how to join a civil war reenactment group

There is at least one Civil War era brass band using period instruments and playing period music. They should also have a list of recommended vendors that sell uniforms and equipment that meet their units standards. . 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. Have you often wondered what it might have been like to actually live in the past? or C.S.A. 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. The exhaustion felt at the end of that reenacting march brings home the realization that the soldiers of the Civil War were tough. That means single reenactors in a specialty uniform must search out similar reenactors to fall in with at events. We are a Union regiment of the Southern Skirmish Association which aims to bring the history of the American Civil War to life with battles, drill displays, and a taste of 19th century camp life. 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. People come to Civil War reenacting in a myriad of ways. The North Florida Artillery was incorporated as a non-profit organization in the state of Florida in March 2007. 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. Historical reenacting gives you that chance. Civil War Reenactment Groups The American Civil War, fought between 1861 and 1865, continues to live on in the form of living history reenactments. Kimberly Powell is a professional genealogist and the author of The Everything Guide to Online Genealogy. The website also lists a number of sutler websites. A haversack, a kind of handbag worn over the left shoulder, is generally black. Young Civil War Reenactor (photo by D. Farr). How To Join A Civil War Reenactment Group | TooIF Reenacting units organized around a specific regiment with a general type of uniform will not allow a Berdan sharpshooter or a Louisiana Tiger in the ranks. In addition to having to wear hot, uncomfortable clothing, participants can forget about sleeping in comfortable beds, eating decent food and taking hot showers. Reenactors who claim: My ancestors would roll over in their graves if I portrayed the other side are frowned upon. Winter reenactors will want heavy overcoats which can cost upwards of $300. In FULL SLAVE garb. No detail about a reenactors appearance should be ignored. While reenacting is fun, it is also a physically taxing hobby. For those men who need vision correction and who do not wear contact lens, there are sutlers who deal in eye glasses which are correct for the period. For instance, the 26th Regiment of North Carolina Troops also portrays the 24th Michigan of The Iron Brigade when it reenacts as Federals. 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. Germany . How to Get Started on a Literature Review, Discovering the Occupations of Your Ancestors, Ancient Sources on Persian or Iranian History, Fun Family History Activities for Family Reunions, 3 Practical Ways to Become a Better Homeschooling Teacher, Certificate in Genealogical Research, Boston University. American Civil War Reenactment Groups Historical reenactment groups and living history groups offer an insight into how men and women lived in past times. Do you have a passion for Ancient Rome, medieval fashion, or Colonial America, and the Salem Witch Trials? We do this by portraying soldiers and citizens at . If its not, consider trying another group. CIVIL WAR REENACTING | How to Join a Unit - YouTube Perhaps a particular company or regiment in the war had distinctive uniforms. Sandbox Learning is part of Sandbox & Co., a digital learning company. 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. Top Five Tips for Getting Started in Civil War Reenacting We've got you covered with our map collection. What did the Gettysburg artillery barrage sound like? And finally, muskets are real guns. Please Keep Reenactment Discussions in Proper Forum! The 52nd Tennessee Infantry 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. 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. Other less expensive options are impressions of a civilian water boy, drummer boy, messenger, or just a regular kidthey were certainly, if unfortunately, caught up in the war. Infoplease is part of the Sandbox Learning family of educational and reference sites for parents, teachers and students. Choose a Persona 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. Short of actually traveling back in time, however, there is no better way to learn about history than by living it first-hand as a reenactor. At battles where the 24th Michigan with its distinctive long frock coats and tall black hats was not present, the men of the 26th North Carolina Troops put on common Union shell jackets and portray whatever Union units were present. After all, every one of the reenactors at an event arrived in a 21st century vehicle of some kind. There is no age requirement for being a Civil War reenactor, but, of course, minors will need to have their parents approval and support. Reenacting. Arch supports were not invented in the 1860s, but feel free to put anything inside that helps you march. Here you can find a list of groups that portray the American Civil War period. The most stare-inducing women reenactors are those ladies portraying Catholic nuns who served as nurses during the war. - Confederate States or Confederate States Army. To take part in high quality reenactments a reenactor should expect to drive at least a day for quality events. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. The largest event was the 135th Gettysburg reenactment which involved 15,000 reenactors. We are a Civil War reenactment group based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee that portrays the 9th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry (US). A typical period correct firearm will cost upwards of $1000. Don't let that stop you! Most reenacting units have both a website and a Facebook page, making it easier for people to find local units. Photos from the time period show some men marching in ranks with M-1 Garands, World War II semi-automatic rifles. When brigaded with other units, a reenactor general may command 200-300 men. They are encouraged to buy their opposite impression as soon as they can afford the cost. It is where the Civil War soldier carried his food and where the reenactor will carry his food, wallet and car keys. 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. Thanks for reaching out John we just got in touch to provide you some additional information. 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. 9th KY 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. While it is rare, people have died from the exertion. To submit a reenactment group for consideration, please contact us here. Invitation events are smaller with limited numbers of participants making them easier to manage. 4 June 2009. 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. Just as in the Civil War armies, men who take on the rank must be able to perform at that rank. Larger regiments will combine those companies to form a state-wide organization. In a reenactment, a persona is a character and role that you choose to portray. If the unit is dedicated to historical accuracy, the accommodations will be meager. The English Civil War Society UK: English Civil War: 1642 AD 1651 AD Combat reenactment, living history, educational visits, film and TV work Ermine Street Guard UK: Roman army: 50 AD 200 AD Combat reenactment, living history, TV and film work, education work, research Historia Normannis UK France USA: Middle Ages: 1100 1215 Combat reenactment . 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. The granddaddy of all Civil War sutlers started outfitting reenactors in the mid-1970s. Most reenactors are everyday people from all walks of life, with ages ranging from 16 to people in their sixties. Home | 49th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Co.F The 125th Franklin, Tennessee event was held in minus 10 wind chill. Attend a few such reenactment events and talk to members of the involved groups to learn more about their reenactment focus and activities. Modern day work boots are not acceptable. - "A Union Civil War Living History and Reenacting organization located in the greater Connecticut area. 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. Extreme Points of the United States (States & Territories), Federal issue forage cap (dark or indigo blue), State issue forage cap with McDowell visor (dark or indigo blue), Federal fatigue blouse ("sack coat," dark or indigo blue) with four brass buttons, Federal trousers, foot pattern (sky blue), Issue muslin shirt (or other period pattern), USM1855 cartridge box, .58 caliber, mid-war model (black leather), USM1855 bayonet scabbard (black leather, one-piece Springfield style), M1853 three-band .577 caliber Enfield rifle musket and bayonet, Musket sling for M1853 Enfield (untreated leather), Haversack, U.S. regulation wartime issue (black tarred canvas), USM1858 smooth side canteen (jean cloth or dark blue wool cover) with strap (leather preferred over cotton drill or linen). Tennessee civil war reenactments 2022 - Qyk.simrim.it You can buy relatively cheap U.S. uniforms from the World Wars. 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. The age restriction on handling firearms does not prevent one from taking part in the hobby. Most will sleep/camp at the reenactment event. What's more, you could get hurt. Reenacting is at a cross-roads. Experience being part of bringing our nation's most turbulent and tragic era to life. 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. Active members, either military or . 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. It is up to reenactors to know if they have the stamina to participate in the action. An Authentic Civil War Living History Association, Top Five Tips for Getting Started in Civil War Reenacting. In addition to special uniforms, some reenactors will be tempted to get special firearms. "I decided to join the Civil War reenacting group that helped to make the movie." . The 49th Indiana Volunteer Infantry is Indiana's oldest, largest and best drilled civil war unit. Infoplease knows the value of having sources you can trust. Reenacting units keep a list of approved sutlers that have proven to stock authentic and well-made goods. 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. https://28thmass.orgLately I've noticed quite a few of you showing more interest in Civil War reenacting specifically. Vietnam War Reenactors - Milsurpia.com document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The problem with these specialty impressions is that they only operate as units. As a spectator, you have a great opportunity to get a preview of what volunteering is like. 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. Also: Post Your Event Photos, Reviews, & Wrap-Ups. That is also the reason why most leather gear is black, the standard Union color. This manual includes such things as company tactics and firing details [source: Miller]. These can range anywhere from $5 a month to $25 a month. 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. Finding an organization for a child to partake in is not difficult. 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. Most units have a list of acceptable gear and approved sutlers. People come to Civil War reenacting in a myriad of ways. Reenactors take their jobs very seriously. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Like any hobby, there is a broad spectrum within reenacting with different informal clusters of individuals and groups focusing more or less attention on authenticity. Some units have fifers and drummers. Their website is: www.CivilWarNews.com, Camp Chase Gazette is a how-to magazine for authentic reenactors. There is nothing inherently better or worse about any of these clusters they are each different ways of experiencing the hobby and it is important that you pick the one that most closely matches what interests you. Family Friendly Units - If reenacting is to become your next family adventure, you're going to have to find a family friendly unit. To a CIVIL WAR reenactment. Some larger units will have majors, lieutenant colonels and colonels. If you can find material written by men from the unit you portray, even better. There are essentially three types of reenactors; mainstream, campaigners, and stitch counters. 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. Authenticity, while ignored in the 1960s, is now universally required by reenacting units. 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. These events help reenactors immerse themselves in the reenacting experience, gaining first-hand knowledge of war, battle strategy, and the hardships of combat. There are alternative ways to get your history education. Your mentor can also assist you in finding used gear either from unit members or outside resources like eBay or Facebook. 2) Consider What You Want Out of Reenacting: Spend some time thinking about what aspects of reenacting interest you. Nothing spoils the look of a rank of men in a battle line then seeing someone wearing modern day glasses or ear rings. 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 ]. Reenactors often do more interacting with the visiting public such as performing drill and firing demonstrations, and giving flag and equipment talks. Before you purchase a musket and show up to your first event, you may find the following tips useful. Reenacting units are organized in some of the same ways as Civil War companies and regiments. 5) Purchase Slowly and Strategically: When you are ready to start purchasing gear, take your time and make your purchases strategic. We had a weekend with perfect weather and many exciting and educational activities. A few options to consider. First-person When a reenactor speaks to fellow reenactors and the public as a person during the 1860s. Civil War reenactors attempt to answer Footes rhetorical question by putting their 21st century selves into the roles of 19th century people. 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. The Event Wire - Information. 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. How the Civilian Conservation Corps Worked, Historical Reenactment Costumes and Equipment, 2nd Rhode Island Regiment. 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. While those shows inspired then young, now-middle aged reenactors to study the war, the producers paid little attention to authenticity. 4. In historical reenactments, people from all walks of life gather together, dressed head-to-toe in period clothing. 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. Reenactment, appropriately called "living history," also means living under the same conditions encountered during the past. The 150th Manassas, Virginia event was held when the temperature on the field was 114 degrees. Get Started in Reenacting - ReenactmentHQ American Civil War reenactment - Wikipedia Just how much does it cost to be a Civil War reenactor? The dues are an important aspect of keeping reenactment groups operating. The main thing one has to learn is the infantry drill, and to follow orders to execute maneuvers. 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. It is common to find Black reenactors sprinkled in the Confederate ranks. Event Dues - This can really depend on the event and what is provided with the fee. These reenactors can make a modest living by working in museums or historic sites such as Plymouth, Mass., or Williamsburg, Va. In exchange for staging drill and firing demonstrations for the visiting public, the reenactment units (usually those with a reputation for authenticity) are allowed to camp on the actual battlefields. Salary.com. Powell, Kimberly. 21st Virginia, F Company, inc., is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501 (c)3 , living history, educational and Civil War re-enactment organization. By Robert Arvay. Civil War Unit Reenactment Links You must have a passion for history and an active imagination. One note for reenactors living in states with strict gun laws. Home Research Top Five Tips for Getting Started in Civil War Reenacting. If looking to dive into Vietnam reenacting, the number one piece of advice is to speak to a unit before making purchases. Any unit youre interested in joining should be eager to loan you a uniform and equipment for your first few events (if they are not or if youre pressured to purchase equipment right away, youre probably considering the wrong unit). 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]. Or, Dad can stay in the military camp while Mom and the kids stay in a civilian camp. Reenactor A person, male or female, dedicated to recreating the War Between the States or Civil War. Check your local newspaper or search the Internet to find a reenactment near you. The organization has grown to include dozens of civil war reenactors and their families. The best first purchase you can make is a pair of well-built shoes, usually called brogans or bootees. For many people, there's nothing drier than a dense history book. 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. In particular, take notice of the grisly conditions a reenactor has to deal with -- especially in battle reenactments. 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. or C.S.A. For the sake of authenticity, women do not bear arms. Reenactors wanting to get as close as possible to how the soldiers lived will use this resource. Speculation among reenactors is that smaller, focused events is where the hobby is headed. 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. They will speak as though the War Between the States is current. Most units require members to be at least 16 years old before they can fall into ranks with a musket because of the maturity necessary to handle a firearm. Reenacting - 9th Pennsylvania Reserves With sound recordings, new generations could hear the Rebel yellyelped by 95-year-old men who still had the spunk to give it. A love of history of all time periods is common though reenactors focus on the 19th century. While the three-banded musket is standard, there might be the occasional chance to carry something else. While the majority of soldiers were in the 1840 age range, in many enlistment cases birth years were overlooked, or were fabricated. How does a starving man march 20 miles then go into a three-hour battle? [1]. 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. Many reenactors are completely outfitted with clothing, packs, gear, and vehicles their typical persona would carry. Three factors come into play, and the United States demonstrates all of them. But if you want to portray a German soldier from World War II, the uniforms are pricier -- typically $300 to $400 [source: Miller]. Now that the sesquicentennial is over, the future of reenacting is being debated. Once a prospective reenactor joins a unit the next step is to buy gear from sutlers, merchants specializing in the hobby named after the original civilian shop keepers who catered to the needs of Civil War soldiers. Here you can find a list of groups that portray the Great War period. While the uniforms are generallywelluniform, hats (at least for Confederate portrayals) can be a matter of personal choice. 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. American Civil War Reenactment Groups - Living History archive Reenactors living near each other form around a company that comes from that same geographic area. Check out our article How to Join a Reenactment Group. One place to find equipment for sale is at the reenactment events. Whoever is physically able can take to the battlefield with certain age restrictions. Reenactors recreate history by portraying the look, actions, and lives of a person from a particular time period of history. The thinking is that events where only several hundred troops are participating can be much more manageable and affordable to stage than the huge events that required hundreds of acres of land for the reenactment itself, plus parking for thousands of participants and spectators. "How to Volunteer in Historical Reenactments" Children as young as 8 have been seen at many reenactments partaking in field music. 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. For further reading suggestions and links to many of these online resources, please see the Stonewall Brigades Recommended Reading list. Reenactment Groups in Central Kentucky - American Civil War Forums Muskets are real guns and fire a full powder charge but no bullet. Beginners should start by attending Civil War Reenactments and observing what goes on. That model Springfield was not developed until 1869. There is no poll showing where reenactors live, but observation would put a majority of them in The South. 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. They carried Sharps rifles. In 2014 the name was changed to North Florida Artillery Historical Foundation, Inc. was established as a non profit/IRS organization. . Most reenactment groups have extra clothing, uniforms,costumes, and props that they are willing to loan to newcomers. Civil War reenactments grow in popularity in wake of 2020 protests 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. 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.

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