Perhaps you have a friend in the hobby who has encouraged you to give it a try. 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 main thing one has to learn is the infantry drill, and to follow orders to execute maneuvers. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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. You must have a passion for history and an active imagination. When you're starting out as a volunteer, the unit you're working with will probably have a spare uniform you can borrow. 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. If you are up to the task, here's some information to get you started. Photos from the time period show some men marching in ranks with M-1 Garands, World War II semi-automatic rifles. 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. Do not buy from sutlers on-line then select which unit you want to join. Home Research Top Five Tips for Getting Started in Civil War Reenacting. As a spectator, you have a great opportunity to get a preview of what volunteering is like. This manual includes such things as company tactics and firing details [source: Miller]. These organizations will often have a camp life where young ones can partake in 1860's life styles. 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. Unit Dues - Unit dues are typically the cheapest of all expenses. Learning an instrument is typically the easiest way for children to get involved. Finding an organization for a child to partake in is not difficult. Scouring the sutlers' goods may also set you up for an impulse buy that your historic persona doesn't really need. Threadcounter A reenactor who insists on a historically accurate impression, down to fabric and buttonholes having the same threadcount typical of the time. People come to Civil War reenacting in a myriad of ways. Whats not to like? Attend a few such reenactment events and talk to members of the involved groups to learn more about their reenactment focus and activities. Sutlers Merchants who followed troops during the Civil War. The easiest way for children to get involved in reenacting is to do it as a family. The 49th Indiana Volunteer Infantry is Indiana's oldest, largest and best drilled civil war unit. Authentic Campaigner is a blog dedicated to events, impressions, goods, etc. . Units portraying the Vietnam War aren't nearly as prolific as World War 2 or Civil War impressions. How To Get Started With Historical Reenacting - ThoughtCo The problem with these specialty impressions is that they only operate as units. If you wear eyeglasses, consider purchasing period frames high on your shopping list as well. Although most common in the United States, there are also American Civil War reenactors in Canada, the United Kingdom,. 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. Also: Post Your Event Photos, Reviews, & Wrap-Ups. That is my indication and EXPRESSED consent to be treated like a slave by all participating confederate soldiers. Florida. https://www.thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852 (accessed March 5, 2023). As a Civil War reenactor you will become a soldier, or a civilian, wearing authentic 1860s period clothing and learning to live as . R. Lee Hadden. The Past in the Present | National Geographic Society List of historical reenactment groups - Wikipedia By now you are probably wondering, "how much is all of this going to cost me? 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. 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. The troops do their best to mimic the movements of the actual battle, but as in real war, things often don't go according to plan . Most reenactors are everyday people from all walks of life, with ages ranging from 16 to people in their sixties. Too far forward, and the percussion cap is exploding in his ear. If the unit is dedicated to historical accuracy, the accommodations will be meager. Do your research before making any purchases to ensure that you get the most authentic bang for your buck. 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). Brush up on your geography and finally learn what countries are in Eastern Europe with our maps. Subscribe to our newsletter * indicates required. Many organizations, particularly Civil War, offer family friendly scenarios. Civil War Reenactment is one of the fastest growing hobbies in the United States, and with good reason. 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. Their website is: www.CivilWarNews.com, Camp Chase Gazette is a how-to magazine for authentic reenactors. Finding a reenactment group isn't as easy as looking at a map and finding the unit closest to you. Reliving the Civil War: A Re-enactors Handbook. Some larger units will have majors, lieutenant colonels and colonels. 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'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. Brogans are broad-soled half boots with leather soles worn by the common foot soldier. 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]. Confederate Zouaves called Louisiana Tigers wear striped baggy pants. 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. A police officer grips a corner of a torn U.S. flag at a memorial ceremony in New York on Sept. 11, 2004. Instead they staged brigade-sized snowball fights. The 52nd Tennessee Infantry Historical reenacting gives you that chance. Beginners should start by attending Civil War Reenactments and observing what goes on. WELCOME TO THE 49TH INDIANA CO.F. 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. People come to Civil War reenacting in a myriad of ways. 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. Your email address will not be published. Reenactors recreate history by portraying the look, actions, and lives of a person from a particular time period of history. 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. Not sure about the geography of the middle east? If you asked to galvanize (switch sides) for a battle or event, dont complain. 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. Unit Type - Not all organizations are the same. Hundreds of . Learn more about the world with our collection of regional and country maps. Reenacting for many is a serious, but fun, event. 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. 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. Check out our article How to Join a Reenactment Group. Reenacting remained a small hobby during the mid-1970s when events numbering several hundred reenactors were common. 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. Finally, there is the largest investment of all, the musket and bayonet. Our way to offer tribute to these great men of the Civil War is to study as much as possible . Sometimes, you'll be able to find authentic uniforms to wear to reenactments, especially for 20th-century wars. 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.. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Reenacting events come in varying categories. Experience being part of bringing our nation's most turbulent and tragic era to life. 53rd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Company C, Inc. Company B of the 71st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, 87th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Company C, 97th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Company A, 97th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Co B, 151st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Company D, 10th Virginia Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 12th Virginia Infantry, Companies A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, and K, Co. E of the Second Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, 33d Regiment - Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, Company K, 2nd Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Association, Company E, 3rd Regiment, Confederate Engineers. 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. The weapons that reenactors carry are real -- and loaded. 4) Read As Much As You Can: The best way to start your career in reenacting out right is to read extensively. Living histories take place at the actual battlefield by invitation from the National Park Service. Uniforms are all wool for Federal portrayals, and a wool and cotton blend for Confederates. Arkansas Infantry Reenactors. Unit Dues - Unit dues are typically the cheapest of all expenses. Before you purchase a musket and show up to your first event, you may find the following tips useful. "Become a Member." 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. https://28thmass.orgLately I've noticed quite a few of you showing more interest in Civil War reenacting specifically. For the sake of authenticity, women do not bear arms. Reenactment Groups - Milsurpia American Civil War Society. A typical period correct firearm will cost upwards of $1000. And finally, muskets are real guns. Then again in 1938, those same veterans returned. It is up to reenactors to know if they have the stamina to participate in the action. 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. 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. 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. 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.. 2nd Rhode Island Regiment. Germany . 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. Children were active participants in the Civil War. Following are some useful terms to acquaint you with Civil War Reenacting. Time and place generally work together, so while you're picking your time period, you will generally have a certain location in mind as well. Reenacting units are organized in some of the same ways as Civil War companies and regiments. Reenactors living near each other form around a company that comes from that same geographic area. Rivers might be crossed. In summer, many men carry two. The soldier in the rear rank must always keep his three-banded muskets middle band at the ear of the file partner in the front rank. 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. 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. 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. For many people, there's nothing drier than a dense history book. A Civil War Reenactment is the recreation of past battles for the education and entertainment of both spectators and hobbyists alike. The 26th North Carolina Troops and the 24th Michigan ran head-on into each other on the first day of Gettysburg in McPhersons Woods. Are you interested in conducting research into tiny details of soldiers lives? There are alternative ways to get your history education. When brigaded with other units, a reenactor general may command 200-300 men. We've got you covered with our map collection. 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. Can one really hear a Civil War era term the rattle of musketry? The state of Pennsylvania hosted thousands of former Union and Confederate soldiers during the weeklong event. 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. Reenactors enjoy camping, cooking over an open fire, guns, loud noises, marching, military discipline, and telling stories. 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). 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. We are a Civil War reenactment group based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee that portrays the 9th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry (US). The granddaddy of all Civil War sutlers started outfitting reenactors in the mid-1970s. Authenticity, while ignored in the 1960s, is now universally required by reenacting units. Their website is: http://www.citizenscompanion.com/. If you have the time, it can even be fun to learn to make some of your clothing or items yourself, just as it was done in the past. Reenactors adopt what they call impressions based on the type of person they want to portray. 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. Need a reference? California. Reenacting can be a family hobby with Dad, Mom, and the kids all portraying 19th century roles. There is no age requirement for being a Civil War reenactor, but, of course, minors will need to have their parents approval and support. For instance, the Stonewall Brigades list is located here. 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. Wearing historically accurate clothing is essential to your impression and attention to details is important, i.e. By the time Ken Burns PBS special The Civil War debuted in 1990 interest in the War was on an upswing. How to join a reenactment group is not the hardest part of this journey, it's just the beginning. Cavalry and artillery reenactors have the added burden of worrying about their horses and mules stepping into holes on the field. How To Join A Civil War Reenactment Group | TooIF 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. Women participate as nurses, vivandieres, cooks, laundresses, or wives and sisters visiting the soldier in camp. Prospective reenactors should research units to judge how accepting they are of family participation. Used by permission of Kathleen Smith. Whether you've chosen to be a fur trapper, a soldier or a medieval princess, this clothing and accessories you select for your kit should match your persona. Most reenactment groups have extra clothing, uniforms,costumes, and props that they are willing to loan to newcomers. A group of men this size can engage in brigade drill, practicing the same types of maneuvers the Civil War soldiers learned in order to face an enemy coming from any direction. 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. 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. Most reenacting units are equipped to act as either Federal or Confederate troops in order to be able to balance numbers at reenacting events. Civil War Unit Reenactment Links This list is by no means complete. To volunteer in historical reenactments, you'll be dedicating your time, sacrificing your modern comforts and paying a pretty penny. The organization has grown to include dozens of civil war reenactors and their families. 21 Virginia F-Company Reenacting units keep a list of approved sutlers that have proven to stock authentic and well-made goods. 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. A musket will shoot a flame of fire and unburned powder out the muzzle. 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. If you've gotten this far then hopefully you've put some thought into this endeavor. CIVIL WAR REENACTING | How to Join a Unit - YouTube Finding a reenactment unit has gone 21st century. The 125th anniversary of the start of the war in 1986 saw reenacting turn into a serious hobby. or C.S.A. or C.S.A. How to join a unit, where and how to k. 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. Civil War News is a monthly newspaper that covers news about battlefield preservation, and reenacting. Invitation events are smaller with limited numbers of participants making them easier to manage. (2020, August 26). Mountains might be climbed. While the majority of soldiers were in the 1840 age range, in many enlistment cases birth years were overlooked, or were fabricated. If the unit is a horse-drawn battery, the reenactors are expected to help groom, water, and feed the horses. "Dream Job: Historical Reenactor." The 49th Indiana, Company F is Indiana's oldest and largest nonprofit organization devoted to portraying life during the American Civil War. The important thing to remember is the child still needs adult supervision. How do war reenactments work? First-person - When a reenactor speaks to fellow reenactors and the public as a person during the 1860s. Civil War Reenactment Groups - Milsurpia But if you're more interested in other wars or time periods, don't despair. How to Volunteer in Historical Reenactments | HowStuffWorks 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. Mainstreamers cheerfully accept the nickname TBG- which stands for Tubby Bearded Guys. But if you want to portray a German soldier from World War II, the uniforms are pricier -- typically $300 to $400 [source: Miller].