how to join a civil war reenactment group how to join a civil war reenactment group

or C.S.A. Infantry is the easiest branch to learn and to finance. Dressing Up as Slaves for a Civil War Reenactment : r/TikTokCringe - Reddit Don't be overwhelmed! Reenactors take their jobs very seriously. 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. Authenticity, while ignored in the 1960s, is now universally required by reenacting units. Germany . While some historians downplay or even deny the existence of gun-toting Black Confederates, insisting the only Blacks in Confederate gray were body servants, Black reenactors often have family knowledge that their ancestors did fight for the Confederacy. 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. 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). Civilian - A person, male or female, who reenacts any non-military impression during Reenactments. We've got you covered with our map collection. Being at that part of the line during the reenactment is special as it clearly reinforces the advantage the Union army had with repeating rifles. Our way to offer tribute to these great men of the Civil War is to study as much as possible . Youre obviously interested in the Civil War, otherwise you wont be considering reenacting. To volunteer in historical reenactments, you'll be dedicating your time, sacrificing your modern comforts and paying a pretty penny. Reenacting gear includes the uniform, accoutrements, a musket, shoes, hat and more, all purchased from sutlers, merchants specializing in reproduction products for reenactors. Just as in the Civil War armies, men who take on the rank must be able to perform at that rank. 2022 Sandbox Networks Inc. All rights reserved. Marches can range from a mile or so from camp to the battlefield to more than 20 miles at special events. 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. Reenacting events come in varying categories. Many organizations, particularly Civil War, offer family friendly scenarios. 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. Eric Tetreault/Connecticut Renaissance Faire. 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. 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. Stan Honda . Once you've chosen a time period and character, you need to learn everything you can,from the way they dressed and ate, to their manner of speech, cultural beliefs, and social interactions. The organization has grown to include dozens of civil war reenactors and their families. 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. 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). Most will sleep/camp at the reenactment event. Discover more about American history at one of these events. Historical reenactment groups and living history groups offer an insight into how men and women lived in past times. While those shows inspired then young, now-middle aged reenactors to study the war, the producers paid little attention to authenticity. Reenacting can be a family hobby with Dad, Mom, and the kids all portraying 19th century roles. 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 ]. Women reenactors portraying soldiers are not uncommon, just as there were women in ranks during the Civil War. "How to Become a Re-Enactor." They will speak as though the War Between the States is current. Becoming a historical re-enactor requires an unquenchable thirst for history and abiding patience with uncomfortable accommodations and ridiculous outfits. Most reenacting units are equipped to act as either Federal or Confederate troops in order to be able to balance numbers at reenacting events. How Civil Wars Start - Foreign Policy 21 Virginia F-Company 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. Most reenactors are everyday people from all walks of life, with ages ranging from 16 to people in their sixties. They carried Sharps rifles. While reenacting is a hobby, it has some of the trappings of operating in an actual army. 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. All races and ethnicities can reenact. The easiest way for children to get involved in reenacting is to do it as a family. Check ourencyclopedia for a gloss on thousands of topics from biographies to the table of elements. If you wear eyeglasses, consider purchasing period frames high on your shopping list as well. Kimberly Powell is a professional genealogist and the author of The Everything Guide to Online Genealogy. When brigaded with other units, a reenactor general may command 200-300 men. Unit Dues - Unit dues are typically the cheapest of all expenses. Check out our article How to Join a Reenactment Group. 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. 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. The North Florida Artillery was incorporated as a non-profit organization in the state of Florida in March 2007. Welcome to the official website of the Georgia Division Reenactors Association! If you are up to the task, here's some information to get you started. For instance, Revolutionary War-era equipment is generally more expensive than Civil War weapons. 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. 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. In other words, you can try it out and see how you like it. If you asked to galvanize (switch sides) for a battle or event, dont complain. 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. Few units allow people in 21st century garb to camp in the military camp as it detracts from the reenactment atmosphere. Confederate Zouaves called Louisiana Tigers wear striped baggy pants. AUTHENTIC Civil War Flag General W.F. As a Civil War reenactor you will become a soldier, or a civilian, wearing authentic 1860s period clothing and learning to live as . Civil War reenacting group in Colorado, Wyoming, Texas, and New Hampshire. Top Five Tips for Getting Started in Civil War Reenacting Most people take their roles seriously and pride themselves on representing history as accurately as possible. Both shows used reenactors for the first time, a revelation for Hollywood directors who suddenly realized that their extras knew how to act like Civil War soldiers. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852. You can buy relatively cheap U.S. uniforms from the World Wars. Civilian reenactors are the least expensive impressions to achieve, and have the most flexibility since the clothes chosen can range from elegant to simple. Most reenactors join the infantry, which is followed in popularity by the artillery, then the cavalry and there are a few naval interpreters. 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. Finally, there is the largest investment of all, the musket and bayonet. The derogatory term for this same person is stitch nazi.. *This post may contain affiliate links. Find WW1 Reenactment groups to join now! 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. 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. Before you purchase a musket and show up to your first event, you may find the following tips useful. "Become a Member." There's nothing volunteering in a historical reenactment to experience the sights, sounds and smells of history. 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. The problem with these specialty impressions is that they only operate as units. Reenacting units keep a list of approved sutlers that have proven to stock authentic and well-made goods. Do other countries have war reenactments? - floreseagle.youramys.com Also: Post Your Event Photos, Reviews, & Wrap-Ups. Berdans Sharpshooters were a Federal unit of sharpshooters who wore dark green uniforms as an early form of camouflage. Civil War Reenacting makes an effort to list the websites of reenacting units, but, as might be expected, many units are not listed here. Brush up on your geography and finally learn what countries are in Eastern Europe with our maps. 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. 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. 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. That means most Union forces on Southern battlefields likely talk with Southern accents even though they are in blue. A reenactor could choose that impression by joining a reenacting unit following those uniform guidelines. (May 8, 2009) http://www.2ri.org/become_a_member.htm, Bromer, Zachary. 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. Thanks for reaching out John we just got in touch to provide you some additional information. Check out our article How to Join a Reenactment Group. 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. Now that the sesquicentennial is over, the future of reenacting is being debated. 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. https://28thmass.orgLately I've noticed quite a few of you showing more interest in Civil War reenacting specifically. Home | 49th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Co.F Mega events involve thousands of reenactors. WW1 Reenactment Groups. Cavalry reenacting is the most expensive branch to portray as the mounted soldiers have to buy period saddles, bridles, carbines, shotguns, pistols and sabers in addition to owning and transporting the horses to the events. Don't buy a uniform or other equipment until you've joined a unit, which might have its own particular rules for attire. In FULL SLAVE garb. Learn fife or drum. Any unit you contact should be extremely welcoming and do everything they can to have you join their ranks. Choose a Persona Just about anyone with an interest in reenactment can become a reenactor. They like to bring tents, camp chairs, hidden ice chests, and other gear that the original army would never have had. Nothing spoils the look of a rank of men in a battle line then seeing someone wearing modern day glasses or ear rings. Civil War Reenactment is one of the fastest growing hobbies in the United States, and with good reason. 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. 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. 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. Civil War reenactors attempt to answer Footes rhetorical question by putting their 21st century selves into the roles of 19th century people. Take your hits (deaths) If you wish to fight in a different unit that a family member fought in during the civil war. CIVIL WAR REENACTING | How to Join a Unit - YouTube What did the Gettysburg artillery barrage sound like? These would be reproduction arms originally manufactured by Springfield and copied by the Confederates, or Enfield, which was an English import used by both sides. Living histories take place at the actual battlefield by invitation from the National Park Service. How to Get Started With Historical Reenacting. 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 . 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. Figure the cost of your accessories into your budget, too. 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. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Reenactments are only fun if there are enough enemies on the other side. This is especially important when it comes to clothing and weaponry, as we'll see on the next page. The further that is away from the face, the better. 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. 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. That means single reenactors in a specialty uniform must search out similar reenactors to fall in with at events. . Your mentor can also assist you in finding used gear either from unit members or outside resources like eBay or Facebook. Check your laws! Reenactors accept discomfort, port-a-johns, close quarters, and the aches that come with carrying gear that weighs 20 pounds or more. Read our groups about historical places and reenactment events - Living 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 ]. 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. 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. 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. Women have to make the effort to disguise themselves as men. 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. How the Civilian Conservation Corps Worked, Historical Reenactment Costumes and Equipment, 2nd Rhode Island Regiment. Instead they staged brigade-sized snowball fights. They are wondering if sleeping on the ground is as much fun as it was when they were young. These events help reenactors immerse themselves in the reenacting experience, gaining first-hand knowledge of war, battle strategy, and the hardships of combat. Otherwise, the 60 grains of powder and a piece of paper wadding for each charge is authentic. Confederate States or Confederate States Army. Here are the facts and trivia that people are buzzing about. With sound recordings, new generations could hear the Rebel yellyelped by 95-year-old men who still had the spunk to give it. Historical reenactors are known for being sticklers for accuracy. 4) Read As Much As You Can: The best way to start your career in reenacting out right is to read extensively. 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. A haversack, a kind of handbag worn over the left shoulder, is generally black. 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. Reenacting does require a commitment, however, in both time and resources. Cavalry and artillery reenactors have the added burden of worrying about their horses and mules stepping into holes on the field. Now i ma And finally, muskets are real guns. 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. Speculation among reenactors is that smaller, focused events is where the hobby is headed. Tacticals are unscripted battles which are usually not open to the public. 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. Before you start investing cash in reenacting, attend enough events to ensure that its a hobby that you truly enjoy and want to purse. Should I join a Civil War reenactment group? Is it fun? - Quora Subscribe to our newsletter * indicates required. With the exception of events where rains flood the battlefield, reenactments are rarely cancelled for heat or cold. Reenacting for many is a serious, but fun, event. 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! Arkansas Infantry Reenactors. 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. Period clothing and accessories can be very expensive -- depending on the period and figure you're portraying. For the Bray family in Brunswick, American Civil War reenactment is more than just a historical hobby it's a family affair. Horses, though trained to expect loud noises from cannons, rifles, pistols and clanging sabers, sometimes throw their riders to the ground. Is there a list or quartermaster who do I need to contact to get involved as a reenactor for the civil war. Living Histories at original battlefields are by invitation by the National Park Service or the states that also maintain battlefields. Children were active participants in the Civil War. Reenactors enjoy camping, cooking over an open fire, guns, loud noises, marching, military discipline, and telling stories. We are active from Virginia to New England. 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. Our Organization - 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment Reenactor Groups by State Listing presented by the Quartermaster Shop CIVIL WAR REENACTING | How to Join a Unit - YouTube Florida. Leather cartridge box, belt, bayonet scabbard and cap box come in a variety of types and colors such as russet brown, but most men choose black so the same accoutrements can be used for both Confederate and Union impressions. Although most common in the United States, there are also American Civil War reenactors in Canada, the United Kingdom,. Infoplease is a reference and learning site, combining the contents of an encyclopedia, a dictionary, an atlas and several almanacs loaded with facts. Once you do, it's time to create your own historical persona. In addition to special uniforms, some reenactors will be tempted to get special firearms. Do you have a passion for Ancient Rome, medieval fashion, or Colonial America, and the Salem Witch Trials? 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. That does not mean that single, unit-unaffiliated Black reenactors in blue will not be allowed in ranks at reenactments such as Gettysburg, but it is not historically accurate. Invitation events are smaller events where organizers limit the number of participants in order to better manage the scale. The same uniforms worn in the summer are worn in the winter. 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. Your email address will not be published. To a CIVIL WAR reenactment. Civilian A person, male or female, who reenacts any non-military impression during Reenactments. Two TV mini-series, Blue & Gray (1982), and North & South (1985) drove interest in reenacting in the early 1980s. Once you invest time and money into historical volunteerism, you'll likely find great reward from all your efforts. Reenacting units staged living histories to explain weapons and uniforms at venues like schools and public parks to recruit new hobbyists. The website also lists a number of sutler websites. Tennessee civil war reenactments 2022 - Qyk.simrim.it You will need to visit a sutlery (supply store run by a civilian, a "sutler"), either online or in person, in order to get your basic gear, called a "kit". That could be in California, Wisconsin, or even Russia. Each unit has a different function and will provide a much different experience. Are you interested in conducting research into tiny details of soldiers lives? And, they must already have relationships with the brigades and divisions they want to command. Not all organizations allow family's along for the ride. Mountains might be climbed. If you can find material written by men from the unit you portray, even better. st croix zillow dollar genetal near me bnha x innocent reader. While reenactors do like authenticity, they draw the line at paying upwards of $30 for registration fees, but finding over-flowing port-a-johns by Sunday morning. 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. "How to Get Started With Historical Reenacting." If the unit is a horse-drawn battery, the reenactors are expected to help groom, water, and feed the horses. 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. When looking through our list of reenactment groups, be sure to really think about what is important to you. As they learn how to be a soldier, they take tests and advance through the non-commissioned ranks to corporals and sergeants. Alright, as a black man I have to say this: * ahem * IF. We had a weekend with perfect weather and many exciting and educational activities. Do your research before making any purchases to ensure that you get the most authentic bang for your buck. 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. It is particularly valuable for its calendar of upcoming events, and book reviews. 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. While the majority of soldiers were in the 1840 age range, in many enlistment cases birth years were overlooked, or were fabricated. Have you often wondered what it might have been like to actually live in the past? The totally geared up reenactor will invest around $2 500 to $3 000 however that equipment with the exception of brogans will last as long as the reenactor will. A plastic mug would be farby as would a polyester uniform since they didnt have polyester in 1861. And many battle reenactment societies require that you acquaint yourself thoroughly with the manual of arms.