Encampments allow visitors to wander through a Civil War camp and observe soldiers training, resting, playing, and simply relaxingall without television, iPods, or computers! 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. 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. Your email address will not be published. .com/us/military/civil-war-reenactor.html. The stitch counters can belong in either the mainstream or the campaigner camp. *This post may contain affiliate links. Perhaps you have a friend in the hobby who has encouraged you to give it a try. American Civil War Reenactment Groups. Still, the best plan for new reenactors is to join a unit and ask for help from the old hands in selecting uniforms and equipment. 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. Are you really excited about being a part of large battle reenactments? 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. "Dream Job: Historical Reenactor." 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. If youre interested in an immersive, authentic experience, joining a mainstream unit will be a poor fit. Just how much does it cost to be a Civil War reenactor? 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. how to join a civil war reenactment group - Iccleveland.org The most famous reenactment of the 1960s was the July 1961 Battle of First Manassas or Bull Run, held on the Manassas National Battlefield. I. Delaware. Infoplease is part of the Sandbox Learning family of educational and reference sites for parents, teachers and students. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Reenactors need a shirt, coat, pants, wool socks, and a hat. If you have an interest in our American History during the period of 1861-1865, we invite you to join our ranks. Civil War reenactments grow in popularity in wake of 2020 protests Most reenactment organizations also won't allow children under 16 to bear arms. How did my ancestors survive battles, diseases, and prison camps on far away battlefields then return home to produce me? 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. Need a reference? Authenticity, while ignored in the 1960s, is now universally required by reenacting units. Also: Post Your Event Photos, Reviews, & Wrap-Ups. Following are some useful terms to acquaint you with Civil War Reenacting. Reenactors recreate history by portraying the look, actions, and lives of a person from a particular time period of history. Sutlers set up large tents at reenactments and also sell on-line. We do this by portraying soldiers and citizens at . 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. 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. 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. . Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852. BOOK TIP: "The Illustrated Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era". Living Histories at original battlefields are by invitation by the National Park Service or the states that also maintain battlefields. Finally, there is the largest investment of all, the musket and bayonet. With the exception of events where rains flood the battlefield, reenactments are rarely cancelled for heat or cold. Civil War Reenactment Groups - Milsurpia A few options to consider. Attend a few such reenactment events and talk to members of the involved groups to learn more about their reenactment focus and activities. Spectators wont see much action, but the reenactors will see only other reenactors and no more bleachers. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. How do war reenactments work? A colonial shopkeeper will have a pretty simple costume compared to a Civil War general's uniform. For the Bray family in Brunswick, American Civil War reenactment is more than just a historical hobby it's a family affair. 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 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. While there are several models such as an early war smoothbore musket, or a mid-war rifle musket, there are really only two brand choices for infantry. Check your laws! Farby is a Civil War Reenactment term for anything not typical of the period. Some civilian reenactors may choose to portray professions such as mortician or battlefield surgeon with some women roaming the field as nurses. WW1 Reenactment Groups. Most will sleep/camp at the reenactment event. 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. Used by permission of Kathleen Smith. 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. Eric Tetreault/Connecticut Renaissance Faire. 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. Nothing spoils the look of a rank of men in a battle line then seeing someone wearing modern day glasses or ear rings. Larger regiments will combine those companies to form a state-wide organization. Reenactments are only fun if there are enough enemies on the other side. R. Lee Hadden. For instance, the Stonewall Brigades list is located here. Civilian reenactors are the least expensive impressions to achieve, and have the most flexibility since the clothes chosen can range from elegant to simple. The main thing one has to learn is the infantry drill, and to follow orders to execute maneuvers. Don't let that stop you! Some people do take the "authenticity" to an extreme, but most groups welcome anyone with an interest. And, they must already have relationships with the brigades and divisions they want to command. "How to Volunteer in Historical Reenactments" Powell, Kimberly. While the uniforms are generallywelluniform, hats (at least for Confederate portrayals) can be a matter of personal choice. You can buy relatively cheap U.S. uniforms from the World Wars. Most organization will not watch your 10 year old kid all day. Events Could Include: Reenactments, Living Histories, Round Tables, Battlewalks, Shows, Lectures & More. There are essentially three types of reenactors; mainstream, campaigners, and stitch counters. All races and ethnicities can reenact. We've got you covered with our map collection. (2020, August 26). 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. The best first purchase you can make is a pair of well-built shoes, usually called brogans or bootees. 21 Virginia F-Company They are wondering if sleeping on the ground is as much fun as it was when they were young. Reenacting. The United States Marines wear distinctive crossed white belts. 21st Virginia, F Company, inc., is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501 (c)3 , living history, educational and Civil War re-enactment organization. This can be a great way to save money, but make sure you run all major purchases by your mentor to ensure youre buying quality gear and not getting swindled. Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved by Milsurpia. Once you invest time and money into historical volunteerism, you'll likely find great reward from all your efforts. Reenactor Groups by State Listing presented by the Quartermaster Shop The majority of reenactors choose to be soldiers, but even in a military reenactment group, there are other characters, such as wives, camp followers, surgeons, tinkers and sutlers (merchants). There's nothing volunteering in a historical reenactment to experience the sights, sounds and smells of history. We are a Civil War reenactment group based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee that portrays the 9th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry (US). Check with your reenacting unit before buying any gun. 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 ]. 2nd Rhode Island Regiment. Can one really hear a Civil War era term the rattle of musketry? American Civil War Reenactment Groups - Living History archive Although most common in the United States, there are also American Civil War reenactors in Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Italy, Denmark . Don't buy a uniform or other equipment until you've joined a unit, which might have its own particular rules for attire. olg pick 4 Too many curious volunteers have spent hundreds of dollars on costumes and equipment only to find out that the experience is more grueling than they bargained for. The only difference between the Civil War and the reenacting firing is that no Mini ball is rammed down the barrel. Powell, Kimberly. Top Five Tips for Getting Started in Civil War Reenacting Perhaps you have a friend in the hobby who has encouraged you to give it a try. Then, the reenactors, tourist bureaus, and entrepreneurs realized that starting in 1991 they could stage larger-than-usual events at five-year intervals starting with the 130th anniversary of the start of the War. This Forum is for Posting Civil War Event Information. Please Keep Reenactment Discussions in Proper Forum! 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. Instead they staged brigade-sized snowball fights. They carried Sharps rifles. . First-person - When a reenactor speaks to fellow reenactors and the public as a person during the 1860s. Otherwise, the 60 grains of powder and a piece of paper wadding for each charge is authentic. Women reenactors portraying soldiers are not uncommon, just as there were women in ranks during the Civil War. The 150th Manassas, Virginia event was held when the temperature on the field was 114 degrees. Both sides tolerate them. That means single reenactors in a specialty uniform must search out similar reenactors to fall in with at events. Reenactors refer to their clothing and equipment as theirkit. 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. They'll have fun watching the excitement, and you'll get to teach them about history. - "A Union Civil War Living History and Reenacting organization located in the greater Connecticut area. Active members, either military or . Home Research Top Five Tips for Getting Started in Civil War Reenacting. Muster A gathering, especially of troops, for service, inspection, review or roll call. Their website is: www.campchase.com), The Citizens Companion focuses on civilian reenacting and is also published by the same company that publishes Camp Chase Gazette. or C.S.A. 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. 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. There are scores of sutlers who operate regionally and nationally. Check out our article How to Join a Reenactment Group. Check your local newspaper or search the Internet to find a reenactment near you. What's more, you could get hurt. In many war reenactments, there aren't roles for women on the battlefield, but some events have side attractions geared toward women, such as tea parties, craft activities and quilt shows. Units portraying the Vietnam War aren't nearly as prolific as World War 2 or Civil War impressions. Real sticklers discourage men from wearing wedding bands as that custom was not around during The Civil War. The youngest vet eran was 61 and the oldest was 112. At the reenactments of those battles, Federal reenactors with access to repeating rifles like the 1860 Henry or the Spencer rifle or carbine will brigade together to recreate those particular actions. What period of history most grabs your interest? There is at least one Civil War era brass band using period instruments and playing period music. CIVIL WAR REENACTING | How to Join a Unit - YouTube California. A reenactor is a special breed of person. In other words, you can try it out and see how you like it. A love of history of all time periods is common though reenactors focus on the 19th century. 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. That is my indication and EXPRESSED consent to be treated like a slave by all participating confederate soldiers. Reenactor A person, male or female, dedicated to recreating the War Between the States or Civil War. Help/Ideas for Organizing a Reenactment - American Civil War Forums 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. In 2014 the name was changed to North Florida Artillery Historical Foundation, Inc. was established as a non profit/IRS organization. It publishes articles such as how to cut and pack rations of raw pork, how to properly do bayonet drill, calendars of events, and how to contact different reenactment units. 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. The dues are an important aspect of keeping reenactment groups operating. The United States Colored Troops, the freemen and runaway slaves who joined the Union army in numbers around 180,000, are a small, but highly appreciated branch of reenacting. Most people take their roles seriously and pride themselves on representing history as accurately as possible. 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. 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.