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. No detail about a reenactors appearance should be ignored. Event Dues - This can really depend on the event and what is provided with the fee. Reenactors enjoy camping, cooking over an open fire, guns, loud noises, marching, military discipline, and telling stories. The derogatory term for this same person is stitch nazi.. Although most common in the United States, there are also American Civil War reenactors in Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Italy, Denmark . The organization has grown to include dozens of civil war reenactors and their families. Some larger units will have majors, lieutenant colonels and colonels. 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]. You'll have the Web at your fingertips to research an object's authenticity -- and to compare prices from multiple vendors. A Civil War Reenactment is the recreation of past battles for the education and entertainment of both spectators and hobbyists alike. Civil War reenacting group in Colorado, Wyoming, Texas, and New Hampshire. Civil War Reenacting makes an effort to list the websites of reenacting units, but, as might be expected, many units are not listed here. Focused events try to recreate parts of battles. 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. 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. 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 reason is obvious. Or, Dad can stay in the military camp while Mom and the kids stay in a civilian camp. American Civil War Society. Whats not to like? 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. Muster A gathering, especially of troops, for service, inspection, review or roll call. You must have a passion for history and an active imagination. How do I join a unit as a reenactor? Most units have a list of acceptable gear and approved sutlers. 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. An Authentic Civil War Living History Association, Top Five Tips for Getting Started in Civil War Reenacting. Encampments allow visitors to wander through a Civil War camp and observe soldiers training, resting, playing, and simply relaxingall without television, iPods, or computers! Children were active participants in the Civil War. 3 rd Florida Volunteer Infantry, Co. Alright, as a black man I have to say this: * ahem * IF. While military reenacting is popular in many countries and covering many wars, Civil War Reenacting has been a growing hobby since it began in the 1960s spurred on by the Centennial. Young Civil War Reenactor (photo by D. Farr). Choose a Persona But, for whatever reason, something about recreating the life of a Civil War soldier resonates with you and youre interested in joining the hobby. 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. Civilian reenactors are the least expensive impressions to achieve, and have the most flexibility since the clothes chosen can range from elegant to simple. They will speak as though the War Between the States is current. Home Research Top Five Tips for Getting Started in Civil War Reenacting. The problem with these specialty impressions is that they only operate as units. While reenacting is a hobby, it has some of the trappings of operating in an actual army. Check ourencyclopedia for a gloss on thousands of topics from biographies to the table of elements. Whoever is physically able can take to the battlefield with certain age restrictions. This manual includes such things as company tactics and firing details [source: Miller]. It might be a good idea to spring for the unit's annual fee for insurance coverage in case of an injury. 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. Only a handful of men will make generals and they must know how to command at that level. After all, every one of the reenactors at an event arrived in a 21st century vehicle of some kind. Learning an instrument is typically the easiest way for children to get involved. One note for reenactors living in states with strict gun laws. A love of history of all time periods is common though reenactors focus on the 19th century. 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 persona you select should have some personal significance to you. Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era is a Pulitzer Prize-winning work on the American Civil War. Reenactments are only fun if there are enough enemies on the other side. The granddaddy of all Civil War sutlers started outfitting reenactors in the mid-1970s. How to Get Started With Historical Reenacting. 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. The same uniforms worn in the summer are worn in the winter. Typically, the age restriction for most events is 16 years old to carry a musket/rifle. "Become a Member." Join us for a captivating reenactment of a Civil War skirmish, brought to life in stunning detail! A canteen holding about two quarts of water is critical. 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. We have members in four states Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi and Arkansas. Women have to make the effort to disguise themselves as men. Youre obviously interested in the Civil War, otherwise you wont be considering reenacting. The 49th Indiana, Company F is Indiana's oldest and largest nonprofit organization devoted to portraying life during the American Civil War. The NPS decided that mock battles detracted from the commemorative nature of the battlefields. The Event Wire - Information. A reenactor is a special breed of person. Scouring the sutlers' goods may also set you up for an impulse buy that your historic persona doesn't really need. Reenactor A person, male or female, dedicated to recreating the War Between the States or Civil War. Finding a reenactment group isn't as easy as looking at a map and finding the unit closest to you. Living histories take place at the actual battlefield by invitation from the National Park Service. 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. Shopping online is a good alternative to making purchases at a reenactment. 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. 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. 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 ]. Its educational and, finally, its a great way to escape the worries of today and pretend in the great outdoors. Not all reenactment groups will offer the same experiences. Need a reference? Most people choose a reenactment group that operates fairly close to home - at least within a day's drive. Our editors update and regularly refine this enormous body of information to bring you reliable information. Particularly welcomeand neededat reenactments are Black reenactors. Too far back and the soldier in the front rank is too close to the muzzle blast. This can mean everything from uncomfortable clothes and terrible food to inclement weather and a poor excuse for a bed. How do your feet feel after marching 22 miles in a single day in thin-soled brogans? That could be in California, Wisconsin, or even Russia. Almost every reenactor can tell you stories about uniforms or equipment they rushed to purchase when they first started out and later regretted after they learned it was of poor quality or didnt fit the impression they ultimately pursued. Many reenactors are completely outfitted with clothing, packs, gear, and vehicles their typical persona would carry. Your email address will not be published. Stitch counters are authenticity historians who know the history of hats, shoes, uniforms, muskets, buttons, even how a uniform was manufactured thus the nick name. Larger regiments will combine those companies to form a state-wide organization. Be prepared to be footsore! Rivers might be crossed. As you build your knowledge, there is a wealth of information available in online archives and books drawn from soldiers letters, diaries, and post-war memoirs. 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. There are a wide variety of canteens including wooden ones that Confederate soldiers carried, but which would not be appropriate for Union soldiers. While the three-banded musket is standard, there might be the occasional chance to carry something else. or C.S.A. 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. Most will sleep/camp at the reenactment event. To volunteer in historical reenactments, you'll be dedicating your time, sacrificing your modern comforts and paying a pretty penny. They carried Sharps rifles. If you have an interest in our American History during the period of 1861-1865, we invite you to join our ranks. With sound recordings, new generations could hear the Rebel yellyelped by 95-year-old men who still had the spunk to give it. A plastic mug would be farby as would a polyester uniform since they didnt have polyester in 1861. 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 . The 125th anniversary of the start of the war in 1986 saw reenacting turn into a serious hobby. 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. Mainstream is exactly what it sounds like, reenactors ranging in age from teenagers to well-beyond middle age who like the hobby, but who also do not fit the Civil War image of soldiers being thin and between the ages of 18-25. We are a Civil War reenactment group based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee that portrays the 9th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry (US). We've got you covered with our map collection. 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. or C.S.A. 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) A musket will shoot a flame of fire and unburned powder out the muzzle. 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. 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. 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. Reenacting gear includes the uniform, accoutrements, a musket, shoes, hat and more, all purchased from sutlers, merchants specializing in reproduction products for reenactors. You've probably thought to yourself that reenacting sounds like fun, but you're just not sure about committing yourself due to time, money, and lack of know-how. 2022 Sandbox Networks Inc. All rights reserved. Do you have a passion for Ancient Rome, medieval fashion, or Colonial America, and the Salem Witch Trials? Following are some useful terms to acquaint you with Civil War Reenacting. Wearing historically accurate clothing is essential to your impression and attention to details is important, i.e. If you can find material written by men from the unit you portray, even better. One asked the obvious question to a man who had written more than 3,000 pages seemingly covering every aspect of a war that stretched from New Mexico to New York: Is there anything about the War that you dont know?, Footes response was immediate: I still dont know how they did it. The dues are an important aspect of keeping reenactment groups operating. 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). Some people do take the "authenticity" to an extreme, but most groups welcome anyone with an interest. 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. Historical reenactors are known for being sticklers for accuracy. 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. In 1913 elderly Union and Confederate veterans met at the 50th anniversary of Gettysburg and put themselves through their pacesbut without the muskets they had used against each other. Many organizations, particularly Civil War, offer family friendly scenarios. Battle reenactments are scripted recreations of actual Civil War engagements, which spectators pay to come and watch. Also welcome are Black reenactors portraying slaves or free blacks, teamsters, horse handlers, or other roles common to the period. The North Florida Artillery was incorporated as a non-profit organization in the state of Florida in March 2007. 2 nd Connecticut Volunteer Heavy Artillery Regiment, Co. Units portraying the Vietnam War aren't nearly as prolific as World War 2 or Civil War impressions. 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. These can range anywhere from $5 a month to $25 a month. 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. A love of history, a desire to better understand what Civil War era soldiers and civilians experienced, the pleasure of camping with friends and cooking over an open fire all explain why reenactors follow this hobby. 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. Brogans are broad-soled half boots with leather soles worn by the common foot soldier. Merchants known as sutlers set up on-site to sell clothing, accessories and weapons. Many units have loaner gear or special requirements. That means single reenactors in a specialty uniform must search out similar reenactors to fall in with at events. American Civil War Reenactment Groups. We seek to commemorate the great hardships and sacrifices of the soldiers and citizens of Indiana during our nation's most turbulent and defining moment in history, the American Civil War. The state of Pennsylvania hosted thousands of former Union and Confederate soldiers during the weeklong event. That will mean pushing long hair under a hat, taking off ear rings, and doing their best to hide the evidence of being female. Get a feel for the atmosphere and conditions of a living history event before you rush to buy vintage style military uniforms & equipment. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. The atmosphere is relaxed, allowing reenactors to recruit new members. 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. Civilian - A person, male or female, who reenacts any non-military impression during Reenactments. Although most common in the United States, there are also American Civil War reenactors in Canada, the United Kingdom,. Odds are that youve already read a decent amount about the war, but most Civil War books focus on the movements of vast armies and the leaders who directed them. Mainstreamers cheerfully accept the nickname TBG- which stands for Tubby Bearded Guys. But if you've got the mettle and undying enthusiasm for history, we'll walk you through the basics of how to get involved. Reenacting does require a commitment, however, in both time and resources. Families wishing to stay together all weekend can portray civilians. How the Civilian Conservation Corps Worked, Historical Reenactment Costumes and Equipment, 2nd Rhode Island Regiment. In other words, you can try it out and see how you like it. 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 did the Gettysburg artillery barrage sound like? Reenacting. In addition to special uniforms, some reenactors will be tempted to get special firearms.