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

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. Have you often wondered what it might have been like to actually live in the past? Authenticity, while ignored in the 1960s, is now universally required by reenacting units. Most reenactors join the infantry, which is followed in popularity by the artillery, then the cavalry and there are a few naval interpreters. Now i ma The only difference between the Civil War and the reenacting firing is that no Mini ball is rammed down the barrel. Some larger units will have majors, lieutenant colonels and colonels. A reenactor is a special breed of person. Reenactors enjoy camping, cooking over an open fire, guns, loud noises, marching, military discipline, and telling stories. Children were active participants in the Civil War. Civil War News is a monthly newspaper that covers news about battlefield preservation, and reenacting. Local living histories at venues such as historically themed parks are where many potential reenactors see their first living historians. Civil War Reenactment Groups The American Civil War, fought between 1861 and 1865, continues to live on in the form of living history reenactments. The 125th Franklin, Tennessee event was held in minus 10 wind chill. Welcome! Most reenacting units require members to own dual impressions; both Union and Confederate. WELCOME TO THE 49TH INDIANA CO.F. *This post may contain affiliate links. Cavalry and artillery reenactors have the added burden of worrying about their horses and mules stepping into holes on the field. Reenacting for many is a serious, but fun, event. 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 ]. Once the leather gear, muskets, and bayonets are purchased, only the opposite sides coat and pants are a necessary purchase to correctly portray the other side. Mountains might be climbed. Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved by Milsurpia. Some states require even single shot, reproduction muskets to be registered with the government. First-person - When a reenactor speaks to fellow reenactors and the public as a person during the 1860s. Or, Dad can stay in the military camp while Mom and the kids stay in a civilian camp. To volunteer in historical reenactments, you'll be dedicating your time, sacrificing your modern comforts and paying a pretty penny. Civil War Traveler lists a variety of events, including reenactments, searchable by state so newcomers can see some reenactments in person and talk to unit members. Here is a sampling of an infantry soldier's kit from the website of the 28th Massachusetts, Volunteer Infantry, 4th Regiment, Irish Brigade: Federal issue forage cap (dark or indigo blue) Following are some useful terms to acquaint you with Civil War Reenacting. 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. Buy at a reenactment or with the help of an experience unit member. The age restriction on handling firearms does not prevent one from taking part in the hobby. Most reenactment organizations also won't allow children under 16 to bear arms. Men and boys threw on gray and blue pants and work shirts, grabbed whatever arms they could find, and marched out onto whatever fields were handy to recreate battles. 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. 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. Prospective reenactors should research units to judge how accepting they are of family participation. 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. But, for whatever reason, something about recreating the life of a Civil War soldier resonates with you and youre interested in joining the hobby. .com/us/military/civil-war-reenactor.html. But if you want to portray a German soldier from World War II, the uniforms are pricier -- typically $300 to $400 [source: Miller]. Reenactors often do more interacting with the visiting public such as performing drill and firing demonstrations, and giving flag and equipment talks. Check with your reenacting unit before buying any gun. Impression Many reenactors will choose an impression during a reenactment. 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. Load more. Civil War reenacting group in Colorado, Wyoming, Texas, and New Hampshire. A typical period correct firearm will cost upwards of $1000. Perhaps a particular company or regiment in the war had distinctive uniforms. There are a wide variety of canteens including wooden ones that Confederate soldiers carried, but which would not be appropriate for Union soldiers. Kimberly Powell is a professional genealogist and the author of The Everything Guide to Online Genealogy. If you asked to galvanize (switch sides) for a battle or event, dont complain. Scouring the sutlers' goods may also set you up for an impulse buy that your historic persona doesn't really need. That means most Union forces on Southern battlefields likely talk with Southern accents even though they are in blue. Historical reenactment groups and living history groups offer an insight into how men and women lived in past times. While the vast majority of reenactors are standard uniformed Confederate and Union soldiers, there are some small numbers who wear unique uniforms. She teaches at the Genealogical Institute of Pittsburgh and the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. It is particularly valuable for its calendar of upcoming events, and book reviews. 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. Learning an instrument is typically the easiest way for children to get involved. In 2014 the name was changed to North Florida Artillery Historical Foundation, Inc. was established as a non profit/IRS organization. Learn more about the mythic conflict between the Argives and the Trojans. Although most common in the United States, there are also American Civil War reenactors in Canada, the United Kingdom,. How to join a reenactment group is not the hardest part of this journey, it's just the beginning. 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. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links at no additional cost to you. Across the United States, Civil War battles rank among the most popular events to reenact -- they're often held on the original battlefields for true authenticity. The state of Pennsylvania hosted thousands of former Union and Confederate soldiers during the weeklong event. This list is by no means complete. The dues are an important aspect of keeping reenactment groups operating. Reenactors wanting to get as close as possible to how the soldiers lived will use this resource. For official duties, these youngstersoften between 10 and 14were called on to fill supporting roles such as drummers, buglers, messengers, and field assistants. 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. 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. I. Delaware. 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. Eric Tetreault/Connecticut Renaissance Faire. Infoplease is part of the Sandbox Learning family of educational and reference sites for parents, teachers and students. Colorado Connecticut. Too far forward, and the percussion cap is exploding in his ear. 2nd Rhode Island Regiment. 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. Unit Type - Not all organizations are the same. The North Florida Artillery was incorporated as a non-profit organization in the state of Florida in March 2007. If you can find material written by men from the unit you portray, even better. This manual includes such things as company tactics and firing details [source: Miller]. 2022 Sandbox Networks Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Civil War Reenactment is one of the fastest growing hobbies in the United States, and with good reason. For instance, the Stonewall Brigades list is located here. 4. Units portraying the Vietnam War aren't nearly as prolific as World War 2 or Civil War impressions. C.S. "How to Get Started With Historical Reenacting." Check your laws! To submit a reenactment group for consideration, please contact us here. Their website is: www.CivilWarNews.com, Camp Chase Gazette is a how-to magazine for authentic reenactors. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. Reenacting events come in varying categories. If you are having any kind of encampment and want it in a certain order, let them know ahead of time. A Civil War Reenactment will have various units such as artillery, cavalry, or infantry units. 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. 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. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. "Become a Member." The gear does not stop at just a firearm either. When events are not limited by the numbers of participants per side, some events have seen Confederates outnumber Federals by five to oneat battles which the Federals won. By the time Ken Burns PBS special The Civil War debuted in 1990 interest in the War was on an upswing. Little children have no business on the field because they can become separated from parents. It might be a good idea to spring for the unit's annual fee for insurance coverage in case of an injury. When looking through our list of reenactment groups, be sure to really think about what is important to you. Most reenactors collect their kit over a period of time, borrowing from generous fellow soldiers until they are fully outfitted. Reenactors recreate history by portraying the look, actions, and lives of a person from a particular time period of history. While the majority of soldiers were in the 1840 age range, in many enlistment cases birth years were overlooked, or were fabricated. 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. clear this with both units and dont just show up expecting to be ok. The same uniforms worn in the summer are worn in the winter. 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. 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. Check ourencyclopedia for a gloss on thousands of topics from biographies to the table of elements. Typically, the age restriction for most events is 16 years old to carry a musket/rifle. There are scores of sutlers who operate regionally and nationally. Germany . "Dream Job: Historical Reenactor." Too far back and the soldier in the front rank is too close to the muzzle blast. They will speak as though the War Between the States is current. These reenactors can make a modest living by working in museums or historic sites such as Plymouth, Mass., or Williamsburg, Va. Reenacting can be a family hobby with Dad, Mom, and the kids all portraying 19th century roles. 2) Consider What You Want Out of Reenacting: Spend some time thinking about what aspects of reenacting interest you. The most stare-inducing women reenactors are those ladies portraying Catholic nuns who served as nurses during the war. 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. Finding a reenactment unit has gone 21st century. 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. Then, the reenactors, tourist bureaus, and entrepreneurs realized that starting in 1991 they could stage larger-than-usual events at five-year intervals starting with the 130th anniversary of the start of the War. 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, Civil War recreationists, or living historians. 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. Once you invest time and money into historical volunteerism, you'll likely find great reward from all your efforts. 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. Historical reenacting gives you that chance. 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. (2020, August 26). Typical costs for reenacting might include the following. You must have a passion for history and an active imagination. A basic infantryman's kit can be assembled starting around $1,000, but once you start adding in costly replica weapons and period-authentic accoutrementsor you have your heart set on being a cavalry officeryou could easily spend many thousands.