Subscribe to our newsletter * indicates required. 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. Depending upon your reenactment scenario, this may be a real individual or a fictional one who could have lived during your time period of interest. Sandbox Learning is part of Sandbox & Co., a digital learning company. 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. Are you really excited about being a part of large battle reenactments? While the three-banded musket is standard, there might be the occasional chance to carry something else. *This post may contain affiliate links. 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 ]. So, many die-hard history-lovers volunteer in historical reenactments for an action-packed and enlightening experience. Reenacting gear includes the uniform, accoutrements, a musket, shoes, hat and more, all purchased from sutlers, merchants specializing in reproduction products for reenactors. Two TV mini-series, Blue & Gray (1982), and North & South (1985) drove interest in reenacting in the early 1980s. If you wear eyeglasses, consider purchasing period frames high on your shopping list as well. The three types seem to always be warring with each other in blog posts with the campaigners laughing at the age of the mainstreamers; the mainstreamers laughing at the campaigners with their dirty faces; and the stitch counters laughing at both of them for wearing a uniform that was proper in 1862, but which wasnt worn in 1864. 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. 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. These reenactors can make a modest living by working in museums or historic sites such as Plymouth, Mass., or Williamsburg, Va. Attend a few such reenactment events and talk to members of the involved groups to learn more about their reenactment focus and activities. . 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. Reenacting units are organized in companies and regiments by reenactors from the same geographic area, much as Civil War companies and regiments were organized. Young Civil War Reenactor (photo by D. Farr). Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Jane McGrath Infoplease knows the value of having sources you can trust. Uniforms are all wool for Federal portrayals, and a wool and cotton blend for Confederates. Arch supports were not invented in the 1860s, but feel free to put anything inside that helps you march. Home Research Top Five Tips for Getting Started in Civil War Reenacting. No reenactor will respond to an unknown general who walks onto the field and tries to take command of units who do not know him. Need a reference? Marches can range from a mile or so from camp to the battlefield to more than 20 miles at special events. Three factors come into play, and the United States demonstrates all of them. We had a weekend with perfect weather and many exciting and educational activities. Check your local newspaper or search the Internet to find a reenactment near you. 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! While headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, our membership encompasses Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. If there were other units at the events you attended who seemed like a better fit for what youre looking for, consider contacting them about falling in at their next event. Living Histories at original battlefields are by invitation by the National Park Service or the states that also maintain battlefields. She teaches at the Genealogical Institute of Pittsburgh and the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. 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.. Its educational and, finally, its a great way to escape the worries of today and pretend in the great outdoors. Some larger units will have majors, lieutenant colonels and colonels. Youre obviously interested in the Civil War, otherwise you wont be considering reenacting. Some civilian reenactors may choose to portray professions such as mortician or battlefield surgeon with some women roaming the field as nurses. If you asked to galvanize (switch sides) for a battle or event, dont complain. Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era is a Pulitzer Prize-winning work on the American Civil War. Not sure about the geography of the middle east? Although most common in the United States, there are also American Civil War reenactors in Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Italy, Denmark . 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. Unit Dues - Unit dues are typically the cheapest of all expenses. To take part in high quality reenactments a reenactor should expect to drive at least a day for quality events. 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. "How to Get Started With Historical Reenacting." Special Thanks Perhaps a particular company or regiment in the war had distinctive uniforms. There are alternative ways to get your history education. Join us for a captivating reenactment of a Civil War skirmish, brought to life in stunning detail! This is especially important when it comes to clothing and weaponry, as we'll see on the next page. Civil War soldiers or civilians didnt have digital watches or plastic frame eyeglasses. The 49th Indiana Volunteer Infantry is Indiana's oldest, largest and best drilled civil war unit. American Civil War Reenactment Groups. 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. Some units have fifers and drummers. Not only does it reinforce our sense of pride in our heritage, but its something in which the entire family can participate. 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. You can buy relatively cheap U.S. uniforms from the World Wars. WELCOME TO THE 49TH INDIANA CO.F. 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. 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 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. Did you have ancestors who participated in a particular war? The unit you ultimately join should be in a position to provide the elements that you want to get out of reenacting. 3 rd Florida Volunteer Infantry, Co. Reenacting. You must have a passion for history and an active imagination. or C.S.A. Germany . They like to bring tents, camp chairs, hidden ice chests, and other gear that the original army would never have had. Reenactors enjoy camping, cooking over an open fire, guns, loud noises, marching, military discipline, and telling stories. First-person When a reenactor speaks to fellow reenactors and the public as a person during the 1860s. 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. 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. When brigaded with other units, a reenactor general may command 200-300 men. Camping with ones friends can be an attractive incentive to pack up the gear and drive away rather than staying home doing chores. 1) Put the Credit Card Away: The absolute best advice anyone can give you is to delay purchasing any gear. The atmosphere is relaxed, allowing reenactors to recruit new members. Photos from the time period show some men marching in ranks with M-1 Garands, World War II semi-automatic rifles. 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. 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. Some people do take the "authenticity" to an extreme, but most groups welcome anyone with an interest. 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. The largest event was likely the 135th Gettysburg reenactment where an estimated 15,000 attended. On the downside in terms of authenticity, they operate in much smaller groups that sometimes preclude them from being able to do the complicated drills that Civil War regiments would have done, and which the mainstreamers relentlessly practice. 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. 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. Since the war took place in the South, it is more difficult for Yankees in Northern states to make the events in the Southern states. During the Civil War Native Americans, Blacks, Asians, and Hispanics fought on both sides. Hard-core reenactors give up all amenities of modern life, from deodorant to modern wristwatches. Only a handful of men will make generals and they must know how to command at that level. I show up. 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. 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. Cavalry reenactors have uniforms that are patterned after original cavalry uniforms. 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. 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. But if you want to portray a German soldier from World War II, the uniforms are pricier -- typically $300 to $400 [source: Miller]. 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). Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852. Most reenacting units require members to own dual impressions; both Union and Confederate. 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. Perhaps you have a deep interest in the Civil War and want to experience it and understand it in a way that books can never truly capture. 2nd Rhode Island Regiment. 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. The easiest way for children to get involved in reenacting is to do it as a family. Hundreds of . 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. Your mentor can also assist you in finding used gear either from unit members or outside resources like eBay or Facebook. They are encouraged to buy their opposite impression as soon as they can afford the cost. Tacticals are unscripted battles which are usually not open to the public. The 49th Indiana, Company F is Indiana's oldest and largest nonprofit organization devoted to portraying life during the American Civil War. Nothing spoils the look of a rank of men in a battle line then seeing someone wearing modern day glasses or ear rings. Welcome to the official website of the Georgia Division Reenactors Association! 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. 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. By the time Ken Burns PBS special The Civil War debuted in 1990 interest in the War was on an upswing. If youre interested in an immersive, authentic experience, joining a mainstream unit will be a poor fit. It is common to find Black reenactors sprinkled in the Confederate ranks. Confederate States or Confederate States Army. 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. Aside from physical distance, a reenactor needs to take into consideration a few factors. 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. It is where the Civil War soldier carried his food and where the reenactor will carry his food, wallet and car keys. To volunteer in historical reenactments, you'll be dedicating your time, sacrificing your modern comforts and paying a pretty penny. We have members in four states Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi and Arkansas. Not all organizations allow family's along for the ride. The only difference between the Civil War and the reenacting firing is that no Mini ball is rammed down the barrel. 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. There are scores of sutlers who operate regionally and nationally. 2 nd Connecticut Volunteer Heavy Artillery Regiment, Co. They will speak as though the War Between the States is current. Civil War Reenactment Groups The American Civil War, fought between 1861 and 1865, continues to live on in the form of living history reenactments. Do not buy from sutlers on-line then select which unit you want to join. Most organization will not watch your 10 year old kid all day. Once the basics are purchased, reenactors move on to acquire other gear like a canvas dog tent, or a larger A-frame tent, a gum or rubber blanket/poncho for putting down on the ground or wearing as rain gear, and cooking gear like tin frying pans and cooking grates. The USCTs fought as all Black units commanded by white officers. C.S. Load more. "How to Become a Re-Enactor." Most people choose a reenactment group that operates fairly close to home - at least within a day's drive. For many people, there's nothing drier than a dense history book. The same uniforms worn in the summer are worn in the winter. 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. But if you've got the mettle and undying enthusiasm for history, we'll walk you through the basics of how to get involved. Few units allow people in 21st century garb to camp in the military camp as it detracts from the reenactment atmosphere. It might be a good idea to spring for the unit's annual fee for insurance coverage in case of an injury. City, county and state governments and private entrepreneurs with connections to those reenacting units saw the tourist potential of staging mock battles on private or public land. Reenacting can be a family hobby with Dad, Mom, and the kids all portraying 19th century roles. Following are some useful terms to acquaint you with Civil War Reenacting. Have you often wondered what it might have been like to actually live in the past? People come to Civil War reenacting in a myriad of ways. Post Advance Schedules Up to 1 Year in Advance. To a CIVIL WAR reenactment. And that's not including weaponry: An M1 Garand will put you out $700 to $900, while other period guns cost less than $100. 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. The United States Marines wear distinctive crossed white belts. Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved by Milsurpia. Learning an instrument is typically the easiest way for children to get involved. 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. By Robert Arvay. Children can usually even participate, although most reenactment groups have a minimum age (12 or 13 is common) for children to be allowed in more dangerous roles, such as on the battlefield. Speculation among reenactors is that smaller, focused events is where the hobby is headed. ThoughtCo, Aug. 26, 2020, thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852. Reproduction clothing can cost several hundred dollars, and reproduction period rifles as much as $1000. Salary.com. The NPS decided that mock battles detracted from the commemorative nature of the battlefields. While we are based in Middle Tennessee, we have active and semi-active members in many states from Florida to Arizona and Alabama to Iowa besides our core Tennessee and Kentucky group. Reenactors often do more interacting with the visiting public such as performing drill and firing demonstrations, and giving flag and equipment talks. R. Lee Hadden. There are a wide variety of canteens including wooden ones that Confederate soldiers carried, but which would not be appropriate for Union soldiers. To submit a reenactment group for consideration, please contact us here. or C.S.A. 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. While the majority of soldiers were in the 1840 age range, in many enlistment cases birth years were overlooked, or were fabricated. They carried Sharps rifles. What did the Gettysburg artillery barrage sound like? The Centennial created some interest in Hollywood, resulting in some Civil War era television shows like The Gray Ghost (1957) and The Americans (1961), and movies like Shenandoah (1965). 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 ones below have been in business for years and may be considered the mainstays of the hobby. The dues are an important aspect of keeping reenactment groups operating. For instance, Revolutionary War-era equipment is generally more expensive than Civil War weapons. 4. While the uniforms are generallywelluniform, hats (at least for Confederate portrayals) can be a matter of personal choice. Find WW1 Reenactment groups to join now! Now i ma They should also have a list of recommended vendors that sell uniforms and equipment that meet their units standards. The website also lists a number of sutler websites. That part of history cannot be changed. Hand to hand combat is heavily scripted, never engage on your own. The persona is sometimes referred to as an impression. clear this with both units and dont just show up expecting to be ok. Required fields are marked *. 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. During the Civil War Native Americans, Blacks, Asians, and Hispanics fought on both sides. that appeal to campaigners. Event Dues - This can really depend on the event and what is provided with the fee. 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. Civil War Reenacting makes an effort to list the websites of reenacting units, but, as might be expected, many units are not listed here.
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