Colorado Connecticut. 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 . 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. R. Lee Hadden. Reenactors recreate history by portraying the look, actions, and lives of a person from a particular time period of history. After all, every one of the reenactors at an event arrived in a 21st century vehicle of some kind. *This post may contain affiliate links. And that's not including weaponry: An M1 Garand will put you out $700 to $900, while other period guns cost less than $100. Perhaps a particular company or regiment in the war had distinctive uniforms. Children as young as 8 have been seen at many reenactments partaking in field music. Encampments allow visitors to wander through a Civil War camp and observe soldiers training, resting, playing, and simply relaxingall without television, iPods, or computers! One note for reenactors living in states with strict gun laws. Becoming a historical re-enactor requires an unquenchable thirst for history and abiding patience with uncomfortable accommodations and ridiculous outfits. Sometimes, you'll be able to find authentic uniforms to wear to reenactments, especially for 20th-century wars. 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. Units portraying the Vietnam War aren't nearly as prolific as World War 2 or Civil War impressions. Three factors come into play, and the United States demonstrates all of them. WW1 Reenactment Groups. Check out our article How to Join a Reenactment Group. ThoughtCo, Aug. 26, 2020, thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852. Confederate reenactors armed with single shot muskets have no choice but to fall or withdraw in the face of men using rifles that could carry upwards of 13 rounds that could be fired in a matter of seconds. 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. Don't let that stop you! 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. A haversack, a kind of handbag worn over the left shoulder, is generally black. "Dream Job: Historical Reenactor." Reenactors carry everything with them with no resupply from a vehicle, speak in first person and essentially lose themselves entirely in the war for the weekend. 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. 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. Reproduction clothing can cost several hundred dollars, and reproduction period rifles as much as $1000. Photos from the time period show some men marching in ranks with M-1 Garands, World War II semi-automatic rifles. Civil War soldiers or civilians didnt have digital watches or plastic frame eyeglasses. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852. 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. 8th Confederate Cavalry / 7th Kentucky Cavalry, 3rd Arkansas Volunteer Infantry Company A, 1st Arkansas US Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 2nd Connecticut Volunteer Heavy Artillery Regiment, Co. 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. 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. Beginners should start by attending Civil War Reenactments and observing what goes on. To take part in high quality reenactments a reenactor should expect to drive at least a day for quality events. Many organizations, particularly Civil War, offer family friendly scenarios. For a great description of womens clothing and textiles during the Civil War, read this Civil War Fashion piece by Kathy Dhalle on the Bits of Blue & Gray website. and then went into battle to save Lees army, but until one has marched that same route, it is all theory. And, if one wants, one can carry original muskets if they are safe. There are three types of reenactors; mainstreamers who do not fit the Civil War image of young thin soldiers and bring extra gear for comfort, campaigners who pride themselves in living rough in the open and achieving authenticity and stitch counters who pay attention to details of the history of uniforms and equipment and who generally maneuver with either mainstreamers or campaigners. There are a wide variety of canteens including wooden ones that Confederate soldiers carried, but which would not be appropriate for Union soldiers. (2020, August 26). Typically, the age restriction for most events is 16 years old to carry a musket/rifle. But if you want to portray a German soldier from World War II, the uniforms are pricier -- typically $300 to $400 [source: Miller]. 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. Are you looking for a highly immersive experience that puts you right in the shoes of a Civil War soldier? If you crave intrigue and a dash of melodrama, historical fiction can make the past come alive. Events Could Include: Reenactments, Living Histories, Round Tables, Battlewalks, Shows, Lectures & More. Impression Many reenactors will choose an impression during a reenactment. Fit for Effective Service: Virginia Arms Her Stonewall Brigade, Its Ancient Reputation: The Stonewall Brigade at Cedar Mountain, The Stonewall Brigade at Gettysburg Part Four: The Fate of the Flags, How to Adapt a Confederate ANV Impression by Time Period, Top Tips for Transitioning From Mainstream to Authentic Reenacting. Find WW1 Reenactment groups to join now! The ones below have been in business for years and may be considered the mainstays of the hobby. . While this material is of interest to reenactors, our hobby requires a detailed knowledge of the daily experience of individual soldiers. 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. Special Thanks These can range anywhere from $5 a month to $25 a month. 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. Event Dues - This can really depend on the event and what is provided with the fee. Living histories take place at the actual battlefield by invitation from the National Park Service. Besides the weather elements, there may be holes in the field that twist ankles, yellow jacket nests that are disturbed, and poison ivy and poison oak lurking in the woods. 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. Civilian - A person, male or female, who reenacts any non-military impression during Reenactments. 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. WELCOME TO THE 49TH INDIANA CO.F. 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. Florida. Be sure to look into this. Local video entrepreneurs filmed those 125th anniversary reenactments on VHS tapes, selling them to the reenactors who hoped to see themselves acting as Civil War soldiers. The reason is obvious. Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Jane McGrath C.S. So, many die-hard history-lovers volunteer in historical reenactments for an action-packed and enlightening experience. Learn how your comment data is processed. .com/us/military/civil-war-reenactor.html. Infoplease knows the value of having sources you can trust. One can read the history of how Confederate Major General Ambrose Powell Hills Light Division marched 22 miles from Harpers Ferry, Virginia to Sharpsburg, Maryland. American Civil War Reenactment Groups. What's more, you could get hurt. 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. Reenactors adopt what they call impressions based on the type of person they want to portray. 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. How do war reenactments work? Camping with ones friends can be an attractive incentive to pack up the gear and drive away rather than staying home doing chores. 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. 1) Put the Credit Card Away: The absolute best advice anyone can give you is to delay purchasing any gear. Can one really hear a Civil War era term the rattle of musketry? 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. They are wondering if sleeping on the ground is as much fun as it was when they were young. And many battle reenactment societies require that you acquaint yourself thoroughly with the manual of arms. Please Keep Reenactment Discussions in Proper Forum! By the time Ken Burns PBS special The Civil War debuted in 1990 interest in the War was on an upswing. 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. Keep attending reenactments until you find a period that suits your specific interests and talents. This list is by no means complete. Subscribe to our newsletter * indicates required. Arkansas Infantry Reenactors. Cavalry and artillery reenactors have the added burden of worrying about their horses and mules stepping into holes on the field. Historical reenactment groups and living history groups offer an insight into how men and women lived in past times. This can mean everything from uncomfortable clothes and terrible food to inclement weather and a poor excuse for a bed. Most units will be eager to help you select gear that fits with their authenticity standards and will offer up the unit commander, a non-commissioned officer, or another senior member to mentor you through your initial purchases. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Oftentimes, a young person will find themselves interested in living history but struggle to get involved. A musket will shoot a flame of fire and unburned powder out the muzzle. In summer, many men carry two. While the three-banded musket is standard, there might be the occasional chance to carry something else. Horses, though trained to expect loud noises from cannons, rifles, pistols and clanging sabers, sometimes throw their riders to the ground. How to join a reenactment group is not the hardest part of this journey, it's just the beginning. 3 rd Florida Volunteer Infantry, Co. CIVIL WAR REENACTING | How to Join a Unit 9,438 views Premiered Mar 6, 2019 405 Dislike Share Save Studio T Reenacting 3.33K subscribers https://28thmass.org Lately I've noticed quite a. "I decided to join the Civil War reenacting group that helped to make the movie." . Choose a Persona 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. How do I join a unit as a reenactor? Any unit you contact should be extremely welcoming and do everything they can to have you join their ranks. A typical period correct firearm will cost upwards of $1000. Most reenactors join the infantry, which is followed in popularity by the artillery, then the cavalry and there are a few naval interpreters. 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. Reenactment, appropriately called "living history," also means living under the same conditions encountered during the past. It is where the Civil War soldier carried his food and where the reenactor will carry his food, wallet and car keys. Arch supports were not invented in the 1860s, but feel free to put anything inside that helps you march. 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. What did the Gettysburg artillery barrage sound like? Load more. As a Civil War reenactor you will become a soldier, or a civilian, wearing authentic 1860s period clothing and learning to live as . 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. 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. 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. It is particularly valuable for its calendar of upcoming events, and book reviews. 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. 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. 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. 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. Don't be overwhelmed! Immersion events are small reenactments where reenactors carry everything with them with no resupply from vehicles. The persona is sometimes referred to as an impression. They will speak as though the War Between the States is current. Company B, the reenacting group, is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer . (May 8, 2009) http://www.2ri.org/become_a_member.htm, Bromer, Zachary. In historical reenactments, people from all walks of life gather together, dressed head-to-toe in period clothing. C.S. "Become a Member." In other words, you can try it out and see how you like it. The weapons that reenactors carry are real -- and loaded. As they learn how to be a soldier, they take tests and advance through the non-commissioned ranks to corporals and sergeants. Now i ma But if you're more interested in other wars or time periods, don't despair. You may need to attend a handful of events with them before you get a good feel for the units personality and whether it is a good fit for you. Period clothing and accessories can be very expensive -- depending on the period and figure you're portraying. 2nd Rhode Island Regiment. 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. They carried Sharps rifles. The North Florida Artillery was incorporated as a non-profit organization in the state of Florida in March 2007. ThoughtCo. Farby is a Civil War Reenactment term for anything not typical of the period. The 26th North Carolina Troops and the 24th Michigan ran head-on into each other on the first day of Gettysburg in McPhersons Woods. Reenactors accept discomfort, port-a-johns, close quarters, and the aches that come with carrying gear that weighs 20 pounds or more. (May 8, 2009) http://www.salary.com/personal/layoutscripts/psnl_articles.asp?tab=psn&cat=cat011&ser=ser032, Miller, John. AUTHENTIC Civil War Flag General W.F. Reenacting can be a family hobby with Dad, Mom, and the kids all portraying 19th century roles. 5) Purchase Slowly and Strategically: When you are ready to start purchasing gear, take your time and make your purchases strategic. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. A colonial shopkeeper will have a pretty simple costume compared to a Civil War general's uniform. The United States Marines wear distinctive crossed white belts. The stitch counters can belong in either the mainstream or the campaigner camp. Infoplease is a reference and learning site, combining the contents of an encyclopedia, a dictionary, an atlas and several almanacs loaded with facts. Unit Dues - Unit dues are typically the cheapest of all expenses. In particular, take notice of the grisly conditions a reenactor has to deal with -- especially in battle reenactments. Modern day work boots are not acceptable. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links at no additional cost to you. Little children have no business on the field because they can become separated from parents. Have you often wondered what it might have been like to actually live in the past? Civil War Reenacting makes an effort to list the websites of reenacting units, but, as might be expected, many units are not listed here. 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) It might be a good idea to spring for the unit's annual fee for insurance coverage in case of an injury. Tacticals are unscripted battles which are usually not open to the public. When looking through our list of reenactment groups, be sure to really think about what is important to you. Units of mainstreamers may number from 20 to 100. If looking to dive into Vietnam reenacting, the number one piece of advice is to speak to a unit before making purchases. Kimberly Powell is a professional genealogist and the author of The Everything Guide to Online Genealogy. That is my indication and EXPRESSED consent to be treated like a slave by all participating confederate soldiers. The derogatory term for this same person is stitch nazi.. We do this by portraying soldiers and citizens at . 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. The largest event was the 135th Gettysburg reenactment which involved 15,000 reenactors. 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. Two TV mini-series, Blue & Gray (1982), and North & South (1985) drove interest in reenacting in the early 1980s. Powell, Kimberly. 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. Civil War News is a monthly newspaper that covers news about battlefield preservation, and reenacting. Take your hits (deaths) If you wish to fight in a different unit that a family member fought in during the civil war. Reenactors take their jobs very seriously. Living Histories at original battlefields are by invitation by the National Park Service or the states that also maintain battlefields. Scouring the sutlers' goods may also set you up for an impulse buy that your historic persona doesn't really need. The unit you ultimately join should be in a position to provide the elements that you want to get out of reenacting. The NPS decided that mock battles detracted from the commemorative nature of the battlefields. We are active from Virginia to New England. Most reenactment groups have extra clothing, uniforms,costumes, and props that they are willing to loan to newcomers. Before showtime, pots and pans are some of the tools reenactor Tanya Haessly makes the most use of as a camp cook, feeding families and individuals taking part in a Civil War reenactment in Janney . The same uniforms worn in the summer are worn in the winter. Most reenacting units require members to own dual impressions; both Union and Confederate. The dues are an important aspect of keeping reenactment groups operating. 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. 4. Living History Archive. 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]. Typical costs for reenacting might include the following. Children can usually even participate, although most reenactment groups have a minimum age (12 or 13 is common) for children to be allowed in more dangerous roles, such as on the battlefield. Women reenactors portraying soldiers are not uncommon, just as there were women in ranks during the Civil War. 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. If you wear eyeglasses, consider purchasing period frames high on your shopping list as well. They'll have fun watching the excitement, and you'll get to teach them about history. Hand to hand combat is heavily scripted, never engage on your own. The 49th Indiana, Company F is Indiana's oldest and largest nonprofit organization devoted to portraying life during the American Civil War. We've got you covered with our map collection. There are reenactment groups for almost any era that captures your interest, such as ancient Rome, the Middle Ages, the American Revolution or either of the World Wars. I show up. Do your research before making any purchases to ensure that you get the most authentic bang for your buck. Some civilian reenactors may choose to portray professions such as mortician or battlefield surgeon with some women roaming the field as nurses. If there were other units at the events you attended who seemed like a better fit for what youre looking for, consider contacting them about falling in at their next event. Typical costs for reenacting might include the following. 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. Brogans are broad-soled half boots with leather soles worn by the common foot soldier. Civil War reenacting group in Colorado, Wyoming, Texas, and New Hampshire. While headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, our membership encompasses Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. Focused events try to recreate parts of battles. 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. They should also have a list of recommended vendors that sell uniforms and equipment that meet their units standards. https://www.thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852 (accessed March 5, 2023). 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. . 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. A few options to consider. These characteristics can be challenging to identify by examining a units website or Facebook page or by chatting with the members at an event. Our way to offer tribute to these great men of the Civil War is to study as much as possible . Finding a reenactment group isn't as easy as looking at a map and finding the unit closest to you. 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. People come to Civil War reenacting in a myriad of ways. First-person - When a reenactor speaks to fellow reenactors and the public as a person during the 1860s. Check your local newspaper or search the Internet to find a reenactment near you. Gear - How much a reenactor spends on their gear is a product of individual means, love for the hobby, and type of unit. Reenactors often do more interacting with the visiting public such as performing drill and firing demonstrations, and giving flag and equipment talks.
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