These can range anywhere from $5 a month to $25 a month. 53rd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Company C, Inc. Company B of the 71st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, 87th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Company C, 97th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Company A, 97th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Co B, 151st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Company D, 10th Virginia Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 12th Virginia Infantry, Companies A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, and K, Co. E of the Second Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, 33d Regiment - Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, Company K, 2nd Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Association, Company E, 3rd Regiment, Confederate Engineers. The age restriction on handling firearms does not prevent one from taking part in the hobby. Active members, either military or . And many battle reenactment societies require that you acquaint yourself thoroughly with the manual of arms. 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. 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. The persona is sometimes referred to as an impression. During the Civil War Native Americans, Blacks, Asians, and Hispanics fought on both sides. Mainstreamers cheerfully accept the nickname TBG- which stands for Tubby Bearded Guys. ThoughtCo, Aug. 26, 2020, thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852. That means single reenactors in a specialty uniform must search out similar reenactors to fall in with at events. Being a Civil War reenactor is about stepping back in time to create believable characterpersonaor what reenactors call an impression. Hard-core reenactors give up all amenities of modern life, from deodorant to modern wristwatches. For instance, Revolutionary War-era equipment is generally more expensive than Civil War weapons. Alright, as a black man I have to say this: * ahem * IF. At some late-war battles such as Bentonville, North Carolina and Saylers Creek, Virginia, Federal units armed with repeating rifles chewed into Confederate ranks. There are a wide variety of canteens including wooden ones that Confederate soldiers carried, but which would not be appropriate for Union soldiers. Be prepared to be footsore! Women participate as nurses, vivandieres, cooks, laundresses, or wives and sisters visiting the soldier in camp. One place to find equipment for sale is at the reenactment events. Reenacting gear includes the uniform, accoutrements, a musket, shoes, hat and more, all purchased from sutlers, merchants specializing in reproduction products for reenactors. 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. So, many die-hard history-lovers volunteer in historical reenactments for an action-packed and enlightening experience. Historical reenactors are known for being sticklers for accuracy. After all, every one of the reenactors at an event arrived in a 21st century vehicle of some kind. Used by permission of Kathleen Smith. 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. How do I join a unit as a reenactor? But if you're more interested in other wars or time periods, don't despair. 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 . 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. That is also the reason why most leather gear is black, the standard Union color. Authentic Campaigner is a blog dedicated to events, impressions, goods, etc. A Civil War Reenactment is the recreation of past battles for the education and entertainment of both spectators and hobbyists alike. For instance, the Stonewall Brigades list is located here. olg pick 4 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. We've got you covered with our map collection. 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. Do not buy from sutlers on-line then select which unit you want to join. The important thing to remember is the child still needs adult supervision. Buy at a reenactment or with the help of an experience unit member. Children as young as 8 have been seen at many reenactments partaking in field music. 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. Get a feel for the atmosphere and conditions of a living history event before you rush to buy vintage style military uniforms & equipment. 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. Both sides tolerate them. Confederate States or Confederate States Army. that appeal to campaigners. How do your feet feel after marching 22 miles in a single day in thin-soled brogans? How did my ancestors survive battles, diseases, and prison camps on far away battlefields then return home to produce me? We have committed ourselves to the education of the company membership and general public as to the lifestyle, military service and general values of the Black Civil War soldier through an authentic presentation of living history activities including battle reenactments, interpretive programs, training seminars, and similar programs. The largest event was likely the 135th Gettysburg reenactment where an estimated 15,000 attended. 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. The main thing one has to learn is the infantry drill, and to follow orders to execute maneuvers. 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. 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. Once you do, it's time to create your own historical persona. Most reenacting units are equipped to act as either Federal or Confederate troops in order to be able to balance numbers at reenacting events. 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. While those shows inspired then young, now-middle aged reenactors to study the war, the producers paid little attention to authenticity. Some of the young men who started reenacting decades ago when the 125th anniversary events attracted them are now passing through middle age. Battle reenactments are scripted recreations of actual Civil War engagements, which spectators pay to come and watch. Mega-events, reenactments where reenactors number several thousand, are likely gone forever now that the 150th anniversary events ended in 2015. 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. 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". Only a handful of men will make generals and they must know how to command at that level. Otherwise, the 60 grains of powder and a piece of paper wadding for each charge is authentic. 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. Muster A gathering, especially of troops, for service, inspection, review or roll call. 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. WW1 Reenactment Groups. 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. Some people do take the "authenticity" to an extreme, but most groups welcome anyone with an interest. 1) Put the Credit Card Away: The absolute best advice anyone can give you is to delay purchasing any gear. 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. Also: Post Your Event Photos, Reviews, & Wrap-Ups. Civil War reenacting group in Colorado, Wyoming, Texas, and New Hampshire. Finding an organization for a child to partake in is not difficult. 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. 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. AUTHENTIC Civil War Flag General W.F. Most will sleep/camp at the reenactment event. Reenactors wanting to get as close as possible to how the soldiers lived will use this resource. This Forum is for Posting Civil War Event Information. While family involvement may be the goal of some reenactors, others enjoy the freedom of being away from the family on the weekend. 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. 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. They will speak as though the War Between the States is current. Reenactors sacrifice immense amounts of time, effort, and money to recreate history. They like to bring tents, camp chairs, hidden ice chests, and other gear that the original army would never have had. If you have an interest in our American History during the period of 1861-1865, we invite you to join our ranks. In many war reenactments, there aren't roles for women on the battlefield, but some events have side attractions geared toward women, such as tea parties, craft activities and quilt shows. 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. Check with your reenacting unit before buying any gun. That model Springfield was not developed until 1869. Reenactors do not dwell on that terrible human cost. 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 ]. Gear - How much a reenactor spends on their gear is a product of individual means, love for the hobby, and type of unit. Young Civil War Reenactor (photo by D. Farr). Reenacting the Civil War as a hobby got off to a shaky start during in the 1960s when authenticity was ignored in favor of doing something, anything, to commemorate the Centennial. 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. Figure the cost of your accessories into your budget, too. Immersion events are small reenactments that attract campaigners. Scouring the sutlers' goods may also set you up for an impulse buy that your historic persona doesn't really need. Please Keep Reenactment Discussions in Proper Forum! 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. 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. If looking to dive into Vietnam reenacting, the number one piece of advice is to speak to a unit before making purchases. By now you are probably wondering, "how much is all of this going to cost me? Your mentor can also assist you in finding used gear either from unit members or outside resources like eBay or Facebook. But if you've got the mettle and undying enthusiasm for history, we'll walk you through the basics of how to get involved. 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. What's more, you could get hurt. To a CIVIL WAR reenactment. Experience being part of bringing our nation's most turbulent and tragic era to life. We had a weekend with perfect weather and many exciting and educational activities. The reason is obvious. The largest event was the 135th Gettysburg reenactment which involved 15,000 reenactors. Nothing spoils the look of a rank of men in a battle line then seeing someone wearing modern day glasses or ear rings. In particular, take notice of the grisly conditions a reenactor has to deal with -- especially in battle reenactments. 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. The 150th Manassas, Virginia event was held when the temperature on the field was 114 degrees. Unit Type - Not all organizations are the same. Local living histories at venues such as historically themed parks are where many potential reenactors see their first living historians. The most famous reenactment of the 1960s was the July 1961 Battle of First Manassas or Bull Run, held on the Manassas National Battlefield. Welcome to the official website of the Georgia Division Reenactors Association! What period of history most grabs your interest? 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. Civil War Reenacting makes an effort to list the websites of reenacting units, but, as might be expected, many units are not listed here. 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. Brogans are broad-soled half boots with leather soles worn by the common foot soldier. Event Dues - This can really depend on the event and what is provided with the fee. This can mean everything from uncomfortable clothes and terrible food to inclement weather and a poor excuse for a bed. 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. Youre obviously interested in the Civil War, otherwise you wont be considering reenacting. Also, merchants who set up during reenactments and sell period-style goods to reenactors and the public. - "A Union Civil War Living History and Reenacting organization located in the greater Connecticut area. . What did the Gettysburg artillery barrage sound like? In FULL SLAVE garb. Your email address will not be published. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. The exhaustion felt at the end of that reenacting march brings home the realization that the soldiers of the Civil War were tough. 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. Sutlers set up large tents at reenactments and also sell on-line. They are wondering if sleeping on the ground is as much fun as it was when they were young. Keep attending reenactments until you find a period that suits your specific interests and talents. Reenactors need a shirt, coat, pants, wool socks, and a hat. 5) Purchase Slowly and Strategically: When you are ready to start purchasing gear, take your time and make your purchases strategic. 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. Encampments allow visitors to wander through a Civil War camp and observe soldiers training, resting, playing, and simply relaxingall without television, iPods, or computers! There is no age requirement for being a Civil War reenactor, but, of course, minors will need to have their parents approval and support. https://www.thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852 (accessed March 5, 2023). Load more. Period clothing and accessories can be very expensive -- depending on the period and figure you're portraying. 4) Read As Much As You Can: The best way to start your career in reenacting out right is to read extensively. The atmosphere is relaxed, allowing reenactors to recruit new members. When looking through our list of reenactment groups, be sure to really think about what is important to you. The best first purchase you can make is a pair of well-built shoes, usually called brogans or bootees. No detail about a reenactors appearance should be ignored. Each unit has a different function and will provide a much different experience. Do you have a passion for Ancient Rome, medieval fashion, or Colonial America, and the Salem Witch Trials? Find WW1 Reenactment groups to join now! 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). 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. 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. 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. 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! All races and ethnicities can reenact. 2) Consider What You Want Out of Reenacting: Spend some time thinking about what aspects of reenacting interest you. There are scores of sutlers who operate regionally and nationally. 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. And, they must already have relationships with the brigades and divisions they want to command. In historical reenactments, people from all walks of life gather together, dressed head-to-toe in period clothing. Reenactors enjoy camping, cooking over an open fire, guns, loud noises, marching, military discipline, and telling stories. A colonial shopkeeper will have a pretty simple costume compared to a Civil War general's uniform. 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. A typical period correct firearm will cost upwards of $1000. In a reenactment, a persona is a character and role that you choose to portray. A basic infantryman's kit can be assembled starting around $1,000, but once you start adding in costly replica weapons and period-authentic accoutrementsor you have your heart set on being a cavalry officeryou could easily spend many thousands. 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. Do your research before making any purchases to ensure that you get the most authentic bang for your buck. Here you can find a list of groups that portray the Great War period. 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. Shopping online is a good alternative to making purchases at a reenactment. Before you start investing cash in reenacting, attend enough events to ensure that its a hobby that you truly enjoy and want to purse. 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. If you can find material written by men from the unit you portray, even better. Civil War Reenactment is one of the fastest growing hobbies in the United States, and with good reason. Check out our article How to Join a Reenactment Group. Some civilian reenactors may choose to portray professions such as mortician or battlefield surgeon with some women roaming the field as nurses. 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. Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved by Milsurpia. 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. Most reenactors collect their kit over a period of time, borrowing from generous fellow soldiers until they are fully outfitted. As they learn how to be a soldier, they take tests and advance through the non-commissioned ranks to corporals and sergeants. While the vast majority of reenactors are standard uniformed Confederate and Union soldiers, there are some small numbers who wear unique uniforms. We are a Union regiment of the Southern Skirmish Association which aims to bring the history of the American Civil War to life with battles, drill displays, and a taste of 19th century camp life. 4. 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. Oftentimes, a young person will find themselves interested in living history but struggle to get involved. 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. 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. "Become a Member." . Sandbox Learning is part of Sandbox & Co., a digital learning company. The same uniforms worn in the summer are worn in the winter. Reenacting. These events help reenactors immerse themselves in the reenacting experience, gaining first-hand knowledge of war, battle strategy, and the hardships of combat. 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. or C.S.A. These can range anywhere from $5 a month to $25 a month. 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. All races and ethnicities can reenact. You may want to speak candidly with your current units commander about what youre looking for in another unit, as they may have contacts or suggestions for other units that you can consider (if a unit commander isnt willing to do this, its probably a sign you should leave that unit anyways, as theyre not looking out for your best interests). Welcome! By the time Ken Burns PBS special The Civil War debuted in 1990 interest in the War was on an upswing. The granddaddy of all Civil War sutlers started outfitting reenactors in the mid-1970s. 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 . Historical reenactment groups and living history groups offer an insight into how men and women lived in past times. 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. The North Florida Artillery was incorporated as a non-profit organization in the state of Florida in March 2007. Women have to make the effort to disguise themselves as men. Event Dues - This can really depend on the event and what is provided with the fee. (May 8, 2009) http://www.2ri.org/become_a_member.htm, Bromer, Zachary. Salary.com. Discover more about American history at one of these events. Muskets are real guns and fire a full powder charge but no bullet. 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. 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 are very welcoming to new people and will show you the ropes and even outfit you until you can gradually acquire your own kit. How do war reenactments work? 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 . 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. Did you have ancestors who participated in a particular war? 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. Can one really hear a Civil War era term the rattle of musketry? Civil War News is a monthly newspaper that covers news about battlefield preservation, and reenacting. Most units have a list of acceptable gear and approved sutlers. There are essentially three types of reenactors; mainstream, campaigners, and stitch counters. We are active from Virginia to New England. Little children have no business on the field because they can become separated from parents. 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. The unit you ultimately join should be in a position to provide the elements that you want to get out of reenacting. 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. The state of Pennsylvania hosted thousands of former Union and Confederate soldiers during the weeklong event. Most reenacting units have both a website and a Facebook page, making it easier for people to find local units. Germany . While headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, our membership encompasses Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania.
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