If the idea of volunteering in historical reenactments is appealing to you, the first thing you should do is attend some of these events as a spectator. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Only a handful of men will make generals and they must know how to command at that level. 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. Merchants known as sutlers set up on-site to sell clothing, accessories and weapons. When you're starting out as a volunteer, the unit you're working with will probably have a spare uniform you can borrow. One place to find equipment for sale is at the reenactment events. Their website is: www.CivilWarNews.com, Camp Chase Gazette is a how-to magazine for authentic reenactors. 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. To take part in high quality reenactments a reenactor should expect to drive at least a day for quality events. The physically disabled cannot take the field as soldiers, but the impression of a wounded soldier in a period wheel chair being pushed by a civilian in period clothes is welcome. Authenticity, while ignored in the 1960s, is now universally required by reenacting units. If you crave intrigue and a dash of melodrama, historical fiction can make the past come alive. 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. The website also lists a number of sutler websites. After all, every one of the reenactors at an event arrived in a 21st century vehicle of some kind. Some states require even single shot, reproduction muskets to be registered with the government. If you've gotten this far then hopefully you've put some thought into this endeavor. 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. Don't be overwhelmed! 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. Before you start investing cash in reenacting, attend enough events to ensure that its a hobby that you truly enjoy and want to purse. All races and ethnicities can reenact. What did the Gettysburg artillery barrage sound like? Reenactors living near each other form around a company that comes from that same geographic area. 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. Most reenactors collect their kit over a period of time, borrowing from generous fellow soldiers until they are fully outfitted. 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. Finally, there is the largest investment of all, the musket and bayonet. Need a reference? Most reenactment groups have extra clothing, uniforms,costumes, and props that they are willing to loan to newcomers. The 125th anniversary of the start of the war in 1986 saw reenacting turn into a serious hobby. . 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? People come to Civil War reenacting in a myriad of ways. 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. 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 49th Indiana, Company F is Indiana's oldest and largest nonprofit organization devoted to portraying life during the American Civil War. Is there a list or quartermaster who do I need to contact to get involved as a reenactor for the civil war. (May 8, 2009) http://www.salary.com/personal/layoutscripts/psnl_articles.asp?tab=psn&cat=cat011&ser=ser032, Miller, John. Check ourencyclopedia for a gloss on thousands of topics from biographies to the table of elements. Perhaps you have a friend in the hobby who has encouraged you to give it a try. Discover more about American history at one of these events. In 2014 the name was changed to North Florida Artillery Historical Foundation, Inc. was established as a non profit/IRS organization. Confederate Zouaves called Louisiana Tigers wear striped baggy pants. A haversack, a kind of handbag worn over the left shoulder, is generally black. Figure the cost of your accessories into your budget, too. Modern day work boots are not acceptable. 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. 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. 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. Unit Dues - Unit dues are typically the cheapest of all expenses. Unit Type - Not all organizations are the same. While the majority of soldiers were in the 1840 age range, in many enlistment cases birth years were overlooked, or were fabricated. A Civil War Reenactment will have various units such as artillery, cavalry, or infantry units. If you have any specific ideas, try to make those known as far in advance as possible so the re-enactors know what to expect and can plan to do what you wish. Hard-core reenactors give up all amenities of modern life, from deodorant to modern wristwatches. Units portraying the Vietnam War aren't nearly as prolific as World War 2 or Civil War impressions. A more specialized type of reenactment is living history, which requires reenactors to adopt specific historic personas and engage directly with the public to educate them about a certain period. It is where the Civil War soldier carried his food and where the reenactor will carry his food, wallet and car keys. Living histories take place at the actual battlefield by invitation from the National Park Service. Reenactments are only fun if there are enough enemies on the other side. Any unit you contact should be extremely welcoming and do everything they can to have you join their ranks. A love of history of all time periods is common though reenactors focus on the 19th century. Civilian reenactors are the least expensive impressions to achieve, and have the most flexibility since the clothes chosen can range from elegant to simple. The derogatory term for this same person is stitch nazi.. Most will sleep/camp at the reenactment event. 5) Purchase Slowly and Strategically: When you are ready to start purchasing gear, take your time and make your purchases strategic. Required fields are marked *. Are you looking for something you can do with your family? American Civil War Reenactment Groups Historical reenactment groups and living history groups offer an insight into how men and women lived in past times. 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. 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. There is at least one Civil War era brass band using period instruments and playing period music. The most famous reenactment of the 1960s was the July 1961 Battle of First Manassas or Bull Run, held on the Manassas National Battlefield. But, for whatever reason, something about recreating the life of a Civil War soldier resonates with you and youre interested in joining the hobby. Although most common in the United States, there are also American Civil War reenactors in Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Italy, Denmark . Don't let that stop you! Now that the sesquicentennial is over, the future of reenacting is being debated. Historical reenactors are known for being sticklers for accuracy. The dues are an important aspect of keeping reenactment groups operating. Check out our article How to Join a Reenactment Group. We have members in four states Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi and Arkansas. For the Bray family in Brunswick, American Civil War reenactment is more than just a historical hobby it's a family affair. For the sake of authenticity, women do not bear arms. You must have a passion for history and an active imagination. 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. *This post may contain affiliate links. Also, merchants who set up during reenactments and sell period-style goods to reenactors and the public. While these stories may transport you to Elizabethan England or ancient Rome, they're still fiction, after all, and don't always provide authentic history lessons. Larger regiments will combine those companies to form a state-wide organization. The further that is away from the face, the better. Immerse yourself in the time period by reading books and primary source documents related to the area, and the type of person you've chosen to portray. American Civil War Reenactment Groups. Reenactors adopt what they call impressions based on the type of person they want to portray. Then again in 1938, those same veterans returned. As a spectator, you have a great opportunity to get a preview of what volunteering is like. And, if one wants, one can carry original muskets if they are safe. The largest event was the 135th Gettysburg reenactment which involved 15,000 reenactors. Muskets are real guns and fire a full powder charge but no bullet. BROOKSVILLE, Fla. - Each January, Hernando County scrambled to put out the welcome mat for what has been called the largest Civil War reenactment in Florida the Brooksville Raid. Take your hits (deaths) If you wish to fight in a different unit that a family member fought in during the civil war. Unit Dues - Unit dues are typically the cheapest of all expenses. How do war reenactments work? They carried Sharps rifles. If you wear eyeglasses, consider purchasing period frames high on your shopping list as well. 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. The future of reenacting rests on the shoulders of younger generations. AUTHENTIC Civil War Flag General W.F. ThoughtCo, Aug. 26, 2020, thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852. Each reenactment is a unique experience that allows participants to see through the eyes of a historical person and undergo all the hardships that go along with the times -- short of actually being killed in battle or catching typhoid. How did my ancestors survive battles, diseases, and prison camps on far away battlefields then return home to produce me? So, many die-hard history-lovers volunteer in historical reenactments for an action-packed and enlightening experience. 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. 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. 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. Brogans are broad-soled half boots with leather soles worn by the common foot soldier. There are scores of sutlers who operate regionally and nationally. Both sides tolerate them. 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.. Focused events try to recreate parts of battles. Mega-events, reenactments where reenactors number several thousand, are likely gone forever now that the 150th anniversary events ended in 2015. Youre obviously interested in the Civil War, otherwise you wont be considering reenacting. 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. Infoplease is part of the Sandbox Learning family of educational and reference sites for parents, teachers and students. Oftentimes, a young person will find themselves interested in living history but struggle to get involved. The basic costs of outfitting an infantryman will run between $1,500 and $2,000 with the bulk of the cost being in the $800 musket. To a CIVIL WAR reenactment. Some civilian reenactors may choose to portray professions such as mortician or battlefield surgeon with some women roaming the field as nurses. Impression Many reenactors will choose an impression during a reenactment. Many reenactors are completely outfitted with clothing, packs, gear, and vehicles their typical persona would carry. While those shows inspired then young, now-middle aged reenactors to study the war, the producers paid little attention to authenticity. clear this with both units and dont just show up expecting to be ok. 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. 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]. Children as young as 8 have been seen at many reenactments partaking in field music. Threadcounter A reenactor who insists on a historically accurate impression, down to fabric and buttonholes having the same threadcount typical of the time. The important thing to remember is the child still needs adult supervision. 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. Reenacting is at a cross-roads. Reenacting for many is a serious, but fun, event. Period clothing and accessories can be very expensive -- depending on the period and figure you're portraying. How to join a reenactment group is not the hardest part of this journey, it's just the beginning. 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. Although most common in the United States, there are also American Civil War reenactors in Canada, the United Kingdom,. 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. Photos from the time period show some men marching in ranks with M-1 Garands, World War II semi-automatic rifles. Marches can range from a mile or so from camp to the battlefield to more than 20 miles at special events. Reenacting units are organized in companies and regiments by reenactors from the same geographic area, much as Civil War companies and regiments were organized. That means most Union forces on Southern battlefields likely talk with Southern accents even though they are in blue. Most reenacting units are equipped to act as either Federal or Confederate troops in order to be able to balance numbers at reenacting events. R. Lee Hadden. I show up. 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. Perry's Headquarters Flag, Authentic, Original, Antique Civil War Cavalry Boots, 1840-Civil War Authentic Mechanic/ Wheel Cap Campaigner Repro by Mike Anderson, A RARE AUTHENTIC ORIGINAL EARLY CIVIL WAR CAVALRY UNIFORM, Authentic General US Grant Civil War Currier and Ives Lithograph Original Frame. Colorado Connecticut. Learn how your comment data is processed. The weapons that reenactors carry are real -- and loaded.