And finally, muskets are real guns. Not sure about the geography of the middle east? 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. 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. Once you invest time and money into historical volunteerism, you'll likely find great reward from all your efforts. that appeal to campaigners. And many battle reenactment societies require that you acquaint yourself thoroughly with the manual of arms. 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. 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. While headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, our membership encompasses Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. Most units require members to be at least 16 years old before they can fall into ranks with a musket because of the maturity necessary to handle a firearm. 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. What period of history most grabs your interest? AUTHENTIC Civil War Flag General W.F. https://www.thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852 (accessed March 5, 2023). Their website is: www.CivilWarNews.com, Camp Chase Gazette is a how-to magazine for authentic reenactors. Few units allow people in 21st century garb to camp in the military camp as it detracts from the reenactment atmosphere. During the Civil War Native Americans, Blacks, Asians, and Hispanics fought on both sides. 4. Need a reference? 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 reenactment organizations also won't allow children under 16 to bear arms. Unit Dues - Unit dues are typically the cheapest of all expenses. 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. Young Civil War Reenactor (photo by D. Farr). Families wishing to stay together all weekend can portray civilians. 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. Check your local newspaper or reenactment Web sites for listings of upcoming reenactment events in your area. Arch supports were not invented in the 1860s, but feel free to put anything inside that helps you march. 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. Living history events include encampments, parades, and school enrichment programs. How to join a unit, where and how to k. When looking through our list of reenactment groups, be sure to really think about what is important to you. Reenacting remained a small hobby during the mid-1970s when events numbering several hundred reenactors were common. Arkansas Infantry Reenactors. 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. 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. This practice of changing uniforms to fit the reenactments needs is called galvanizing based on a real term applied to captured Confederates who were released from prison camps if they joined the Union army to go west to fight Indians. Learn more about the mythic conflict between the Argives and the Trojans. Aside from physical distance, a reenactor needs to take into consideration a few factors. 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. That means single reenactors in a specialty uniform must search out similar reenactors to fall in with at events. 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. It is where the Civil War soldier carried his food and where the reenactor will carry his food, wallet and car keys. If the unit is dedicated to historical accuracy, the accommodations will be meager. 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. Active members, either military or . The USCTs fought as all Black units commanded by white officers. We are a Civil War reenactment group based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee that portrays the 9th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry (US). Historical reenactment groups and living history groups offer an insight into how men and women lived in past times. Reenactors generally participate in three types of events: Battle reenactments are scripted recreations of actual Civil War engagements, which spectators pay to come and watch. 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. "Dream Job: Historical Reenactor." How to Get Started With Historical Reenacting. These characteristics can be challenging to identify by examining a units website or Facebook page or by chatting with the members at an event. 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. Family Friendly Units - If reenacting is to become your next family adventure, you're going to have to find a family friendly unit. Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Jane McGrath The unit you ultimately join should be in a position to provide the elements that you want to get out of reenacting. 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. Attend a few such reenactment events and talk to members of the involved groups to learn more about their reenactment focus and activities. Is there a list or quartermaster who do I need to contact to get involved as a reenactor for the civil war. If you can find material written by men from the unit you portray, even better. (May 8, 2009) http://www.salary.com/personal/layoutscripts/psnl_articles.asp?tab=psn&cat=cat011&ser=ser032, Miller, John. Local living histories at venues such as historically themed parks are where many potential reenactors see their first living historians. Stitch counters are authenticity historians who know the history of hats, shoes, uniforms, muskets, buttons, even how a uniform was manufactured thus the nick name. Do not buy from sutlers on-line then select which unit you want to join. 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. Immersion events are small reenactments where reenactors carry everything with them with no resupply from vehicles. Many reenactors are completely outfitted with clothing, packs, gear, and vehicles their typical persona would carry. 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. It is particularly valuable for its calendar of upcoming events, and book reviews. 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. "How to Get Started With Historical Reenacting." Following are some useful terms to acquaint you with Civil War Reenacting. Many units keep a stock of uniforms and other equipment on hand in order to let people try the hobby out rather than invest in it only to discover that they do not really like playing the role of a 1860s soldier. And, if one wants, one can carry original muskets if they are safe. 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. The most famous reenactment of the 1960s was the July 1961 Battle of First Manassas or Bull Run, held on the Manassas National Battlefield. They like to bring tents, camp chairs, hidden ice chests, and other gear that the original army would never have had. 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. Whats not to like? A canteen holding about two quarts of water is critical. Florida. There are scores of sutlers who operate regionally and nationally. Perhaps you have a friend in the hobby who has encouraged you to give it a try. When brigaded with other units, a reenactor general may command 200-300 men. 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. 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 . It was anticipation of the 125th anniversary events, starting in 1986, when reenacting turned into a serious hobby. Living Histories at original battlefields are by invitation by the National Park Service or the states that also maintain battlefields. 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. Reenactors often do more interacting with the visiting public such as performing drill and firing demonstrations, and giving flag and equipment talks. Our editors update and regularly refine this enormous body of information to bring you reliable information. 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. Confederate reenactors armed with single shot muskets have no choice but to fall or withdraw in the face of men using rifles that could carry upwards of 13 rounds that could be fired in a matter of seconds. Reenactors sacrifice immense amounts of time, effort, and money to recreate history. Immersion events are small reenactments that attract campaigners. Are you looking for a highly immersive experience that puts you right in the shoes of a Civil War soldier? First-person When a reenactor speaks to fellow reenactors and the public as a person during the 1860s. Reenactors put themselves in the shoes of those from an earlier time where food was scarce, disease was rampant, and a good nights sleep might mean sleeping in the mud. Which branch reenactors join is up to their interest in each branchand their financial resources. The NPS decided that mock battles detracted from the commemorative nature of the battlefields. Your email address will not be published. Be prepared to be footsore! Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852. If youre interested in an immersive, authentic experience, joining a mainstream unit will be a poor fit. But if you want to portray a German soldier from World War II, the uniforms are pricier -- typically $300 to $400 [source: Miller]. 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. 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. The 49th Indiana Volunteer Infantry is Indiana's oldest, largest and best drilled civil war unit. 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. So, many die-hard history-lovers volunteer in historical reenactments for an action-packed and enlightening experience. 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. 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. 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 reenactors are known for being sticklers for accuracy. Post Advance Schedules Up to 1 Year in Advance. Check your local newspaper or search the Internet to find a reenactment near you. 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. For further reading suggestions and links to many of these online resources, please see the Stonewall Brigades Recommended Reading list. There is at least one Civil War era brass band using period instruments and playing period music. The persona is sometimes referred to as an impression. 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. ThoughtCo, Aug. 26, 2020, thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852. Muster A gathering, especially of troops, for service, inspection, review or roll call. Do your research before making any purchases to ensure that you get the most authentic bang for your buck. Still, American Civil War reenactments can take place wherever the hobbyists can find ground. Company B, the reenacting group, is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer . Prospective reenactors should research units to judge how accepting they are of family participation. 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. ThoughtCo. Choose a Persona Being a Civil War reenactor is about stepping back in time to create believable characterpersonaor what reenactors call an impression. Not all reenactment groups will offer the same experiences. As they learn how to be a soldier, they take tests and advance through the non-commissioned ranks to corporals and sergeants. Load more. If you've gotten this far then hopefully you've put some thought into this endeavor. 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. The Event Wire - Information. A Civil War Reenactment will have various units such as artillery, cavalry, or infantry units. 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 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. Be sure to look into this. 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. Artillery reenactors are expected to know how to work all of the positions of the cannon, which can cost upwards of $15,000 and likely belongs to one person. Modern day work boots are not acceptable. 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. It might be a good idea to spring for the unit's annual fee for insurance coverage in case of an injury. It is up to reenactors to know if they have the stamina to participate in the action. 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. Two TV mini-series, Blue & Gray (1982), and North & South (1985) drove interest in reenacting in the early 1980s. Horses, though trained to expect loud noises from cannons, rifles, pistols and clanging sabers, sometimes throw their riders to the ground. Most units have a list of acceptable gear and approved sutlers. 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. Just about anyone with an interest in reenactment can become a reenactor. During the Civil War Native Americans, Blacks, Asians, and Hispanics fought on both sides. Learn fife or drum. To a CIVIL WAR reenactment. Period clothing and accessories can be very expensive -- depending on the period and figure you're portraying. Otherwise, the 60 grains of powder and a piece of paper wadding for each charge is authentic. She teaches at the Genealogical Institute of Pittsburgh and the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. Although most common in the United States, there are also American Civil War reenactors in Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Italy, Denmark . Eric Tetreault/Connecticut Renaissance Faire. The easiest way for children to get involved in reenacting is to do it as a family. Photos from the time period show some men marching in ranks with M-1 Garands, World War II semi-automatic rifles. 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. 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. 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. Women reenactors portraying soldiers are not uncommon, just as there were women in ranks during the Civil War. Our way to offer tribute to these great men of the Civil War is to study as much as possible . 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. 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. 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. 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 . These can range anywhere from $5 a month to $25 a month. Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era is a Pulitzer Prize-winning work on the American Civil War. They are great foundational introductions to the topic. Beginners should start by attending Civil War Reenactments and observing what goes on. Check your laws! Powell, Kimberly. 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. 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. 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. Too far forward, and the percussion cap is exploding in his ear. 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. 5) Purchase Slowly and Strategically: When you are ready to start purchasing gear, take your time and make your purchases strategic. As a spectator, you have a great opportunity to get a preview of what volunteering is like. 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. There are alternative ways to get your history education. "How to Volunteer in Historical Reenactments" Reenactors living near each other form around a company that comes from that same geographic area. Cavalry and artillery reenactors have the added burden of worrying about their horses and mules stepping into holes on the field. Powell, Kimberly. 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. Civilian - A person, male or female, who reenacts any non-military impression during Reenactments. Most reenacting units require members to own dual impressions; both Union and Confederate. Sometimes, you'll be able to find authentic uniforms to wear to reenactments, especially for 20th-century wars. Infoplease knows the value of having sources you can trust. Colorado Connecticut. Check with your reenacting unit before buying any gun. Wearing historically accurate clothing is essential to your impression and attention to details is important, i.e. 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. Infoplease is a reference and learning site, combining the contents of an encyclopedia, a dictionary, an atlas and several almanacs loaded with facts. 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 organizations will often have a camp life where young ones can partake in 1860's life styles. By the time Ken Burns PBS special The Civil War debuted in 1990 interest in the War was on an upswing. If you are having any kind of encampment and want it in a certain order, let them know ahead of time. Little children have no business on the field because they can become separated from parents. How do your feet feel after marching 22 miles in a single day in thin-soled brogans? Civilian reenactors are the least expensive impressions to achieve, and have the most flexibility since the clothes chosen can range from elegant to simple. 4 June 2009. The largest event was likely the 135th Gettysburg reenactment where an estimated 15,000 attended. This can mean everything from uncomfortable clothes and terrible food to inclement weather and a poor excuse for a bed. Focused events try to recreate parts of battles. For instance, the 26th Regiment of North Carolina Troops also portrays the 24th Michigan of The Iron Brigade when it reenacts as Federals. 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 do this by portraying soldiers and citizens at . Most people choose a reenactment group that operates fairly close to home - at least within a day's drive. Most reenactment groups have extra clothing, uniforms,costumes, and props that they are willing to loan to newcomers. 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. Reenactments are family events, so feel free to bring the kids, too. The same uniforms worn in the summer are worn in the winter. 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].