how to join a civil war reenactment group

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. 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. John Miller, a veteran reenactor who specializes in the Civil War, warns prospective volunteers that the hobby can get dangerous [source: Miller]. Sandbox Learning is part of Sandbox & Co., a digital learning company. ThoughtCo, Aug. 26, 2020, thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852. 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. Perhaps you have a friend in the hobby who has encouraged you to give it a try. Encampments allow visitors to wander through a Civil War camp and observe soldiers training, resting, playing, and simply relaxingall without television, iPods, or computers! Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era is a Pulitzer Prize-winning work on the American Civil War. 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. 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! These events help reenactors immerse themselves in the reenacting experience, gaining first-hand knowledge of war, battle strategy, and the hardships of combat. Still, American Civil War reenactments can take place wherever the hobbyists can find ground. Take your hits (deaths) If you wish to fight in a different unit that a family member fought in during the civil war. Also welcome are Black reenactors portraying slaves or free blacks, teamsters, horse handlers, or other roles common to the period. 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. 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. Learn more about the world with our collection of regional and country maps. Most units have a list of acceptable gear and approved sutlers. But if you've got the mettle and undying enthusiasm for history, we'll walk you through the basics of how to get involved. 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. Do you have a passion for Ancient Rome, medieval fashion, or Colonial America, and the Salem Witch Trials? Buy at a reenactment or with the help of an experience unit member. While those shows inspired then young, now-middle aged reenactors to study the war, the producers paid little attention to authenticity. . By the time Ken Burns PBS special The Civil War debuted in 1990 interest in the War was on an upswing. C.S. 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. 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. They will take on the persona of one who is living through the period and will not speak in modern language. Some civilian reenactors may choose to portray professions such as mortician or battlefield surgeon with some women roaming the field as nurses. You'll have the Web at your fingertips to research an object's authenticity -- and to compare prices from multiple vendors. 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. Reenacting remained a small hobby during the mid-1970s when events numbering several hundred reenactors were common. If you are having any kind of encampment and want it in a certain order, let them know ahead of time. 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. The future of reenacting rests on the shoulders of younger generations. But, for whatever reason, something about recreating the life of a Civil War soldier resonates with you and youre interested in joining the hobby. 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. The best first purchase you can make is a pair of well-built shoes, usually called brogans or bootees. It was anticipation of the 125th anniversary events, starting in 1986, when reenacting turned into a serious hobby. 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. Reenactments are family events, so feel free to bring the kids, too. In a reenactment, a persona is a character and role that you choose to portray. To volunteer in historical reenactments, you'll be dedicating your time, sacrificing your modern comforts and paying a pretty penny. One place to find equipment for sale is at the reenactment events. While the vast majority of reenactors are standard uniformed Confederate and Union soldiers, there are some small numbers who wear unique uniforms. Reenacting units staged living histories to explain weapons and uniforms at venues like schools and public parks to recruit new hobbyists. Eric Tetreault/Connecticut Renaissance Faire. There are scores of sutlers who operate regionally and nationally. Camping with ones friends can be an attractive incentive to pack up the gear and drive away rather than staying home doing chores. Your email address will not be published. They are wondering if sleeping on the ground is as much fun as it was when they were young. 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. 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. What's more, you could get hurt. Local living histories at venues such as historically themed parks are where many potential reenactors see their first living historians. I. Delaware. Some units have fifers and drummers. Arch supports were not invented in the 1860s, but feel free to put anything inside that helps you march. Welcome to the home of the 52nd Tennessee Co. C. We are a group of living historians centered around the American Civil War. Kimberly Powell is a professional genealogist and the author of The Everything Guide to Online Genealogy. 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 . Women reenactors portraying soldiers are not uncommon, just as there were women in ranks during the Civil War. How do I join a unit as a reenactor? 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. To a CIVIL WAR reenactment. If they try for officer ranks like lieutenant and captain, they must take even more rigorous tests to demonstrate that they know the commands that moved men around the field. A plastic mug would be farby as would a polyester uniform since they didnt have polyester in 1861. 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.. 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. The dues are an important aspect of keeping reenactment groups operating. The problem with these specialty impressions is that they only operate as units. Units of mainstreamers may number from 20 to 100. Most reenacting units require members to own dual impressions; both Union and Confederate. I show up. 3 rd Florida Volunteer Infantry, Co. There are Federal Zouave units who wear bright red pants, red trimmed jackets, and turbans. Don't be overwhelmed! The exhaustion felt at the end of that reenacting march brings home the realization that the soldiers of the Civil War were tough. Both sides tolerate them. A musket will shoot a flame of fire and unburned powder out the muzzle. Check out our article How to Join a Reenactment Group. It is where the Civil War soldier carried his food and where the reenactor will carry his food, wallet and car keys. 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. At the reenactments of those battles, Federal reenactors with access to repeating rifles like the 1860 Henry or the Spencer rifle or carbine will brigade together to recreate those particular actions. We have members in four states Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi and Arkansas. The 26th North Carolina Troops and the 24th Michigan ran head-on into each other on the first day of Gettysburg in McPhersons Woods. Women participate as nurses, vivandieres, cooks, laundresses, or wives and sisters visiting the soldier in camp. A reenactor is a special breed of person. Each unit has a different function and will provide a much different experience. And, they must already have relationships with the brigades and divisions they want to command. Farby is a Civil War Reenactment term for anything not typical of the period. To those who do not do it, reenacting may seem like an odd hobby; spending the weekend recreating a war that killed upwards of three quarters of a million people when the United States population was just 31 million. And, if one wants, one can carry original muskets if they are safe. 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. The gear does not stop at just a firearm either. Reenactors who claim: My ancestors would roll over in their graves if I portrayed the other side are frowned upon. To submit a reenactment group for consideration, please contact us here. The North Florida Artillery was incorporated as a non-profit organization in the state of Florida in March 2007. Special Thanks Civil War Reenactment is one of the fastest growing hobbies in the United States, and with good reason. 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. Living like a person in 1863, even if only for a few hours or a few days, would surely sharpen your skills as a historian, actor, and citizen. 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 reenactors can make a modest living by working in museums or historic sites such as Plymouth, Mass., or Williamsburg, Va. Before you start investing cash in reenacting, attend enough events to ensure that its a hobby that you truly enjoy and want to purse. A few options to consider. Or, Dad can stay in the military camp while Mom and the kids stay in a civilian camp. Few units allow people in 21st century garb to camp in the military camp as it detracts from the reenactment atmosphere. It is particularly valuable for its calendar of upcoming events, and book reviews. These organizations will often have a camp life where young ones can partake in 1860's life styles. Reenacting units are organized in companies and regiments by reenactors from the same geographic area, much as Civil War companies and regiments were organized. Mega events involve thousands of reenactors. And finally, muskets are real guns. 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. Here are the facts and trivia that people are buzzing about. Check your laws! WELCOME TO THE 49TH INDIANA CO.F. For reenactments that span several days, this can be grueling. Cavalry and artillery reenactors have the added burden of worrying about their horses and mules stepping into holes on the field. They carried Sharps rifles. Learn about one of the world's oldest and most popular religions. While the three-banded musket is standard, there might be the occasional chance to carry something else. While still too small in numbers to simulate actual Civil War battles, the mega-events at least gave reenactors a sense of what the major battles would have been like. As they learn how to be a soldier, they take tests and advance through the non-commissioned ranks to corporals and sergeants. Once you do, it's time to create your own historical persona. A typical period correct firearm will cost upwards of $1000. There's nothing volunteering in a historical reenactment to experience the sights, sounds and smells of history. 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. The age restriction on handling firearms does not prevent one from taking part in the hobby. Finally, there is the largest investment of all, the musket and bayonet. Have you often wondered what it might have been like to actually live in the past? While doing their impression many will do a first-person impression. Local video entrepreneurs filmed those 125th anniversary reenactments on VHS tapes, selling them to the reenactors who hoped to see themselves acting as Civil War soldiers. A police officer grips a corner of a torn U.S. flag at a memorial ceremony in New York on Sept. 11, 2004. Confederate Zouaves called Louisiana Tigers wear striped baggy pants. 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). People come to Civil War reenacting in a myriad of ways. Historical reenactors are known for being sticklers for accuracy. Our way to offer tribute to these great men of the Civil War is to study as much as possible . For instance, the Stonewall Brigades list is located here. Reenactors refer to their clothing and equipment as theirkit. 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. Check your local newspaper or search the Internet to find a reenactment near you. Are you interested in conducting research into tiny details of soldiers lives? For instance, the 26th Regiment of North Carolina Troops also portrays the 24th Michigan of The Iron Brigade when it reenacts as Federals. 2022 Sandbox Networks Inc. All rights reserved. Which branch reenactors join is up to their interest in each branchand their financial resources. 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. Photos from the time period show some men marching in ranks with M-1 Garands, World War II semi-automatic rifles. Living history events include encampments, parades, and school enrichment programs. Most reenacting units are equipped to act as either Federal or Confederate troops in order to be able to balance numbers at reenacting events. Not sure about the geography of the middle east? Civil War reenactors attempt to answer Footes rhetorical question by putting their 21st century selves into the roles of 19th century people. They are designed to save you money, help you avoid some of the most common mistakes first time reenactors make, and give you the best chance at enjoying the hobby over the long-term. 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. Tacticals are unscripted battles which are usually not open to the public. Military reenactors will choose infantry, artillery, cavalry or medical (and a few others such as engineers or sharpshooters) and many will choose a civilian impression. Check with your reenacting unit before buying any gun. This list is by no means complete. 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. 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 unit you ultimately join should be in a position to provide the elements that you want to get out of reenacting. How the Civilian Conservation Corps Worked, Historical Reenactment Costumes and Equipment, 2nd Rhode Island Regiment. Perhaps you have a friend in the hobby who has encouraged you to give it a try. During the Civil War Native Americans, Blacks, Asians, and Hispanics fought on both sides. American Civil War Reenactment Groups. Civil War Reenacting makes an effort to list the websites of reenacting units, but, as might be expected, many units are not listed here. But if you want to portray a German soldier from World War II, the uniforms are pricier -- typically $300 to $400 [source: Miller]. Your mentor can also assist you in finding used gear either from unit members or outside resources like eBay or Facebook. Learn more about the mythic conflict between the Argives and the Trojans. 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 . Be sure to look into this. Reenacting gear includes the uniform, accoutrements, a musket, shoes, hat and more, all purchased from sutlers, merchants specializing in reproduction products for reenactors. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Reenactors living near each other form around a company that comes from that same geographic area. Reenactors take their jobs very seriously. Find WW1 Reenactment groups to join now! 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. Although most common in the United States, there are also American Civil War reenactors in Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Italy, Denmark . This manual includes such things as company tactics and firing details [source: Miller]. Check your local newspaper or reenactment Web sites for listings of upcoming reenactment events in your area. Aside from physical distance, a reenactor needs to take into consideration a few factors. st croix zillow dollar genetal near me bnha x innocent reader. Reenacting does require a commitment, however, in both time and resources. How do your feet feel after marching 22 miles in a single day in thin-soled brogans? Only a handful of men will make generals and they must know how to command at that level. One note for reenactors living in states with strict gun laws. Civil War soldiers or civilians didnt have digital watches or plastic frame eyeglasses. 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. (May 8, 2009) http://www.2ri.org/become_a_member.htm, Bromer, Zachary. In FULL SLAVE garb. Finding an organization for a child to partake in is not difficult. Check out our article How to Join a Reenactment Group. 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. The only difference between the Civil War and the reenacting firing is that no Mini ball is rammed down the barrel. Their website is: http://www.citizenscompanion.com/. Most reenacting units have both a website and a Facebook page, making it easier for people to find local units. The 150th Manassas, Virginia event was held when the temperature on the field was 114 degrees. 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. Subscribe to our newsletter * indicates required. Both shows used reenactors for the first time, a revelation for Hollywood directors who suddenly realized that their extras knew how to act like Civil War soldiers. There is at least one Civil War era brass band using period instruments and playing period music. Unit Dues - Unit dues are typically the cheapest of all expenses. Welcome! Are you looking for something you can do with your family? Invitation events are smaller with limited numbers of participants making them easier to manage. 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. Events Could Include: Reenactments, Living Histories, Round Tables, Battlewalks, Shows, Lectures & More. Perhaps a particular company or regiment in the war had distinctive uniforms. Typically, the age restriction for most events is 16 years old to carry a musket/rifle. Can one really hear a Civil War era term the rattle of musketry? Battle reenactments are scripted recreations of actual Civil War engagements, which spectators pay to come and watch. 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. Reliving the Civil War: A Re-enactors Handbook. Salary.com. Oftentimes, a young person will find themselves interested in living history but struggle to get involved. In historical reenactments, people from all walks of life gather together, dressed head-to-toe in period clothing. Particularly welcomeand neededat reenactments are Black reenactors. Not all organizations allow family's along for the ride. 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. For official duties, these youngstersoften between 10 and 14were called on to fill supporting roles such as drummers, buglers, messengers, and field assistants. American Civil War Society. These can range anywhere from $5 a month to $25 a month. *This post may contain affiliate links. "I decided to join the Civil War reenacting group that helped to make the movie." . 4) Read As Much As You Can: The best way to start your career in reenacting out right is to read extensively. 2nd Rhode Island Regiment. Too far forward, and the percussion cap is exploding in his ear. Gear - How much a reenactor spends on their gear is a product of individual means, love for the hobby, and type of unit. 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. When brigaded with other units, a reenactor general may command 200-300 men. 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. As a Civil War reenactor you will become a soldier, or a civilian, wearing authentic 1860s period clothing and learning to live as . 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. A colonial shopkeeper will have a pretty simple costume compared to a Civil War general's uniform. If you are up to the task, here's some information to get you started. This Forum is for Posting Civil War Event Information. Civil War News is a monthly newspaper that covers news about battlefield preservation, and reenacting. We've got you covered with our map collection. They should also have a list of recommended vendors that sell uniforms and equipment that meet their units standards. 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). The website also lists a number of sutler websites. Finding a reenactment unit has gone 21st century.

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