how to join a civil war reenactment group

Prospective reenactors should research units to judge how accepting they are of family participation. Both sides tolerate them. 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. Reenactors accept discomfort, port-a-johns, close quarters, and the aches that come with carrying gear that weighs 20 pounds or more. https://28thmass.orgLately I've noticed quite a few of you showing more interest in Civil War reenacting specifically. Any unit you contact should be extremely welcoming and do everything they can to have you join their ranks. Beginners should start by attending Civil War Reenactments and observing what goes on. 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. Civil War Reenacting makes an effort to list the websites of reenacting units, but, as might be expected, many units are not listed here. Most reenacting units have both a website and a Facebook page, making it easier for people to find local units. You may want to speak candidly with your current units commander about what youre looking for in another unit, as they may have contacts or suggestions for other units that you can consider (if a unit commander isnt willing to do this, its probably a sign you should leave that unit anyways, as theyre not looking out for your best interests). 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. For the Bray family in Brunswick, American Civil War reenactment is more than just a historical hobby it's a family affair. 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. 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. And, they must already have relationships with the brigades and divisions they want to command. As they learn how to be a soldier, they take tests and advance through the non-commissioned ranks to corporals and sergeants. 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. Reenactors recreate history by portraying the look, actions, and lives of a person from a particular time period of history. 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. Berdans Sharpshooters were a Federal unit of sharpshooters who wore dark green uniforms as an early form of camouflage. 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. The important thing to remember is the child still needs adult supervision. This is especially important when it comes to clothing and weaponry, as we'll see on the next page. How the Civilian Conservation Corps Worked, Historical Reenactment Costumes and Equipment, 2nd Rhode Island Regiment. Just as in the Civil War armies, men who take on the rank must be able to perform at that rank. Finding a reenactment group isn't as easy as looking at a map and finding the unit closest to you. 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. First-person - When a reenactor speaks to fellow reenactors and the public as a person during the 1860s. Also welcome are Black reenactors portraying slaves or free blacks, teamsters, horse handlers, or other roles common to the period. 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. Since the war took place in the South, it is more difficult for Yankees in Northern states to make the events in the Southern states. 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. Your email address will not be published. Their website is: http://www.citizenscompanion.com/. 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. Check out our article How to Join a Reenactment Group. Check out our article How to Join a Reenactment Group. Immersion events are small reenactments where reenactors carry everything with them with no resupply from vehicles. But if you're more interested in other wars or time periods, don't despair. Perhaps you have a friend in the hobby who has encouraged you to give it a try. One of the last Civil War reenactments by Civil War vet erans was the Great Reunion of 1913, on the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. If you wear eyeglasses, consider purchasing period frames high on your shopping list as well. WW1 Reenactment Groups. Civil War News is a monthly newspaper that covers news about battlefield preservation, and reenacting. 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. 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. Families wishing to stay together all weekend can portray civilians. There are alternative ways to get your history education. Becoming a historical re-enactor requires an unquenchable thirst for history and abiding patience with uncomfortable accommodations and ridiculous outfits. The unit you ultimately join should be in a position to provide the elements that you want to get out of reenacting. So, many die-hard history-lovers volunteer in historical reenactments for an action-packed and enlightening experience. Is there a list or quartermaster who do I need to contact to get involved as a reenactor for the civil war. There are a wide variety of canteens including wooden ones that Confederate soldiers carried, but which would not be appropriate for Union soldiers. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 1999. That is also the reason why most leather gear is black, the standard Union color. Mega events involve thousands of reenactors. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Can one really hear a Civil War era term the rattle of musketry? With sound recordings, new generations could hear the Rebel yellyelped by 95-year-old men who still had the spunk to give it. Don't buy a uniform or other equipment until you've joined a unit, which might have its own particular rules for attire. When you're starting out as a volunteer, the unit you're working with will probably have a spare uniform you can borrow. Most reenactors are everyday people from all walks of life, with ages ranging from 16 to people in their sixties. C.S. If you're interested in volunteering as a Civil War reenactor, the entire kit (including uniform, canteen, weapon and leatherwear) will cost about $850 to $1,500 [source: Miller]. The 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. 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. Campaigners are usually young and pride themselves in carrying a minimal amount of gear, sleeping in the open, and being as uncomfortable as they can be, which was the way it was. 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. Special Thanks Also, merchants who set up during reenactments and sell period-style goods to reenactors and the public. 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. Children were active participants in the Civil War. "I decided to join the Civil War reenacting group that helped to make the movie." . Powell, Kimberly. Do your research before making any purchases to ensure that you get the most authentic bang for your buck. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. If looking to dive into Vietnam reenacting, the number one piece of advice is to speak to a unit before making purchases. Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Jane McGrath Be sure to look into this. 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. The North Florida Artillery was incorporated as a non-profit organization in the state of Florida in March 2007. 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. Most reenactment organizations also won't allow children under 16 to bear arms. They will speak as though the War Between the States is current. For many people, there's nothing drier than a dense history book. That is my indication and EXPRESSED consent to be treated like a slave by all participating confederate soldiers. - "A Union Civil War Living History and Reenacting organization located in the greater Connecticut area. The stitch counters can belong in either the mainstream or the campaigner camp. During the Civil War Native Americans, Blacks, Asians, and Hispanics fought on both sides. 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. Only a handful of men will make generals and they must know how to command at that level. Reenactors do not dwell on that terrible human cost. If you crave intrigue and a dash of melodrama, historical fiction can make the past come alive. Reenactors who claim: My ancestors would roll over in their graves if I portrayed the other side are frowned upon. Once you invest time and money into historical volunteerism, you'll likely find great reward from all your efforts. Hard-core reenactors give up all amenities of modern life, from deodorant to modern wristwatches. A musket will shoot a flame of fire and unburned powder out the muzzle. How do your feet feel after marching 22 miles in a single day in thin-soled brogans? Germany . 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 organization has grown to include dozens of civil war reenactors and their families. 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. That means most Union forces on Southern battlefields likely talk with Southern accents even though they are in blue. When brigaded with other units, a reenactor general may command 200-300 men. Don't let that stop you! C.S. While this material is of interest to reenactors, our hobby requires a detailed knowledge of the daily experience of individual soldiers. If the unit is a horse-drawn battery, the reenactors are expected to help groom, water, and feed the horses. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. *This post may contain affiliate links. Florida. Reenactments are only fun if there are enough enemies on the other side. Cavalry and artillery reenactors have the added burden of worrying about their horses and mules stepping into holes on the field. Experience being part of bringing our nation's most turbulent and tragic era to life. John Miller, a veteran reenactor who specializes in the Civil War, warns prospective volunteers that the hobby can get dangerous [source: Miller]. 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. 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. - Confederate States or Confederate States Army. That is what reenacting is all about; trying to live for a weekend like a Civil War soldier or civilian to figure out how they did it. Young Civil War Reenactor (photo by D. Farr). Most units will have a decent collection of clothes, gear, and even muskets that you can borrow, but it is often difficult to find loaner shoes since many reenactors only own a single pair. Typical costs for reenacting might include the following. The dues are an important aspect of keeping reenactment groups operating. For instance, Revolutionary War-era equipment is generally more expensive than Civil War weapons. Hand to hand combat is heavily scripted, never engage on your own. Reenacting events come in varying categories. Battle reenactments are scripted recreations of actual Civil War engagements, which spectators pay to come and watch. Our principal reason for existence is to promote an authentic portrayal of Civil War history to the . The best first purchase you can make is a pair of well-built shoes, usually called brogans or bootees. Do you have a passion for Ancient Rome, medieval fashion, or Colonial America, and the Salem Witch Trials? Units portraying the Vietnam War aren't nearly as prolific as World War 2 or Civil War impressions. Load more. Infoplease is part of the Sandbox Learning family of educational and reference sites for parents, teachers and students. Women reenactors portraying soldiers are not uncommon, just as there were women in ranks during the Civil War. In addition to having to wear hot, uncomfortable clothing, participants can forget about sleeping in comfortable beds, eating decent food and taking hot showers. Are you looking for a highly immersive experience that puts you right in the shoes of a Civil War soldier? After all, every one of the reenactors at an event arrived in a 21st century vehicle of some kind. Units of mainstreamers may number from 20 to 100. Post Advance Schedules Up to 1 Year in Advance. The reason is obvious. Perhaps the most famous civil war in history began on April 12, 1861, when secessionist Southerners attacked the United States Army garrison at Fort Sumter, South Carolina . Reenactors refer to their clothing and equipment as theirkit. Being a reenactor can not only put you in touch with your inner soldier, drummer, or fifer, but can also deepen your understanding of our country's past. Three factors come into play, and the United States demonstrates all of them. The 49th Indiana, Company F is Indiana's oldest and largest nonprofit organization devoted to portraying life during the American Civil War. To volunteer in historical reenactments, you'll be dedicating your time, sacrificing your modern comforts and paying a pretty penny. 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. There is at least one Civil War era brass band using period instruments and playing period music. Most units have a list of acceptable gear and approved sutlers. Welcome to the official website of the Georgia Division Reenactors Association! 21st Virginia, F Company, inc., is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501 (c)3 , living history, educational and Civil War re-enactment organization. The 49th Indiana Volunteer Infantry is Indiana's oldest, largest and best drilled civil war unit. 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. A Civil War Reenactment will have various units such as artillery, cavalry, or infantry units. 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. 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. You'll have the Web at your fingertips to research an object's authenticity -- and to compare prices from multiple vendors. Are you looking for something you can do with your family? 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. I show up. olg pick 4 All reenactors come into the unit as privates. 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 with your reenacting unit before buying any gun. Gear - How much a reenactor spends on their gear is a product of individual means, love for the hobby, and type of unit. or C.S.A. There is no poll showing where reenactors live, but observation would put a majority of them in The South. Rivers might be crossed. And many battle reenactment societies require that you acquaint yourself thoroughly with the manual of arms. They carried Sharps rifles. While reenactors do like authenticity, they draw the line at paying upwards of $30 for registration fees, but finding over-flowing port-a-johns by Sunday morning. Salary.com. At some late-war battles such as Bentonville, North Carolina and Saylers Creek, Virginia, Federal units armed with repeating rifles chewed into Confederate ranks. When looking through our list of reenactment groups, be sure to really think about what is important to you. Typical costs for reenacting might include the following. 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. 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. Used by permission of Kathleen Smith. In summer, many men carry two. Just about anyone with an interest in reenactment can become a reenactor. Leather cartridge box, belt, bayonet scabbard and cap box come in a variety of types and colors such as russet brown, but most men choose black so the same accoutrements can be used for both Confederate and Union impressions. Learn about one of the world's oldest and most popular religions. Reenactors wanting to get as close as possible to how the soldiers lived will use this resource. Most reenactment groups have extra clothing, uniforms,costumes, and props that they are willing to loan to newcomers. Historical reenactment groups and living history groups offer an insight into how men and women lived in past times. 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. They'll have fun watching the excitement, and you'll get to teach them about history. The atmosphere is relaxed, allowing reenactors to recruit new members. It might be a good idea to spring for the unit's annual fee for insurance coverage in case of an injury. Following are some useful terms to acquaint you with Civil War Reenacting. If you've gotten this far then hopefully you've put some thought into this endeavor. 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. Unit Dues - Unit dues are typically the cheapest of all expenses. While reenacting is a hobby, it has some of the trappings of operating in an actual army. Spectators wont see much action, but the reenactors will see only other reenactors and no more bleachers. 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. No detail about a reenactors appearance should be ignored. Discover more about American history at one of these events. Most people choose a reenactment group that operates fairly close to home - at least within a day's drive. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links at no additional cost to you. Living History Archive. They are encouraged to buy their opposite impression as soon as they can afford the cost. "How to Get Started With Historical Reenacting." WELCOME TO THE 49TH INDIANA CO.F. Whoever is physically able can take to the battlefield with certain age restrictions. To a CIVIL WAR reenactment. We have members in four states Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi and Arkansas. 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. Aside from physical distance, a reenactor needs to take into consideration a few factors. We are active from Virginia to New England. There are scores of sutlers who operate regionally and nationally. Scouring the sutlers' goods may also set you up for an impulse buy that your historic persona doesn't really need. Stan Honda . The granddaddy of all Civil War sutlers started outfitting reenactors in the mid-1970s. Read more. Since 1974, we have represented Indiana's civil war heritage in movies and documentaries, for newspapers and TV, and at schools, museums and reenactments across the US. As a spectator, you have a great opportunity to get a preview of what volunteering is like. Focused events try to recreate parts of battles. 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. Modern day work boots are not acceptable. Subscribe to our newsletter * indicates required. Arkansas Infantry Reenactors. 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. 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.. Sandbox Learning is part of Sandbox & Co., a digital learning company. 2nd Rhode Island Regiment. How does a starving man march 20 miles then go into a three-hour battle? [1]. To submit a reenactment group for consideration, please contact us here. What's more, you could get hurt. Many organizations, particularly Civil War, offer family friendly scenarios. If youre interested in an immersive, authentic experience, joining a mainstream unit will be a poor fit. Not all organizations allow family's along for the ride. Did you have ancestors who participated in a particular war? They are also made from a relatively standardized style, so they can be used across a wide variety of impressions should you ultimately decide to join another unit or develop a different impression. Unit Dues - Unit dues are typically the cheapest of all expenses. By now you are probably wondering, "how much is all of this going to cost me? Larger regiments will combine those companies to form a state-wide organization. Or, Dad can stay in the military camp while Mom and the kids stay in a civilian camp. 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. Both firearms are basically the same, but it is critical that reenactors choose the longer 3-banded models over the sometimes available two-banded models. While there are several models such as an early war smoothbore musket, or a mid-war rifle musket, there are really only two brand choices for infantry. Welcome! The 125th anniversary of the start of the war in 1986 saw reenacting turn into a serious hobby. Events Could Include: Reenactments, Living Histories, Round Tables, Battlewalks, Shows, Lectures & More. Arch supports were not invented in the 1860s, but feel free to put anything inside that helps you march. Our editors update and regularly refine this enormous body of information to bring you reliable information. Most will sleep/camp at the reenactment event. How to join a reenactment group is not the hardest part of this journey, it's just the beginning. That does not mean that single, unit-unaffiliated Black reenactors in blue will not be allowed in ranks at reenactments such as Gettysburg, but it is not historically accurate. 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. Historical reenacting gives you that chance. The only difference between the Civil War and the reenacting firing is that no Mini ball is rammed down the barrel. Figure the cost of your accessories into your budget, too. Confederate States or Confederate States Army. Here you can find a list of groups that portray the American Civil War period. The ones below have been in business for years and may be considered the mainstays of the hobby. This Forum is for Posting Civil War Event Information. Muskets are real guns and fire a full powder charge but no bullet. 3 rd Florida Volunteer Infantry, Co. 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. Learn more about the world with our collection of regional and country maps. Farby is a Civil War Reenactment term for anything not typical of the period. While the uniforms are generallywelluniform, hats (at least for Confederate portrayals) can be a matter of personal choice. The easiest way for children to get involved in reenacting is to do it as a family. Real sticklers discourage men from wearing wedding bands as that custom was not around during The Civil War. Reliving the Civil War: A Re-enactors Handbook. Finding a reenactment unit has gone 21st century. Photos from the time period show some men marching in ranks with M-1 Garands, World War II semi-automatic rifles. . The United States Colored Troops, the freemen and runaway slaves who joined the Union army in numbers around 180,000, are a small, but highly appreciated branch of reenacting. Most people take their roles seriously and pride themselves on representing history as accurately as possible. https://www.thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852 (accessed March 5, 2023). In FULL SLAVE garb. Many reenactors are completely outfitted with clothing, packs, gear, and vehicles their typical persona would carry. Many groups may bridge these labels and there is a great degree of variation within the clusters, but generally reenacting organizations fall into one of the following categories: 3) Do Your Research on Units: The current reality of the reenacting hobby is that every unit is eager, if not borderline desperate, to add new recruits to their ranks. The fully equipped reenactor will spend around $2,500 to $3,000, but that gear, with the exception of brogans, will last as long as the reenactor will. Welcome to the home of the 52nd Tennessee Co. C. We are a group of living historians centered around the American Civil War. 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. The largest event was the 135th Gettysburg reenactment which involved 15,000 reenactors. Required fields are marked *. Not all reenactment groups will offer the same experiences. Some units have fifers and drummers. Too far forward, and the percussion cap is exploding in his ear. Are you really excited about being a part of large battle reenactments? ThoughtCo, Aug. 26, 2020, thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852.

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