how to join a civil war reenactment group how to join a civil war reenactment group

Your email address will not be published. A Civil War Reenactment is the recreation of past battles for the education and entertainment of both spectators and hobbyists alike. Most reenactment organizations also won't allow children under 16 to bear arms. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852. Some civilian reenactors may choose to portray professions such as mortician or battlefield surgeon with some women roaming the field as nurses. 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. Living Histories at original battlefields are by invitation by the National Park Service or the states that also maintain battlefields. Eric Tetreault/Connecticut Renaissance Faire. Are you looking for something you can do with your family? In addition to having to wear hot, uncomfortable clothing, participants can forget about sleeping in comfortable beds, eating decent food and taking hot showers. These events help reenactors immerse themselves in the reenacting experience, gaining first-hand knowledge of war, battle strategy, and the hardships of combat. The stitch counters can belong in either the mainstream or the campaigner camp. Civil War reenacting group in Colorado, Wyoming, Texas, and New Hampshire. 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. What period of history most grabs your interest? If you're thinking about volunteering in a historical reenactment, experienced reenactors will tell you that you shouldn't delve into this hobby without knowing what you're getting into. Now i ma The most stare-inducing women reenactors are those ladies portraying Catholic nuns who served as nurses during the war. Figure the cost of your accessories into your budget, too. The N word season pass premium + membership is in full effect for the day. Camping with ones friends can be an attractive incentive to pack up the gear and drive away rather than staying home doing chores. Once you invest time and money into historical volunteerism, you'll likely find great reward from all your efforts. or C.S.A. Mega-events, reenactments where reenactors number several thousand, are likely gone forever now that the 150th anniversary events ended in 2015. Particularly welcomeand neededat reenactments are Black reenactors. Event Dues - This can really depend on the event and what is provided with the fee. 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. Farby is a Civil War Reenactment term for anything not typical of the period. 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. The three types seem to always be warring with each other in blog posts with the campaigners laughing at the age of the mainstreamers; the mainstreamers laughing at the campaigners with their dirty faces; and the stitch counters laughing at both of them for wearing a uniform that was proper in 1862, but which wasnt worn in 1864. Just as in the Civil War armies, men who take on the rank must be able to perform at that rank. Also welcome are Black reenactors portraying slaves or free blacks, teamsters, horse handlers, or other roles common to the period. Invitation events are smaller events where organizers limit the number of participants in order to better manage the scale. If the unit is a horse-drawn battery, the reenactors are expected to help groom, water, and feed the horses. Reenactors take their jobs very seriously. Horses, though trained to expect loud noises from cannons, rifles, pistols and clanging sabers, sometimes throw their riders to the ground. 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. Although most common in the United States, there are also American Civil War reenactors in Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Italy, Denmark . Thanks for reaching out John we just got in touch to provide you some additional information. While family involvement may be the goal of some reenactors, others enjoy the freedom of being away from the family on the weekend. And, they must already have relationships with the brigades and divisions they want to command. While military reenacting is popular in many countries and covering many wars, Civil War Reenacting has been a growing hobby since it began in the 1960s spurred on by the Centennial. 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. Your mentor can also assist you in finding used gear either from unit members or outside resources like eBay or Facebook. The further that is away from the face, the better. Scouring the sutlers' goods may also set you up for an impulse buy that your historic persona doesn't really need. But, for whatever reason, something about recreating the life of a Civil War soldier resonates with you and youre interested in joining the hobby. 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. 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. That means most Union forces on Southern battlefields likely talk with Southern accents even though they are in blue. Can one really hear a Civil War era term the rattle of musketry? American Civil War Society. olg pick 4 that appeal to campaigners. 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. Which branch reenactors join is up to their interest in each branchand their financial resources. Here you can find a list of groups that portray the Great War period. 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. 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. American Civil War Reenactment Groups Historical reenactment groups and living history groups offer an insight into how men and women lived in past times. (May 8, 2009) http://www.salary.com/personal/layoutscripts/psnl_articles.asp?tab=psn&cat=cat011&ser=ser032, Miller, John. BOOK TIP: "The Illustrated Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era". It is common to find Black reenactors sprinkled in the Confederate ranks. But, there are legitimate roles for reenactors in their early teens to act as runners, or fifers or drummers if they are musically inclined to join units which have field musicians. 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. American Civil War Reenactment Groups. Youre obviously interested in the Civil War, otherwise you wont be considering reenacting. Learn about one of the world's oldest and most popular religions. 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. Invitation events are smaller with limited numbers of participants making them easier to manage. 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. There is no poll showing where reenactors live, but observation would put a majority of them in The South. Check with your reenacting unit before buying any gun. 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 Event Wire - Information. How do I join a unit as a reenactor? st croix zillow dollar genetal near me bnha x innocent reader. 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. During the Civil War Native Americans, Blacks, Asians, and Hispanics fought on both sides. Do you have a passion for Ancient Rome, medieval fashion, or Colonial America, and the Salem Witch Trials? The NPS decided that mock battles detracted from the commemorative nature of the battlefields. Uniforms are all wool for Federal portrayals, and a wool and cotton blend for Confederates. "How to Get Started With Historical Reenacting." Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Jane McGrath Many reenactors are completely outfitted with clothing, packs, gear, and vehicles their typical persona would carry. Units portraying the Vietnam War aren't nearly as prolific as World War 2 or Civil War impressions. Civilian reenactors are the least expensive impressions to achieve, and have the most flexibility since the clothes chosen can range from elegant to simple. Germany . 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. A haversack, a kind of handbag worn over the left shoulder, is generally black. They will speak as though the War Between the States is current. While Confederate regulations called for a kepi, most men opted for a slouch hat, a broad-brimmed hat of varying styles. Instead they staged brigade-sized snowball fights. Most reenactors collect their kit over a period of time, borrowing from generous fellow soldiers until they are fully outfitted. 4) Read As Much As You Can: The best way to start your career in reenacting out right is to read extensively. This video brings you to the historic battlefields of Aike. 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 USCTs fought as all Black units commanded by white officers. After all, every one of the reenactors at an event arrived in a 21st century vehicle of some kind. The 49th Indiana Volunteer Infantry is Indiana's oldest, largest and best drilled civil war unit. 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. Reenacting units keep a list of approved sutlers that have proven to stock authentic and well-made goods. If you are up to the task, here's some information to get you started. These organizations will often have a camp life where young ones can partake in 1860's life styles. Although most common in the United States, there are also American Civil War reenactors in Canada, the United Kingdom,. The only difference between the Civil War and the reenacting firing is that no Mini ball is rammed down the barrel. 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. 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. Join us for a captivating reenactment of a Civil War skirmish, brought to life in stunning detail! A musket will shoot a flame of fire and unburned powder out the muzzle. By Robert Arvay. After a near disaster where one reenactor was hit by a Mini ball fragment left in a musket that had been live fired before the event, the National Park Service thereafter banned reenactments from being held on its battlefields. Photos from the time period show some men marching in ranks with M-1 Garands, World War II semi-automatic rifles. A reenactor could choose that impression by joining a reenacting unit following those uniform guidelines. Reenacting is at a cross-roads. No reenactor will respond to an unknown general who walks onto the field and tries to take command of units who do not know him. Period clothing and accessories can be very expensive -- depending on the period and figure you're portraying. For the Bray family in Brunswick, American Civil War reenactment is more than just a historical hobby it's a family affair. Speculation among reenactors is that smaller, focused events is where the hobby is headed. The North Florida Artillery was incorporated as a non-profit organization in the state of Florida in March 2007. Mainstream is exactly what it sounds like, reenactors ranging in age from teenagers to well-beyond middle age who like the hobby, but who also do not fit the Civil War image of soldiers being thin and between the ages of 18-25. - Confederate States or Confederate States Army. Fit for Effective Service: Virginia Arms Her Stonewall Brigade, Its Ancient Reputation: The Stonewall Brigade at Cedar Mountain, The Stonewall Brigade at Gettysburg Part Four: The Fate of the Flags, How to Adapt a Confederate ANV Impression by Time Period, Top Tips for Transitioning From Mainstream to Authentic Reenacting. If you asked to galvanize (switch sides) for a battle or event, dont complain. 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. Is there a list or quartermaster who do I need to contact to get involved as a reenactor for the civil war. Infoplease is a reference and learning site, combining the contents of an encyclopedia, a dictionary, an atlas and several almanacs loaded with facts. Reenacting does require a commitment, however, in both time and resources. John Miller, a veteran reenactor who specializes in the Civil War, warns prospective volunteers that the hobby can get dangerous [source: Miller]. Post Advance Schedules Up to 1 Year in Advance. This manual includes such things as company tactics and firing details [source: Miller]. The 26th North Carolina Troops and the 24th Michigan ran head-on into each other on the first day of Gettysburg in McPhersons Woods. Immersion events are small reenactments where reenactors carry everything with them with no resupply from vehicles. 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. 3 rd Florida Volunteer Infantry, Co. Before you start investing cash in reenacting, attend enough events to ensure that its a hobby that you truly enjoy and want to purse. 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. Reenactors accept discomfort, port-a-johns, close quarters, and the aches that come with carrying gear that weighs 20 pounds or more. And, if one wants, one can carry original muskets if they are safe. 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. Reenactments are family events, so feel free to bring the kids, too. While the three-banded musket is standard, there might be the occasional chance to carry something else. The problem with modern day reenacting for USCTs is that they were not at many of the major battles because the original Union generals refused to put them into ranks beside white soldiers and because significant numbers werent enlisted or trained until the middle of 1863. If you choose an active reenactment role, you'll need to be in good health, capable of the physical activity and lack of everyday comforts that are inherent in reenacting. 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. 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. A colonial shopkeeper will have a pretty simple costume compared to a Civil War general's uniform. 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. Brush up on your geography and finally learn what countries are in Eastern Europe with our maps. The largest event was likely the 135th Gettysburg reenactment where an estimated 15,000 attended. 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. At some late-war battles such as Bentonville, North Carolina and Saylers Creek, Virginia, Federal units armed with repeating rifles chewed into Confederate ranks. Powell, Kimberly. Little children have no business on the field because they can become separated from parents. Find WW1 Reenactment groups to join now! If you're portraying a poor farmer during the Revolutionary War, then don't purchase a fancy rifle that would have been out of his financial grasp. 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. Civilian A person, male or female, who reenacts any non-military impression during Reenactments. "Become a Member." 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. Oftentimes, a young person will find themselves interested in living history but struggle to get involved. Unit Type - Not all organizations are the same. 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". They are encouraged to buy their opposite impression as soon as they can afford the cost. Confederate Zouaves called Louisiana Tigers wear striped baggy pants. The easiest way for children to get involved in reenacting is to do it as a family. The granddaddy of all Civil War sutlers started outfitting reenactors in the mid-1970s. Hundreds of . Most units have a list of acceptable gear and approved sutlers. 2 nd Connecticut Volunteer Heavy Artillery Regiment, Co. The derogatory term for this same person is stitch nazi.. Reenacting remained a small hobby during the mid-1970s when events numbering several hundred reenactors were common. Read more. 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. Reproduction clothing can cost several hundred dollars, and reproduction period rifles as much as $1000. 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! With sound recordings, new generations could hear the Rebel yellyelped by 95-year-old men who still had the spunk to give it. The dues are an important aspect of keeping reenactment groups operating. "How to Become a Re-Enactor." 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. 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. The English Civil War Society UK: English Civil War: 1642 AD 1651 AD Combat reenactment, living history, educational visits, film and TV work Ermine Street Guard UK: Roman army: 50 AD 200 AD Combat reenactment, living history, TV and film work, education work, research Historia Normannis UK France USA: Middle Ages: 1100 1215 Combat reenactment . There are a wide variety of canteens including wooden ones that Confederate soldiers carried, but which would not be appropriate for Union soldiers. Reenacting for many is a serious, but fun, event. 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. 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. 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. The hobby of Civil War reenacting continues to attract participants and spectators who care about Civil War history and the 19th century people who lived it. Being a Civil War reenactor is about stepping back in time to create believable characterpersonaor what reenactors call an impression. 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. Reenacting gear includes the uniform, accoutrements, a musket, shoes, hat and more, all purchased from sutlers, merchants specializing in reproduction products for reenactors. Their website is: www.CivilWarNews.com, Camp Chase Gazette is a how-to magazine for authentic reenactors. 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]. 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. Active members, either military or . The 150th Manassas, Virginia event was held when the temperature on the field was 114 degrees. Check your local newspaper or search the Internet to find a reenactment near you. 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. 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. Civil War Reenactment Groups The American Civil War, fought between 1861 and 1865, continues to live on in the form of living history reenactments. One note for reenactors living in states with strict gun laws. 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. That is my indication and EXPRESSED consent to be treated like a slave by all participating confederate soldiers. Finding a reenactment group isn't as easy as looking at a map and finding the unit closest to you. Reenactors adopt what they call impressions based on the type of person they want to portray. 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. 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. ThoughtCo. Most reenacting units are equipped to act as either Federal or Confederate troops in order to be able to balance numbers at reenacting events. You'll also have to brush up on the language and customs specific to the era. While those shows inspired then young, now-middle aged reenactors to study the war, the producers paid little attention to authenticity. 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. Finding a reenactment unit has gone 21st century. Used by permission of Kathleen Smith. What did the Gettysburg artillery barrage sound like? While headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, our membership encompasses Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. 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.. Event Dues - This can really depend on the event and what is provided with the fee. There are Federal Zouave units who wear bright red pants, red trimmed jackets, and turbans. 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. 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. Then again in 1938, those same veterans returned. Too far forward, and the percussion cap is exploding in his ear. 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. Reenacting units are organized in companies and regiments by reenactors from the same geographic area, much as Civil War companies and regiments were organized. 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. WW1 Reenactment Groups. 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. How the Civilian Conservation Corps Worked, Historical Reenactment Costumes and Equipment, 2nd Rhode Island Regiment. And that's not including weaponry: An M1 Garand will put you out $700 to $900, while other period guns cost less than $100. Some of the young men who started reenacting decades ago when the 125th anniversary events attracted them are now passing through middle age. It is particularly valuable for its calendar of upcoming events, and book reviews. 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. 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. Colorado Connecticut. The 125th anniversary of the start of the war in 1986 saw reenacting turn into a serious hobby. Its educational and, finally, its a great way to escape the worries of today and pretend in the great outdoors. While the vast majority of reenactors are standard uniformed Confederate and Union soldiers, there are some small numbers who wear unique uniforms. 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. https://www.thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852 (accessed March 5, 2023). Not only does it reinforce our sense of pride in our heritage, but its something in which the entire family can participate. (May 8, 2009) http://www.2ri.org/become_a_member.htm, Bromer, Zachary. Reenactors do not dwell on that terrible human cost. 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. Check your laws! They are wondering if sleeping on the ground is as much fun as it was when they were young. 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. I. Delaware. They like to bring tents, camp chairs, hidden ice chests, and other gear that the original army would never have had.