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. But, for whatever reason, something about recreating the life of a Civil War soldier resonates with you and youre interested in joining the hobby. 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. or C.S.A. 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. 21st Virginia, F Company, inc., is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501 (c)3 , living history, educational and Civil War re-enactment organization. Living history events include encampments, parades, and school enrichment programs. Whats not to like? Brush up on your geography and finally learn what countries are in Eastern Europe with our maps. The stitch counters can belong in either the mainstream or the campaigner camp. "How to Volunteer in Historical Reenactments" We are a Civil War reenactment group based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee that portrays the 9th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry (US). Many units have loaner gear or special requirements. 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. Reenacting gear includes the uniform, accoutrements, a musket, shoes, hat and more, all purchased from sutlers, merchants specializing in reproduction products for reenactors. The ones below have been in business for years and may be considered the mainstays of the hobby. Although most common in the United States, there are also American Civil War reenactors in Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Italy, Denmark . There is no poll showing where reenactors live, but observation would put a majority of them in The South. Here you can find a list of groups that portray the Great War period. 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. Finding a reenactment group isn't as easy as looking at a map and finding the unit closest to you. 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. The largest event was likely the 135th Gettysburg reenactment where an estimated 15,000 attended. Gear - How much a reenactor spends on their gear is a product of individual means, love for the hobby, and type of unit. The most famous reenactment of the 1960s was the July 1961 Battle of First Manassas or Bull Run, held on the Manassas National Battlefield. Most people take their roles seriously and pride themselves on representing history as accurately as possible. No one in the 21st century really knows what it was like in the 19th century, but one can develop an idea from reading about the time period and convert that idea into a reenacting reality. In summer, many men carry two. The unit you ultimately join should be in a position to provide the elements that you want to get out of reenacting. Most large re-enactment events take place outdoors, so spring through fall are very active times of the year for the majority of these groups. One place to find equipment for sale is at the reenactment events. 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. 2nd Rhode Island Regiment. If you wear eyeglasses, consider purchasing period frames high on your shopping list as well. So, many die-hard history-lovers volunteer in historical reenactments for an action-packed and enlightening experience. 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 ]. 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). BOOK TIP: "The Illustrated Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era". Reliving the Civil War: A Re-enactors Handbook. Instead they staged brigade-sized snowball fights. In addition to having to wear hot, uncomfortable clothing, participants can forget about sleeping in comfortable beds, eating decent food and taking hot showers. 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. Reenacting units are organized in some of the same ways as Civil War companies and regiments. Arkansas Infantry Reenactors. Perhaps you attended a reenactment as a spectator and found yourself wishing you were in the midst of the smoke and confusion rather than watching it from afar. Most large re-enactment events take place outdoors, so spring through fall are very active times of the year for the majority of these groups. It is up to reenactors to know if they have the stamina to participate in the action. Civil War Encampment & Reenactment 2021 August 5, 2021 | Education, Events and Programs, Historic Hanna's Town Thank you to everyone who joined us for the biannual Civil War Encampment and Reenactment! 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. The organization has grown to include dozens of civil war reenactors and their families. Are you really excited about being a part of large battle reenactments? A colonial shopkeeper will have a pretty simple costume compared to a Civil War general's uniform. 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. By joining such a society, you'll have time to try out your persona before committing to any major purchases for your own kit. Confederate States or Confederate States Army. A love of history of all time periods is common though reenactors focus on the 19th century. There's nothing volunteering in a historical reenactment to experience the sights, sounds and smells of history. Being a Civil War reenactor is about stepping back in time to create believable characterpersonaor what reenactors call an impression. Don't be overwhelmed! 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. ThoughtCo, Aug. 26, 2020, thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852. 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. If you asked to galvanize (switch sides) for a battle or event, dont complain. 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. Invitation events are smaller with limited numbers of participants making them easier to manage. The only difference between the Civil War and the reenacting firing is that no Mini ball is rammed down the barrel. There are essentially three types of reenactors; mainstream, campaigners, and stitch counters. Perhaps a particular company or regiment in the war had distinctive uniforms. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852. 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 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. For further reading suggestions and links to many of these online resources, please see the Stonewall Brigades Recommended Reading list. 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. Before you start investing cash in reenacting, attend enough events to ensure that its a hobby that you truly enjoy and want to purse. 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. 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 . Whoever is physically able can take to the battlefield with certain age restrictions. 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. 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. If you've gotten this far then hopefully you've put some thought into this endeavor. If you have the time, it can even be fun to learn to make some of your clothing or items yourself, just as it was done in the past. 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. 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. Tacticals are unscripted battles which are usually not open to the public. Each unit has a different function and will provide a much different experience. Now that the sesquicentennial is over, the future of reenacting is being debated. Don't let that stop you! 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. For official duties, these youngstersoften between 10 and 14were called on to fill supporting roles such as drummers, buglers, messengers, and field assistants. If youre interested in an immersive, authentic experience, joining a mainstream unit will be a poor fit. Reenactors put themselves in the shoes of those from an earlier time where food was scarce, disease was rampant, and a good nights sleep might mean sleeping in the mud. Or, Dad can stay in the military camp while Mom and the kids stay in a civilian camp. People come to Civil War reenacting in a myriad of ways. These organizations will often have a camp life where young ones can partake in 1860's life styles. C.S. 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. And many battle reenactment societies require that you acquaint yourself thoroughly with the manual of arms. 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. 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. 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 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. Not all organizations allow family's along for the ride. (May 8, 2009) http://www.salary.com/personal/layoutscripts/psnl_articles.asp?tab=psn&cat=cat011&ser=ser032, Miller, John. We had a weekend with perfect weather and many exciting and educational activities. An Authentic Civil War Living History Association, Top Five Tips for Getting Started in Civil War Reenacting. (2020, August 26). Some people do take the "authenticity" to an extreme, but most groups welcome anyone with an interest. Little children have no business on the field because they can become separated from parents. Berdans Sharpshooters were a Federal unit of sharpshooters who wore dark green uniforms as an early form of camouflage. Period clothing and accessories can be very expensive -- depending on the period and figure you're portraying. Most reenactors collect their kit over a period of time, borrowing from generous fellow soldiers until they are fully outfitted. The 125th Franklin, Tennessee event was held in minus 10 wind chill. WW1 Reenactment Groups. 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. But if you've got the mettle and undying enthusiasm for history, we'll walk you through the basics of how to get involved. By Robert Arvay. 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. Most people choose a reenactment group that operates fairly close to home - at least within a day's drive. Are you looking for something you can do with your family? Welcome to the official website of the Georgia Division Reenactors Association! To submit a reenactment group for consideration, please contact us here. Civil War soldiers or civilians didnt have digital watches or plastic frame eyeglasses. Our way to offer tribute to these great men of the Civil War is to study as much as possible . 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. I, Eighth Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, Company A, Incorporated, 11th Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, Company G, Fourteenth Regiment Connecticut, Van Dyke's Howitizers 1st Florida Artillery. 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. Oftentimes, a young person will find themselves interested in living history but struggle to get involved. Not sure about the geography of the middle east? Mainstreamers cheerfully accept the nickname TBG- which stands for Tubby Bearded Guys. The main thing one has to learn is the infantry drill, and to follow orders to execute maneuvers. Most reenacting units require members to own dual impressions; both Union and Confederate. 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. Then again in 1938, those same veterans returned. First-person - When a reenactor speaks to fellow reenactors and the public as a person during the 1860s. 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. If you're portraying a poor farmer during the Revolutionary War, then don't purchase a fancy rifle that would have been out of his financial grasp. "Become a Member." The most stare-inducing women reenactors are those ladies portraying Catholic nuns who served as nurses during the war. Events Could Include: Reenactments, Living Histories, Round Tables, Battlewalks, Shows, Lectures & More. 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. Nothing spoils the look of a rank of men in a battle line then seeing someone wearing modern day glasses or ear rings. There are Federal Zouave units who wear bright red pants, red trimmed jackets, and turbans. 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. Please Keep Reenactment Discussions in Proper Forum! Subscribe to our newsletter * indicates required. 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 Society. 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. Do you have a passion for Ancient Rome, medieval fashion, or Colonial America, and the Salem Witch Trials? Reenacting is at a cross-roads. 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. In 2014 the name was changed to North Florida Artillery Historical Foundation, Inc. was established as a non profit/IRS organization. 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. Perhaps you attended a reenactment as a spectator and found yourself wishing you were in the midst of the smoke and confusion rather than watching it from afar. In a reenactment, a persona is a character and role that you choose to portray. R. Lee Hadden. These reenactors can make a modest living by working in museums or historic sites such as Plymouth, Mass., or Williamsburg, Va. The best first purchase you can make is a pair of well-built shoes, usually called brogans or bootees. Sometimes, you'll be able to find authentic uniforms to wear to reenactments, especially for 20th-century wars. Unit Dues - Unit dues are typically the cheapest of all expenses. Figure the cost of your accessories into your budget, too. How does a starving man march 20 miles then go into a three-hour battle? [1]. 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. It was I who asked historian Shelby Foote some 20 years ago: Is there anything about The War you dont know? I got the quick answer: I still dont know how they did it.. 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.