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. 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. While reenacting is fun, it is also a physically taxing hobby. I show up. The gear does not stop at just a firearm either. 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. Finally, there is the largest investment of all, the musket and bayonet. Many units have loaner gear or special requirements. The granddaddy of all Civil War sutlers started outfitting reenactors in the mid-1970s. 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. People come to Civil War reenacting in a myriad of ways. Not sure about the geography of the middle east? Winter reenactors will want heavy overcoats which can cost upwards of $300. 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. 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. 2nd Rhode Island Regiment. The most stare-inducing women reenactors are those ladies portraying Catholic nuns who served as nurses during the war. Our principal reason for existence is to promote an authentic portrayal of Civil War history to the . In summer, many men carry two. (May 8, 2009) http://www.salary.com/personal/layoutscripts/psnl_articles.asp?tab=psn&cat=cat011&ser=ser032, Miller, John. That means most Union forces on Southern battlefields likely talk with Southern accents even though they are in blue. Authenticity, while ignored in the 1960s, is now universally required by reenacting units. 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. Some civilian reenactors may choose to portray professions such as mortician or battlefield surgeon with some women roaming the field as nurses. Which branch reenactors join is up to their interest in each branchand their financial resources. 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. The best first purchase you can make is a pair of well-built shoes, usually called brogans or bootees. Living History Archive. The exhaustion felt at the end of that reenacting march brings home the realization that the soldiers of the Civil War were tough. The North Florida Artillery was incorporated as a non-profit organization in the state of Florida in March 2007. The most famous reenactment of the 1960s was the July 1961 Battle of First Manassas or Bull Run, held on the Manassas National Battlefield. 4) Read As Much As You Can: The best way to start your career in reenacting out right is to read extensively. I. Delaware. For instance, the 26th Regiment of North Carolina Troops also portrays the 24th Michigan of The Iron Brigade when it reenacts as Federals. There is at least one Civil War era brass band using period instruments and playing period music. We've got you covered with our map collection. The USCTs fought as all Black units commanded by white officers. 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. Reenactors enjoy camping, cooking over an open fire, guns, loud noises, marching, military discipline, and telling stories. Families wishing to stay together all weekend can portray civilians. Farby is a Civil War Reenactment term for anything not typical of the period. Civil War reenactors attempt to answer Footes rhetorical question by putting their 21st century selves into the roles of 19th century people. 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. 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. Germany . Attend a few such reenactment events and talk to members of the involved groups to learn more about their reenactment focus and activities. In addition to special uniforms, some reenactors will be tempted to get special firearms. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 1999. They like to bring tents, camp chairs, hidden ice chests, and other gear that the original army would never have had. She teaches at the Genealogical Institute of Pittsburgh and the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. 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. 5) Purchase Slowly and Strategically: When you are ready to start purchasing gear, take your time and make your purchases strategic. Please Keep Reenactment Discussions in Proper Forum! Each reenactor has a specific role to play, so volunteers are expected to have extensive knowledge of the historical event as well as the time period in which it occurs. C.S. 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.. Active members, either military or . During fights with frequent firing, muskets have been known to cook off, a pre-mature explosion of the black powder poured down the barrel caused by a still-burning spark. If you crave intrigue and a dash of melodrama, historical fiction can make the past come alive. The dues are an important aspect of keeping reenactment groups operating. Too far forward, and the percussion cap is exploding in his ear. Its educational and, finally, its a great way to escape the worries of today and pretend in the great outdoors. Join us for a captivating reenactment of a Civil War skirmish, brought to life in stunning detail! By the time Ken Burns PBS special The Civil War debuted in 1990 interest in the War was on an upswing. First-person When a reenactor speaks to fellow reenactors and the public as a person during the 1860s. 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. We have members in four states Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi and Arkansas. First-person - When a reenactor speaks to fellow reenactors and the public as a person during the 1860s. What reenacting does is give men and women a chance to walk in the footsteps of those people who came before us just a little over 150 years ago. Modern day work boots are not acceptable. The only difference between the Civil War and the reenacting firing is that no Mini ball is rammed down the barrel. One place to find equipment for sale is at the reenactment events. People come to Civil War reenacting in a myriad of ways. . Learn more about the world with our collection of regional and country maps. Horses, though trained to expect loud noises from cannons, rifles, pistols and clanging sabers, sometimes throw their riders to the ground. 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! Florida. The United States Marines wear distinctive crossed white belts. Aside from physical distance, a reenactor needs to take into consideration a few factors. Uniforms are all wool for Federal portrayals, and a wool and cotton blend for Confederates. While the three-banded musket is standard, there might be the occasional chance to carry something else. 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. Reproduction clothing can cost several hundred dollars, and reproduction period rifles as much as $1000. Both sides tolerate them. 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. There are alternative ways to get your history education. Most people take their roles seriously and pride themselves on representing history as accurately as possible. Civilian A person, male or female, who reenacts any non-military impression during Reenactments. And finally, muskets are real guns. By now you are probably wondering, "how much is all of this going to cost me? Prospective reenactors should research units to judge how accepting they are of family participation. Typically, the age restriction for most events is 16 years old to carry a musket/rifle. Women have to make the effort to disguise themselves as men. Keep attending reenactments until you find a period that suits your specific interests and talents. 21st Virginia, F Company, inc., is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501 (c)3 , living history, educational and Civil War re-enactment organization. Learn about one of the world's oldest and most popular religions. If the unit is a horse-drawn battery, the reenactors are expected to help groom, water, and feed the horses. If you are up to the task, here's some information to get you started. While headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, our membership encompasses Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. 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. Reenacting for many is a serious, but fun, event. When brigaded with other units, a reenactor general may command 200-300 men. Or, Dad can stay in the military camp while Mom and the kids stay in a civilian camp. Cavalry reenactors have uniforms that are patterned after original cavalry uniforms. In FULL SLAVE garb. Reenactment also takes time, but this can be as little as a 2-3 hour event once or twice a year, to a half-dozen three-day weekend encampments. Did you have ancestors who participated in a particular war? These reenactors can make a modest living by working in museums or historic sites such as Plymouth, Mass., or Williamsburg, Va. 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. We had a weekend with perfect weather and many exciting and educational activities. Otherwise, the 60 grains of powder and a piece of paper wadding for each charge is authentic. Sutlers set up large tents at reenactments and also sell on-line. With sound recordings, new generations could hear the Rebel yellyelped by 95-year-old men who still had the spunk to give it. As you build your knowledge, there is a wealth of information available in online archives and books drawn from soldiers letters, diaries, and post-war memoirs. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852. By joining such a society, you'll have time to try out your persona before committing to any major purchases for your own kit. Mountains might be climbed. 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. If you asked to galvanize (switch sides) for a battle or event, dont complain. Civil War Reenacting makes an effort to list the websites of reenacting units, but, as might be expected, many units are not listed here. The easiest way for children to get involved in reenacting is to do it as a family. 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 . Reenactors recreate history by portraying the look, actions, and lives of a person from a particular time period of history. The N word season pass premium + membership is in full effect for the day. 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. A reenactor is a special breed of person. It is common to find Black reenactors sprinkled in the Confederate ranks. Hard-core reenactors give up all amenities of modern life, from deodorant to modern wristwatches. C.S. A local company commander will be assigned to recruit new members, train them in the basics of military drill, and guide them in the purchase of the correct gear. Rivers might be crossed. For many people, there's nothing drier than a dense history book. Many organizations, particularly Civil War, offer family friendly scenarios. Required fields are marked *. 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. Check your local newspaper or reenactment Web sites for listings of upcoming reenactment events in your area. 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. Reenacting Civil War battles began during the War when both sides staged mock battles when heavy snows kept the men in camp from going out and killing each other. 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. 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. Home Research Top Five Tips for Getting Started in Civil War Reenacting. Infantry is the easiest branch to learn and to finance. Unit Type - Not all organizations are the same. Reenactments are family events, so feel free to bring the kids, too. Members may portray either a military impression, or one of many civilian roles which are appropriate to the Civil War period. No detail about a reenactors appearance should be ignored. Perhaps you have a friend in the hobby who has encouraged you to give it a try. ThoughtCo, Aug. 26, 2020, thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852. By Robert Arvay. Reenactors often do more interacting with the visiting public such as performing drill and firing demonstrations, and giving flag and equipment talks. What's more, you could get hurt. It is up to reenactors to know if they have the stamina to participate in the action. Following are some useful terms to acquaint you with Civil War Reenacting. Once you do, it's time to create your own historical persona. Finding a reenactment unit has gone 21st century. 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. "How to Get Started With Historical Reenacting." The future of reenacting rests on the shoulders of younger generations. Over the past weekend, the Brays hosted the first encampment training of 2021 at their home for the 3rd Maine reenactment unit, the largest in Maine. Some larger units will have majors, lieutenant colonels and colonels. For instance, the Stonewall Brigades list is located here. Tacticals are unscripted battles which are usually not open to the public. There are scores of sutlers who operate regionally and nationally. Attend a few such reenactment events and talk to members of the involved groups to learn more about their reenactment focus and activities. Mega-events, reenactments where reenactors number several thousand, are likely gone forever now that the 150th anniversary events ended in 2015. How to Get Started With Historical Reenacting. Welcome to the official website of the Georgia Division Reenactors Association! Infoplease is part of the Sandbox Learning family of educational and reference sites for parents, teachers and students. The largest event was likely the 135th Gettysburg reenactment where an estimated 15,000 attended. Special Thanks As you become more engaged with the unit, it's time to think about acquiring your own reenactment kit so that new recruits can use the spares while they test the waters. So, many die-hard history-lovers volunteer in historical reenactments for an action-packed and enlightening experience. We come from in and around Shelby County. Reenacting units are organized in companies and regiments by reenactors from the same geographic area, much as Civil War companies and regiments were organized. 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. 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. "How to Get Started With Historical Reenacting." 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. Here are the facts and trivia that people are buzzing about. (May 8, 2009) http://www.2ri.org/become_a_member.htm, Bromer, Zachary. Muster A gathering, especially of troops, for service, inspection, review or roll call. Particularly welcomeand neededat reenactments are Black reenactors. Extreme Points of the United States (States & Territories), Federal issue forage cap (dark or indigo blue), State issue forage cap with McDowell visor (dark or indigo blue), Federal fatigue blouse ("sack coat," dark or indigo blue) with four brass buttons, Federal trousers, foot pattern (sky blue), Issue muslin shirt (or other period pattern), USM1855 cartridge box, .58 caliber, mid-war model (black leather), USM1855 bayonet scabbard (black leather, one-piece Springfield style), M1853 three-band .577 caliber Enfield rifle musket and bayonet, Musket sling for M1853 Enfield (untreated leather), Haversack, U.S. regulation wartime issue (black tarred canvas), USM1858 smooth side canteen (jean cloth or dark blue wool cover) with strap (leather preferred over cotton drill or linen). Almost every reenactor can tell you stories about uniforms or equipment they rushed to purchase when they first started out and later regretted after they learned it was of poor quality or didnt fit the impression they ultimately pursued. Your mentor can also assist you in finding used gear either from unit members or outside resources like eBay or Facebook. They carried Sharps rifles. Scouring the sutlers' goods may also set you up for an impulse buy that your historic persona doesn't really need. Some people do take the "authenticity" to an extreme, but most groups welcome anyone with an interest. Oftentimes, a young person will find themselves interested in living history but struggle to get involved. or C.S.A. https://www.thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852 (accessed March 5, 2023). Check out our article How to Join a Reenactment Group. What did the Gettysburg artillery barrage sound like? Confederate States or Confederate States Army. 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. The persona you select should have some personal significance to you. They will take on the persona of one who is living through the period and will not speak in modern language. Hundreds of . A canteen holding about two quarts of water is critical. 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. Can one really hear a Civil War era term the rattle of musketry? 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". Here you can find a list of groups that portray the Great War period. 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. 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. Mainstreamers cheerfully accept the nickname TBG- which stands for Tubby Bearded Guys. To submit a reenactment group for consideration, please contact us here. Reenacting remained a small hobby during the mid-1970s when events numbering several hundred reenactors were common. 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. The stitch counters can belong in either the mainstream or the campaigner camp. These characteristics can be challenging to identify by examining a units website or Facebook page or by chatting with the members at an event. Nothing spoils the look of a rank of men in a battle line then seeing someone wearing modern day glasses or ear rings. Alright, as a black man I have to say this: * ahem * IF. The 49th Indiana, Company F is Indiana's oldest and largest nonprofit organization devoted to portraying life during the American Civil War. Immersion events are small reenactments where reenactors carry everything with them with no resupply from vehicles. Powell, Kimberly. 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. This Forum is for Posting Civil War Event Information. They are encouraged to buy their opposite impression as soon as they can afford the cost. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. 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. 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]. Unit Dues - Unit dues are typically the cheapest of all expenses. You can buy relatively cheap U.S. uniforms from the World Wars. Check ourencyclopedia for a gloss on thousands of topics from biographies to the table of elements. As a spectator, you have a great opportunity to get a preview of what volunteering is like. 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. Reenacting units staged living histories to explain weapons and uniforms at venues like schools and public parks to recruit new hobbyists. Are you really excited about being a part of large battle reenactments? The website also lists a number of sutler websites. Mega-events made it hard to lose ones self in the moment when a narrator was giving blow-by-blow accounts of the battle over loud speakers. 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. Now that the sesquicentennial is over, the future of reenacting is being debated. The Centennial created some interest in Hollywood, resulting in some Civil War era television shows like The Gray Ghost (1957) and The Americans (1961), and movies like Shenandoah (1965). 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. olg pick 4 By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. 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. 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. Spectators wont see much action, but the reenactors will see only other reenactors and no more bleachers. Finding a reenactment group isn't as easy as looking at a map and finding the unit closest to you. Buy at a reenactment or with the help of an experience unit member. Not only does it reinforce our sense of pride in our heritage, but its something in which the entire family can participate. Real sticklers discourage men from wearing wedding bands as that custom was not around during The Civil War. "How to Become a Re-Enactor." If you wear eyeglasses, consider purchasing period frames high on your shopping list as well. 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. Reenactors adopt what they call impressions based on the type of person they want to portray. Women participate as nurses, vivandieres, cooks, laundresses, or wives and sisters visiting the soldier in camp. 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. Salary.com. - "A Union Civil War Living History and Reenacting organization located in the greater Connecticut area.