how to join a civil war reenactment group

Reenacting units staged living histories to explain weapons and uniforms at venues like schools and public parks to recruit new hobbyists. Most reenactment groups have extra clothing, uniforms,costumes, and props that they are willing to loan to newcomers. Mountains might be climbed. Infoplease is a reference and learning site, combining the contents of an encyclopedia, a dictionary, an atlas and several almanacs loaded with facts. Then, the reenactors, tourist bureaus, and entrepreneurs realized that starting in 1991 they could stage larger-than-usual events at five-year intervals starting with the 130th anniversary of the start of the War. It was I who asked historian Shelby Foote some 20 years ago: Is there anything about The War you dont know? I got the quick answer: I still dont know how they did it.. The Author (far right in a Derby) with Shelby Foote at a Reenactment in the Early 1990s, Photograph provided by: Color Sergeant Clint Johnson 26th Regiment of North Carolina Troops, Shelby Foote, a historian who spent more than 20 years writing a three-volume history of The Civil War, was surrounded by several reenactors outside of a university where he was speaking. We had a weekend with perfect weather and many exciting and educational activities. 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. She teaches at the Genealogical Institute of Pittsburgh and the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. As a Civil War reenactor you will become a soldier, or a civilian, wearing authentic 1860s period clothing and learning to live as . They are great foundational introductions to the topic. Scouring the sutlers' goods may also set you up for an impulse buy that your historic persona doesn't really need. Some of the young men who started reenacting decades ago when the 125th anniversary events attracted them are now passing through middle age. You'll have the Web at your fingertips to research an object's authenticity -- and to compare prices from multiple vendors. "How to Get Started With Historical Reenacting." *This post may contain affiliate links. No detail about a reenactors appearance should be ignored. AUTHENTIC Civil War Flag General W.F. Arch supports were not invented in the 1860s, but feel free to put anything inside that helps you march. 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. Real sticklers discourage men from wearing wedding bands as that custom was not around during The Civil War. This manual includes such things as company tactics and firing details [source: Miller]. Reenactments are family events, so feel free to bring the kids, too. Focused events try to recreate parts of battles. Which branch reenactors join is up to their interest in each branchand their financial resources. 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. 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. Do not make the mistake of spending a lot of money on gear that ends up gathering dust in your basement or up for sale on eBay. If you've gotten this far then hopefully you've put some thought into this endeavor. Some civilian reenactors may choose to portray professions such as mortician or battlefield surgeon with some women roaming the field as nurses. Any unit you contact should be extremely welcoming and do everything they can to have you join their ranks. Once you invest time and money into historical volunteerism, you'll likely find great reward from all your efforts. 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. They will take on the persona of one who is living through the period and will not speak in modern language. At battles where the 24th Michigan with its distinctive long frock coats and tall black hats was not present, the men of the 26th North Carolina Troops put on common Union shell jackets and portray whatever Union units were present. Reproduction clothing can cost several hundred dollars, and reproduction period rifles as much as $1000. 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. Finding an organization for a child to partake in is not difficult. Reenactors take their jobs very seriously. Its educational and, finally, its a great way to escape the worries of today and pretend in the great outdoors. Many organizations, particularly Civil War, offer family friendly scenarios. . 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. Speculation among reenactors is that smaller, focused events is where the hobby is headed. We come from in and around Shelby County. Unit Dues - Unit dues are typically the cheapest of all expenses. . 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 . Gear - How much a reenactor spends on their gear is a product of individual means, love for the hobby, and type of unit. If the unit is a horse-drawn battery, the reenactors are expected to help groom, water, and feed the horses. Following are some useful terms to acquaint you with Civil War Reenacting. 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. The weapons that reenactors carry are real -- and loaded. 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. 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. 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. Are you really excited about being a part of large battle reenactments? The NPS decided that mock battles detracted from the commemorative nature of the battlefields. 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). Don't buy a uniform or other equipment until you've joined a unit, which might have its own particular rules for attire. If youre interested in an immersive, authentic experience, joining a mainstream unit will be a poor fit. For further reading suggestions and links to many of these online resources, please see the Stonewall Brigades Recommended Reading list. Still, the best plan for new reenactors is to join a unit and ask for help from the old hands in selecting uniforms and equipment. A plastic mug would be farby as would a polyester uniform since they didnt have polyester in 1861. The most famous reenactment of the 1960s was the July 1961 Battle of First Manassas or Bull Run, held on the Manassas National Battlefield. These characteristics can be challenging to identify by examining a units website or Facebook page or by chatting with the members at an event. Authenticity, while ignored in the 1960s, is now universally required by reenacting units. If you can find material written by men from the unit you portray, even better. Florida. Typical costs for reenacting might include the following. 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. Read more. That is my indication and EXPRESSED consent to be treated like a slave by all participating confederate soldiers. Children were active participants in the Civil War. By joining such a society, you'll have time to try out your persona before committing to any major purchases for your own kit. Experience being part of bringing our nation's most turbulent and tragic era to life. For official duties, these youngstersoften between 10 and 14were called on to fill supporting roles such as drummers, buglers, messengers, and field assistants. One place to find equipment for sale is at the reenactment events. The easiest way for children to get involved in reenacting is to do it as a family. Most reenactors collect their kit over a period of time, borrowing from generous fellow soldiers until they are fully outfitted. 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. While the majority of soldiers were in the 1840 age range, in many enlistment cases birth years were overlooked, or were fabricated. Like any hobby, there is a broad spectrum within reenacting with different informal clusters of individuals and groups focusing more or less attention on authenticity. Events Could Include: Reenactments, Living Histories, Round Tables, Battlewalks, Shows, Lectures & More. If you wear eyeglasses, consider purchasing period frames high on your shopping list as well. Although most common in the United States, there are also American Civil War reenactors in Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Italy, Denmark . Some units have fifers and drummers. Reenacting can be a family hobby with Dad, Mom, and the kids all portraying 19th century roles. The USCTs fought as all Black units commanded by white officers. During the Civil War Native Americans, Blacks, Asians, and Hispanics fought on both sides. 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) While doing their impression many will do a first-person impression. 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. Most reenacting units are equipped to act as either Federal or Confederate troops in order to be able to balance numbers at reenacting events. Reenactors accept discomfort, port-a-johns, close quarters, and the aches that come with carrying gear that weighs 20 pounds or more. 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. They'll have fun watching the excitement, and you'll get to teach them about history. Event Dues - This can really depend on the event and what is provided with the fee. 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. One note for reenactors living in states with strict gun laws. 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. Once youre sure that the discomfort (sleeping on cots or bedrolls, wearing uncomfortable clothes, and generally avoiding anything farby) is worth it, then find a unit to join. Figure the cost of your accessories into your budget, too. Just about anyone with an interest in reenactment can become a reenactor. 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. Active members, either military or . Otherwise, the 60 grains of powder and a piece of paper wadding for each charge is authentic. 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.. 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 . Mega-events, reenactments where reenactors number several thousand, are likely gone forever now that the 150th anniversary events ended in 2015. Find WW1 Reenactment groups to join now! Most will sleep/camp at the reenactment event. 8th Confederate Cavalry / 7th Kentucky Cavalry, 3rd Arkansas Volunteer Infantry Company A, 1st Arkansas US Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 2nd Connecticut Volunteer Heavy Artillery Regiment, Co. The youngest vet eran was 61 and the oldest was 112. California. There are a wide variety of canteens including wooden ones that Confederate soldiers carried, but which would not be appropriate for Union soldiers. Here you can find a list of groups that portray the American Civil War period. "Become a Member." The exhaustion felt at the end of that reenacting march brings home the realization that the soldiers of the Civil War were tough. The totally geared up reenactor will invest around $2 500 to $3 000 however that equipment with the exception of brogans will last as long as the reenactor will. Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Jane McGrath 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. 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. Reenactors need a shirt, coat, pants, wool socks, and a hat. Need a reference? Reenactors often do more interacting with the visiting public such as performing drill and firing demonstrations, and giving flag and equipment talks. That model Springfield was not developed until 1869. Sutlers Merchants who followed troops during the Civil War. That could be in California, Wisconsin, or even Russia. Members may portray either a military impression, or one of many civilian roles which are appropriate to the Civil War period. 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. Threadcounter A reenactor who insists on a historically accurate impression, down to fabric and buttonholes having the same threadcount typical of the time. Oftentimes, a young person will find themselves interested in living history but struggle to get involved. 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! You can buy relatively cheap U.S. uniforms from the World Wars. As you look at different reenacting units, you may see three terms in particular, which are commonly used to describe different segments of the reenacting spectrum. Civilian - A person, male or female, who reenacts any non-military impression during Reenactments. Confederate States or Confederate States Army. 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. 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]. The derogatory term for this same person is stitch nazi.. Check your local newspaper or search the Internet to find a reenactment near you. They carried Sharps rifles. 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. 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. C.S. Here you can find a list of groups that portray the Great War period. Campaigners are usually young and pride themselves in carrying a minimal amount of gear, sleeping in the open, and being as uncomfortable as they can be, which was the way it was. 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. 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. 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. This is especially important when it comes to clothing and weaponry, as we'll see on the next page. Then again in 1938, those same veterans returned. ThoughtCo, Aug. 26, 2020, thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852. 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 ]. Whats not to like? The atmosphere is relaxed, allowing reenactors to recruit new members. Only a handful of men will make generals and they must know how to command at that level. First-person When a reenactor speaks to fellow reenactors and the public as a person during the 1860s. Check ourencyclopedia for a gloss on thousands of topics from biographies to the table of elements. We've got you covered with our map collection. Cavalry reenactors have uniforms that are patterned after original cavalry uniforms. 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. Hundreds of . Reenactor A person, male or female, dedicated to recreating the War Between the States or Civil War. It is one of the rich ironies of reenacting that Black Confederates march side by side with white Confederate reenactors, while Black Union troops usually only participate in battles where the USCTs were present such as New Market Heights, Virginia., and Olustee, Florida. 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. Arkansas Infantry Reenactors. Reenactors who claim: My ancestors would roll over in their graves if I portrayed the other side are frowned upon. Required fields are marked *. What did the Gettysburg artillery barrage sound like? What period of history most grabs your interest? While Confederate regulations called for a kepi, most men opted for a slouch hat, a broad-brimmed hat of varying styles. 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. 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. Children as young as 8 have been seen at many reenactments partaking in field music. After all, every one of the reenactors at an event arrived in a 21st century vehicle of some kind. Perhaps you have a deep interest in the Civil War and want to experience it and understand it in a way that books can never truly capture. For many people, there's nothing drier than a dense history book. John Miller, a veteran reenactor who specializes in the Civil War, warns prospective volunteers that the hobby can get dangerous [source: Miller]. Whether you've chosen to be a fur trapper, a soldier or a medieval princess, this clothing and accessories you select for your kit should match your persona. Also welcome are Black reenactors portraying slaves or free blacks, teamsters, horse handlers, or other roles common to the period. We do this by portraying soldiers and citizens at . Too far forward, and the percussion cap is exploding in his ear. Historical reenactors are known for being sticklers for accuracy. 2) Consider What You Want Out of Reenacting: Spend some time thinking about what aspects of reenacting interest you. The most stare-inducing women reenactors are those ladies portraying Catholic nuns who served as nurses during the war. 5) Purchase Slowly and Strategically: When you are ready to start purchasing gear, take your time and make your purchases strategic. Salary.com. R. Lee Hadden. Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era is a Pulitzer Prize-winning work on the American Civil War. Powell, Kimberly. Shopping online is a good alternative to making purchases at a reenactment. The stitch counters can belong in either the mainstream or the campaigner camp. The organization has grown to include dozens of civil war reenactors and their families. 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. 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. 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". To volunteer in historical reenactments, you'll be dedicating your time, sacrificing your modern comforts and paying a pretty penny. Winter reenactors will want heavy overcoats which can cost upwards of $300. They like to bring tents, camp chairs, hidden ice chests, and other gear that the original army would never have had. 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. Horses, though trained to expect loud noises from cannons, rifles, pistols and clanging sabers, sometimes throw their riders to the ground. .com/us/military/civil-war-reenactor.html. The dues are an important aspect of keeping reenactment groups operating. The North Florida Artillery was incorporated as a non-profit organization in the state of Florida in March 2007. BOOK TIP: "The Illustrated Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era". There is no poll showing where reenactors live, but observation would put a majority of them in The South. 4. Some people do take the "authenticity" to an extreme, but most groups welcome anyone with an interest. 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. Particularly welcomeand neededat reenactments are Black reenactors. 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. 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. In 2014 the name was changed to North Florida Artillery Historical Foundation, Inc. was established as a non profit/IRS organization. Learn about one of the world's oldest and most popular religions. Reenactment, appropriately called "living history," also means living under the same conditions encountered during the past. But if you've got the mettle and undying enthusiasm for history, we'll walk you through the basics of how to get involved. Larger regiments will combine those companies to form a state-wide organization. Powell, Kimberly. So, many die-hard history-lovers volunteer in historical reenactments for an action-packed and enlightening experience. Most reenactors join the infantry, which is followed in popularity by the artillery, then the cavalry and there are a few naval interpreters. Reenacting remained a small hobby during the mid-1970s when events numbering several hundred reenactors were common. Check your laws! Most people take their roles seriously and pride themselves on representing history as accurately as possible. 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. Local living histories at venues such as historically themed parks are where many potential reenactors see their first living historians. 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. Most units have a list of acceptable gear and approved sutlers. The United States Marines wear distinctive crossed white belts. I show up. While this material is of interest to reenactors, our hobby requires a detailed knowledge of the daily experience of individual soldiers. Reenactors do not dwell on that terrible human cost. Modern day work boots are not acceptable. Our principal reason for existence is to promote an authentic portrayal of Civil War history to the . 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. Reenacting. Hard-core reenactors give up all amenities of modern life, from deodorant to modern wristwatches. This can be a great way to save money, but make sure you run all major purchases by your mentor to ensure youre buying quality gear and not getting swindled. Keep attending reenactments until you find a period that suits your specific interests and talents. In a reenactment, a persona is a character and role that you choose to portray. The further that is away from the face, the better. Reenacting units are organized in some of the same ways as Civil War companies and regiments. Perhaps a particular company or regiment in the war had distinctive uniforms. Civil War reenacting group in Colorado, Wyoming, Texas, and New Hampshire. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links at no additional cost to you. Not all organizations allow family's along for the ride. Don't let that stop you! Welcome to the home of the 52nd Tennessee Co. C. We are a group of living historians centered around the American Civil War. 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. 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. For reenactments that span several days, this can be grueling. These reenactors can make a modest living by working in museums or historic sites such as Plymouth, Mass., or Williamsburg, Va. A love of history of all time periods is common though reenactors focus on the 19th century. Prospective reenactors should research units to judge how accepting they are of family participation. But, for whatever reason, something about recreating the life of a Civil War soldier resonates with you and youre interested in joining the hobby. 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. Camping with ones friends can be an attractive incentive to pack up the gear and drive away rather than staying home doing chores. Check out our article How to Join a Reenactment Group. Sometimes, you'll be able to find authentic uniforms to wear to reenactments, especially for 20th-century wars. In other words, you can try it out and see how you like it. Do you have a passion for Ancient Rome, medieval fashion, or Colonial America, and the Salem Witch Trials? Reliving the Civil War: A Re-enactors Handbook. Once you do, it's time to create your own historical persona. In historical reenactments, people from all walks of life gather together, dressed head-to-toe in period clothing.

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