These events help reenactors immerse themselves in the reenacting experience, gaining first-hand knowledge of war, battle strategy, and the hardships of combat. 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. Families wishing to stay together all weekend can portray civilians. Powell, Kimberly. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Get Started in Reenacting - ReenactmentHQ Active members, either military or . To take part in high quality reenactments a reenactor should expect to drive at least a day for quality events. Powell, Kimberly. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852. 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. Experience being part of bringing our nation's most turbulent and tragic era to life. We do this by portraying soldiers and citizens at . Oftentimes, a young person will find themselves interested in living history but struggle to get involved. 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. Buy at a reenactment or with the help of an experience unit member. If they try for officer ranks like lieutenant and captain, they must take even more rigorous tests to demonstrate that they know the commands that moved men around the field. 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. There are alternative ways to get your history education. Most reenactors join the infantry, which is followed in popularity by the artillery, then the cavalry and there are a few naval interpreters. The 49th Indiana, Company F is Indiana's oldest and largest nonprofit organization devoted to portraying life during the American Civil War. By joining such a society, you'll have time to try out your persona before committing to any major purchases for your own kit. Now i ma Civil War reenactment in Florida ends after 40 years - WJXT (May 8, 2009) http://www.salary.com/personal/layoutscripts/psnl_articles.asp?tab=psn&cat=cat011&ser=ser032, Miller, John. Tacticals are unscripted battles which are usually not open to the public. Threadcounter A reenactor who insists on a historically accurate impression, down to fabric and buttonholes having the same threadcount typical of the time. There are a wide variety of canteens including wooden ones that Confederate soldiers carried, but which would not be appropriate for Union soldiers. They will speak as though the War Between the States is current. The unit you ultimately join should be in a position to provide the elements that you want to get out of reenacting. Becoming a historical re-enactor requires an unquenchable thirst for history and abiding patience with uncomfortable accommodations and ridiculous outfits. Check your local newspaper or search the Internet to find a reenactment near you. C.S. Learn more about the mythic conflict between the Argives and the Trojans. Typical costs for reenacting might include the following. And many battle reenactment societies require that you acquaint yourself thoroughly with the manual of arms. During the Civil War Native Americans, Blacks, Asians, and Hispanics fought on both sides. This Forum is for Posting Civil War Event Information. Arkansas Infantry Reenactors. They like to bring tents, camp chairs, hidden ice chests, and other gear that the original army would never have had. 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. The 52nd Tennessee Infantry 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. So, many die-hard history-lovers volunteer in historical reenactments for an action-packed and enlightening experience. The ones below have been in business for years and may be considered the mainstays of the hobby. Contact | 49th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Co.F That model Springfield was not developed until 1869. Scouring the sutlers' goods may also set you up for an impulse buy that your historic persona doesn't really need. There is no age requirement for being a Civil War reenactor, but, of course, minors will need to have their parents approval and support. Too far forward, and the percussion cap is exploding in his ear. Or, Dad can stay in the military camp while Mom and the kids stay in a civilian camp. 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. 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. Civilian reenactors are the least expensive impressions to achieve, and have the most flexibility since the clothes chosen can range from elegant to simple. Beginners should start by attending Civil War Reenactments and observing what goes on. The 125th Franklin, Tennessee event was held in minus 10 wind chill. Being a Civil War reenactor is about stepping back in time to create believable characterpersonaor what reenactors call an impression. Reenactment groups and societies can be found all over the world, although they are especially active in the U.S., UK, Germany, Sweden, Canada, and Australia. Vietnam War Reenactors - Milsurpia.com Civil War Reenactment is one of the fastest growing hobbies in the United States, and with good reason. Particularly welcomeand neededat reenactments are Black reenactors. Also, merchants who set up during reenactments and sell period-style goods to reenactors and the public. Some units have fifers and drummers. 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. 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. 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. To submit a reenactment group for consideration, please contact us here. Reenactors need a shirt, coat, pants, wool socks, and a hat. Required fields are marked *. People come to Civil War reenacting in a myriad of ways. 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. While reenacting is a hobby, it has some of the trappings of operating in an actual army. Here you can find a list of groups that portray the Great War period. Reproduction clothing can cost several hundred dollars, and reproduction period rifles as much as $1000. 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. 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. Check out our article How to Join a Reenactment Group. 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. While family involvement may be the goal of some reenactors, others enjoy the freedom of being away from the family on the weekend. Are you looking for something you can do with your family? How to join a reenactment group is not the hardest part of this journey, it's just the beginning. Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved by Milsurpia. However, it is important that you find a unit that is a good match for you if you want to continue to enjoy reenacting over the long-haul. 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]. Not all reenactment groups will offer the same experiences. Larger regiments will combine those companies to form a state-wide organization. How do war reenactments work? Family Friendly Units - If reenacting is to become your next family adventure, you're going to have to find a family friendly unit. Whoever is physically able can take to the battlefield with certain age restrictions. 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 . In particular, take notice of the grisly conditions a reenactor has to deal with -- especially in battle reenactments. Take your hits (deaths) If you wish to fight in a different unit that a family member fought in during the civil war. Also welcome are Black reenactors portraying slaves or free blacks, teamsters, horse handlers, or other roles common to the period. You'll also have to brush up on the language and customs specific to the era. For the sake of authenticity, women do not bear arms. The main thing one has to learn is the infantry drill, and to follow orders to execute maneuvers. Perhaps you have a friend in the hobby who has encouraged you to give it a try. Reenactors refer to their clothing and equipment as theirkit. Check with your reenacting unit before buying any gun. Here is a sampling of an infantry soldier's kit from the website of the 28th Massachusetts, Volunteer Infantry, 4th Regiment, Irish Brigade: Federal issue forage cap (dark or indigo blue) Historical reenactors are known for being sticklers for accuracy. Check your laws! "How to Get Started With Historical Reenacting." CIVIL WAR REENACTING | How to Join a Unit - YouTube "I decided to join the Civil War reenacting group that helped to make the movie." . Some people do take the "authenticity" to an extreme, but most groups welcome anyone with an interest. Hard-core reenactors give up all amenities of modern life, from deodorant to modern wristwatches. Real sticklers discourage men from wearing wedding bands as that custom was not around during The Civil War. One place to find equipment for sale is at the reenactment events. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 1999. They, in turn, showed the VHS tapes to younger historians, who learned that the soldiers on screen were not actors, but young men acting out their historical fantasies. What did the Gettysburg artillery barrage sound like? Reliving the Civil War: A Re-enactors Handbook. 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. If you wear eyeglasses, consider purchasing period frames high on your shopping list as well. They are also made from a relatively standardized style, so they can be used across a wide variety of impressions should you ultimately decide to join another unit or develop a different impression. Is there a list or quartermaster who do I need to contact to get involved as a reenactor for the civil war. If the unit is dedicated to historical accuracy, the accommodations will be meager. Prospective reenactors should research units to judge how accepting they are of family participation. Civil War reenactors attempt to answer Footes rhetorical question by putting their 21st century selves into the roles of 19th century people. I. Delaware. 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. Reenactors wanting to get as close as possible to how the soldiers lived will use this resource. Reenacting is at a cross-roads. What period of history most grabs your interest? Check your local newspaper or reenactment Web sites for listings of upcoming reenactment events in your area. Civil War Unit Reenactment Links They are wondering if sleeping on the ground is as much fun as it was when they were young. Most reenactment organizations also won't allow children under 16 to bear arms. 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. Any unit you contact should be extremely welcoming and do everything they can to have you join their ranks. You may need to attend a handful of events with them before you get a good feel for the units personality and whether it is a good fit for you. Reenactors often do more interacting with the visiting public such as performing drill and firing demonstrations, and giving flag and equipment talks. Some larger units will have majors, lieutenant colonels and colonels. Not all organizations allow family's along for the ride. Uniforms are all wool for Federal portrayals, and a wool and cotton blend for Confederates. 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. A Captivating Reenactment Of The Civil War Skirmish in Aiken - YouTube A few options to consider. If you are having any kind of encampment and want it in a certain order, let them know ahead of time. 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. A Civil War Reenactment is the recreation of past battles for the education and entertainment of both spectators and hobbyists alike. Once you invest time and money into historical volunteerism, you'll likely find great reward from all your efforts. 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). For official duties, these youngstersoften between 10 and 14were called on to fill supporting roles such as drummers, buglers, messengers, and field assistants. What reenacting does is give men and women a chance to walk in the footsteps of those people who came before us just a little over 150 years ago. Reenacting does require a commitment, however, in both time and resources. WW1 Reenactment Groups. If its not, consider trying another group. Thanks for reaching out John we just got in touch to provide you some additional information. Our editors update and regularly refine this enormous body of information to bring you reliable information. During the Civil War Native Americans, Blacks, Asians, and Hispanics fought on both sides. 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. Mega-events also created problems for reenactors such as too little and too far away parking, too little drinking water, and too few port-a-johns. 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. Still, American Civil War reenactments can take place wherever the hobbyists can find ground. 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. 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. For instance, Revolutionary War-era equipment is generally more expensive than Civil War weapons. Confederate States or Confederate States Army. Reenactors do not dwell on that terrible human cost. They will take on the persona of one who is living through the period and will not speak in modern language. Children were active participants in the Civil War. 1) Put the Credit Card Away: The absolute best advice anyone can give you is to delay purchasing any gear. 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. Units portraying the Vietnam War aren't nearly as prolific as World War 2 or Civil War impressions. If you have an interest in our American History during the period of 1861-1865, we invite you to join our ranks. Your email address will not be published. Brogans are broad-soled half boots with leather soles worn by the common foot soldier. Youre obviously interested in the Civil War, otherwise you wont be considering reenacting. Instead they staged brigade-sized snowball fights. Have you often wondered what it might have been like to actually live in the past? That means most Union forces on Southern battlefields likely talk with Southern accents even though they are in blue. Be prepared to be footsore! As they learn how to be a soldier, they take tests and advance through the non-commissioned ranks to corporals and sergeants.
Parkwood, Philadelphia Homes For Sale, Articles H