This can mean everything from uncomfortable clothes and terrible food to inclement weather and a poor excuse for a bed. 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. Unit Type - Not all organizations are the same. Reenactments in Maine? | Reenactors Forum - American Civil War Forums The important thing to remember is the child still needs adult supervision. Some units have fifers and drummers. The problem with these specialty impressions is that they only operate as units. After a near disaster where one reenactor was hit by a Mini ball fragment left in a musket that had been live fired before the event, the National Park Service thereafter banned reenactments from being held on its battlefields. That inattention to historical details led to groan-inducing scenes (for reenactors anyway) in Shenandoah where Jimmy Stewarts teenaged son grabs a Trapdoor Springfield and starts fighting. A colonial shopkeeper will have a pretty simple costume compared to a Civil War general's uniform. .com/us/military/civil-war-reenactor.html. 1) Put the Credit Card Away: The absolute best advice anyone can give you is to delay purchasing any gear. 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.. Most will sleep/camp at the reenactment event. Also: Post Your Event Photos, Reviews, & Wrap-Ups. For instance, Revolutionary War-era equipment is generally more expensive than Civil War weapons. When looking through our list of reenactment groups, be sure to really think about what is important to you. Join us for a captivating reenactment of a Civil War skirmish, brought to life in stunning detail! Each reenactment is a unique experience that allows participants to see through the eyes of a historical person and undergo all the hardships that go along with the times -- short of actually being killed in battle or catching typhoid. Take your hits (deaths) If you wish to fight in a different unit that a family member fought in during the civil war. Powell, Kimberly. 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. Learn fife or drum. Work with your unit point of contact to ensure that the items you select even from these vendors are appropriate, since not every jacket a particular vendor offers will fit your units desired impression. Once you do, it's time to create your own historical persona. 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. Thanks for reaching out John we just got in touch to provide you some additional information. ThoughtCo, Aug. 26, 2020, thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852. While headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, our membership encompasses Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. Some civilian reenactors may choose to portray professions such as mortician or battlefield surgeon with some women roaming the field as nurses. 7th Florida Infantry Regiment, Company F. 21st Georgia Volunteer Infantry Civil War Reenactment Unit, 24th Georgia vols Company B civil War reenacting group, Company A, 2nd Battalion Georgia Sharpshooters, 104th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Company H, First Maryland Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 28th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Company B, 4th Texas Co. E / 16th Michigan Co. B Civil War Reenactors, Reynolds' Battery L 1st New York Light Artillery, 75th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Company A, Company "C" 2nd Regiment Berdan Sharpshooters. 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. Reenacting gear includes the uniform, accoutrements, a musket, shoes, hat and more, all purchased from sutlers, merchants specializing in reproduction products for reenactors. Sutlers Merchants who followed troops during the Civil War. Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved by Milsurpia. 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. Your mentor can also assist you in finding used gear either from unit members or outside resources like eBay or Facebook. People come to Civil War reenacting in a myriad of ways. Infoplease knows the value of having sources you can trust. Hard-core reenactors give up all amenities of modern life, from deodorant to modern wristwatches. While this material is of interest to reenactors, our hobby requires a detailed knowledge of the daily experience of individual soldiers. Experience being part of bringing our nation's most turbulent and tragic era to life. If you have any specific ideas, try to make those known as far in advance as possible so the re-enactors know what to expect and can plan to do what you wish. 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. Colorado Connecticut. 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. 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 ]. 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). 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. They are wondering if sleeping on the ground is as much fun as it was when they were young. Most reenacting units require members to own dual impressions; both Union and Confederate. At some late-war battles such as Bentonville, North Carolina and Saylers Creek, Virginia, Federal units armed with repeating rifles chewed into Confederate ranks. And that's not including weaponry: An M1 Garand will put you out $700 to $900, while other period guns cost less than $100. Reenactors sacrifice immense amounts of time, effort, and money to recreate history. They should also have a list of recommended vendors that sell uniforms and equipment that meet their units standards. We have members in four states Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi and Arkansas. Oftentimes, a young person will find themselves interested in living history but struggle to get involved. 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. 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. A Captivating Reenactment Of The Civil War Skirmish in Aiken - YouTube Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era is a Pulitzer Prize-winning work on the American Civil War. This practice of changing uniforms to fit the reenactments needs is called galvanizing based on a real term applied to captured Confederates who were released from prison camps if they joined the Union army to go west to fight Indians. They are great foundational introductions to the topic. Cavalry reenactors have uniforms that are patterned after original cavalry uniforms. 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. What does it take to start a civil war? - American Thinker Civil War News is a monthly newspaper that covers news about battlefield preservation, and reenacting. To submit a reenactment group for consideration, please contact us here. We are active from Virginia to New England. Women participate as nurses, vivandieres, cooks, laundresses, or wives and sisters visiting the soldier in camp. Finding a reenactment unit has gone 21st century. Units portraying the Vietnam War aren't nearly as prolific as World War 2 or Civil War impressions. 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. Each unit has a different function and will provide a much different experience. A reenactor could choose that impression by joining a reenacting unit following those uniform guidelines. 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. One of the last Civil War reenactments by Civil War vet erans was the Great Reunion of 1913, on the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. For official duties, these youngstersoften between 10 and 14were called on to fill supporting roles such as drummers, buglers, messengers, and field assistants. 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. (2020, August 26). Impression Many reenactors will choose an impression during a reenactment. Farby is a Civil War Reenactment term for anything not typical of the period. 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. Powell, Kimberly. Focused events try to recreate parts of battles. Winter reenactors will want heavy overcoats which can cost upwards of $300. 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. As a Civil War reenactor you will become a soldier, or a civilian, wearing authentic 1860s period clothing and learning to live as . Post Advance Schedules Up to 1 Year in Advance. But if you're more interested in other wars or time periods, don't despair. Here you can find a list of groups that portray the Great War period. Here are the facts and trivia that people are buzzing about. Special Thanks The ones below have been in business for years and may be considered the mainstays of the hobby. Should I join a Civil War reenactment group? Is it fun? - Quora 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. Youre obviously interested in the Civil War, otherwise you wont be considering reenacting. Reenactment Groups in Central Kentucky - American Civil War Forums Reenacting units keep a list of approved sutlers that have proven to stock authentic and well-made goods. Members may portray either a military impression, or one of many civilian roles which are appropriate to the Civil War period. https://www.thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852 (accessed March 5, 2023). While the vast majority of reenactors are standard uniformed Confederate and Union soldiers, there are some small numbers who wear unique uniforms. Whats not to like? How the Civilian Conservation Corps Worked, Historical Reenactment Costumes and Equipment, 2nd Rhode Island Regiment. If you are up to the task, here's some information to get you started. Reenacting for many is a serious, but fun, event. Salary.com. The state of Pennsylvania hosted thousands of former Union and Confederate soldiers during the weeklong event. Infoplease is part of the Sandbox Learning family of educational and reference sites for parents, teachers and students. Reenacting can be a family hobby with Dad, Mom, and the kids all portraying 19th century roles. Learn more about the mythic conflict between the Argives and the Trojans. One place to find equipment for sale is at the reenactment events. 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. 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. Reenactors often do more interacting with the visiting public such as performing drill and firing demonstrations, and giving flag and equipment talks. Finding a reenactment group isn't as easy as looking at a map and finding the unit closest to you. 5) Purchase Slowly and Strategically: When you are ready to start purchasing gear, take your time and make your purchases strategic. 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. Of course, you might decide that Civil War reenactments aren't your cup of tea, and you'd prefer to dabble in the Colonial era. Little children have no business on the field because they can become separated from parents. Need a reference? 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. - Confederate States or Confederate States Army. But, for whatever reason, something about recreating the life of a Civil War soldier resonates with you and youre interested in joining the hobby. The largest event was likely the 135th Gettysburg reenactment where an estimated 15,000 attended. 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. 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. 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. 2 nd Connecticut Volunteer Heavy Artillery Regiment, Co. Prospective reenactors should research units to judge how accepting they are of family participation. Real sticklers discourage men from wearing wedding bands as that custom was not around during The Civil War. Buy at a reenactment or with the help of an experience unit member. Don't buy a uniform or other equipment until you've joined a unit, which might have its own particular rules for attire. Just about anyone with an interest in reenactment can become a reenactor. Are you looking for something you can do with your family? 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. Mega events involve thousands of reenactors. Reenactors who claim: My ancestors would roll over in their graves if I portrayed the other side are frowned upon. how to join a civil war reenactment group - Iccleveland.org Many units keep a stock of uniforms and other equipment on hand in order to let people try the hobby out rather than invest in it only to discover that they do not really like playing the role of a 1860s soldier. Battle reenactments are scripted recreations of actual Civil War engagements, which spectators pay to come and watch. It is where the Civil War soldier carried his food and where the reenactor will carry his food, wallet and car keys. Artillery reenactors are expected to know how to work all of the positions of the cannon, which can cost upwards of $15,000 and likely belongs to one person. 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. Tennessee civil war reenactments 2022 - Qyk.simrim.it 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. Living Histories at original battlefields are by invitation by the National Park Service or the states that also maintain battlefields. 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. How to Get Started With Historical Reenacting. Reenactments are only fun if there are enough enemies on the other side. Most reenactment organizations also won't allow children under 16 to bear arms. To volunteer in historical reenactments, you'll be dedicating your time, sacrificing your modern comforts and paying a pretty penny. List of historical reenactment groups - Wikipedia How do your feet feel after marching 22 miles in a single day in thin-soled brogans? 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. So, many die-hard history-lovers volunteer in historical reenactments for an action-packed and enlightening experience. Invitation events are smaller events where organizers limit the number of participants in order to better manage the scale. Did you have ancestors who participated in a particular war? Now that the sesquicentennial is over, the future of reenacting is being debated. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 1999. As they learn how to be a soldier, they take tests and advance through the non-commissioned ranks to corporals and sergeants. That could be in California, Wisconsin, or even Russia. The 125th Franklin, Tennessee event was held in minus 10 wind chill. Events Could Include: Reenactments, Living Histories, Round Tables, Battlewalks, Shows, Lectures & More. Unit Dues - Unit dues are typically the cheapest of all expenses. American Civil War reenactment - Wikipedia