniformed Confederate and Union soldiers, there are some small numbers who wear unique uniforms. 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. These can range anywhere from $5 a month to $25 a month. To take part in high quality reenactments a reenactor should expect to drive at least a day for quality events. Learning an instrument is typically the easiest way for children to get involved. 2nd Rhode Island Regiment. Think about who you are in real life,or the person you secretly want to be, and translate that to an individual who lived during your time period of interest. 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. 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). Civilian reenactors are the least expensive impressions to achieve, and have the most flexibility since the clothes chosen can range from elegant to simple. (2020, August 26). This video brings you to the historic battlefields of Aike. Attend a few such reenactment events and talk to members of the involved groups to learn more about their reenactment focus and activities. To submit a reenactment group for consideration, please contact us here. 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. If you choose an active reenactment role, you'll need to be in good health, capable of the physical activity and lack of everyday comforts that are inherent in reenacting. If there were other units at the events you attended who seemed like a better fit for what youre looking for, consider contacting them about falling in at their next event. How do I join a unit as a reenactor? This is especially important when it comes to clothing and weaponry, as we'll see on the next page. If the unit is dedicated to historical accuracy, the accommodations will be meager. Reenacting. 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. Civil War Reenacting makes an effort to list the websites of reenacting units, but, as might be expected, many units are not listed here. Arch supports were not invented in the 1860s, but feel free to put anything inside that helps you march. To those who do not do it, reenacting may seem like an odd hobby; spending the weekend recreating a war that killed upwards of three quarters of a million people when the United States population was just 31 million. The derogatory term for this same person is stitch nazi.. A reenactor is a special breed of person. Period clothing and accessories can be very expensive -- depending on the period and figure you're portraying. Civil War reenacting group in Colorado, Wyoming, Texas, and New Hampshire. 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.. Living history events include encampments, parades, and school enrichment programs. (May 8, 2009) http://www.2ri.org/become_a_member.htm, Bromer, Zachary. The 150th Manassas, Virginia event was held when the temperature on the field was 114 degrees. Civil War Traveler lists a variety of events, including reenactments, searchable by state so newcomers can see some reenactments in person and talk to unit members. 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. John Miller, a veteran reenactor who specializes in the Civil War, warns prospective volunteers that the hobby can get dangerous [source: Miller]. Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era is a Pulitzer Prize-winning work on the American Civil War. Finally, there is the largest investment of all, the musket and bayonet. Civil War Reenactment Groups - Milsurpia Civil War Re-enactment Group - North Florida Artillery Historical A colonial shopkeeper will have a pretty simple costume compared to a Civil War general's uniform. 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. Should I join a Civil War reenactment group? Is it fun? - Quora While the majority of soldiers were in the 1840 age range, in many enlistment cases birth years were overlooked, or were fabricated. That does not mean that single, unit-unaffiliated Black reenactors in blue will not be allowed in ranks at reenactments such as Gettysburg, but it is not historically accurate. It is common to find Black reenactors sprinkled in the Confederate ranks. And that will generally be a four-wheel-drive SUV as all reenactors will one day find themselves in a muddy field wondering if they will be able to get out in time to get back to work on Monday. A canteen holding about two quarts of water is critical. The 125th anniversary of the start of the war in 1986 saw reenacting turn into a serious hobby. Otherwise, the 60 grains of powder and a piece of paper wadding for each charge is authentic. The most stare-inducing women reenactors are those ladies portraying Catholic nuns who served as nurses during the war. 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. Before you purchase a musket and show up to your first event, you may find the following tips useful. 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 American Civil War period. If youre interested in an immersive, authentic experience, joining a mainstream unit will be a poor fit. 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, Civil War recreationists, or living historians. Contact | 49th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Co.F olg pick 4 Rivers might be crossed. Civil War Encampment & Reenactment 2021 - Westmoreland County Some states require even single shot, reproduction muskets to be registered with the government. It is particularly valuable for its calendar of upcoming events, and book reviews. 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. Required fields are marked *. The ones below have been in business for years and may be considered the mainstays of the hobby. In a reenactment, a persona is a character and role that you choose to portray. So, many die-hard history-lovers volunteer in historical reenactments for an action-packed and enlightening experience. 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. 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. We come from in and around Shelby County. 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. The hobby of Civil War reenacting continues to attract participants and spectators who care about Civil War history and the 19th century people who lived it. Some units have fifers and drummers. No detail about a reenactors appearance should be ignored. 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. Finding an organization for a child to partake in is not difficult. 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 . 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. Brogans are broad-soled half boots with leather soles worn by the common foot soldier. American Civil War reenactment | Military Wiki | Fandom California. Most reenactment organizations also won't allow children under 16 to bear arms. If you can find material written by men from the unit you portray, even better. This Forum is for Posting Civil War Event Information. "How to Become a Re-Enactor." Reenacting units are organized in companies and regiments by reenactors from the same geographic area, much as Civil War companies and regiments were organized. Discover more about American history at one of these events. Farby is a Civil War Reenactment term for anything not typical of the period. The largest event was likely the 135th Gettysburg reenactment where an estimated 15,000 attended. Reenactments and national parks help reimagine what life was like for How to join a reenactment group is not the hardest part of this journey, it's just the beginning. Reenactment, appropriately called "living history," also means living under the same conditions encountered during the past. Too many curious volunteers have spent hundreds of dollars on costumes and equipment only to find out that the experience is more grueling than they bargained for. Aside from physical distance, a reenactor needs to take into consideration a few factors. Youre obviously interested in the Civil War, otherwise you wont be considering reenacting. The Event Wire - Information. City, county and state governments and private entrepreneurs with connections to those reenacting units saw the tourist potential of staging mock battles on private or public land. The 49th Indiana Volunteer Infantry is Indiana's oldest, largest and best drilled civil war unit. These reenactors can make a modest living by working in museums or historic sites such as Plymouth, Mass., or Williamsburg, Va. In historical reenactments, people from all walks of life gather together, dressed head-to-toe in period clothing. In other words, you can try it out and see how you like it. Reenactment Groups in Central Kentucky - American Civil War Forums An Authentic Civil War Living History Association, Top Five Tips for Getting Started in Civil War Reenacting. "I decided to join the Civil War reenacting group that helped to make the movie." .
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