how to join a civil war reenactment group

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. As you become more engaged with the unit, it's time to think about acquiring your own reenactment kit so that new recruits can use the spares while they test the waters. Check ourencyclopedia for a gloss on thousands of topics from biographies to the table of elements. 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) 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. When brigaded with other units, a reenactor general may command 200-300 men. Most will sleep/camp at the reenactment event. Most reenactors are everyday people from all walks of life, with ages ranging from 16 to people in their sixties. The most famous reenactment of the 1960s was the July 1961 Battle of First Manassas or Bull Run, held on the Manassas National Battlefield. Reproduction clothing can cost several hundred dollars, and reproduction period rifles as much as $1000. These organizations will often have a camp life where young ones can partake in 1860's life styles. Hundreds of . Active members, either military or . Period clothing and accessories can be very expensive -- depending on the period and figure you're portraying. By now you are probably wondering, "how much is all of this going to cost me? 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. Some of the young men who started reenacting decades ago when the 125th anniversary events attracted them are now passing through middle age. 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. After all, every one of the reenactors at an event arrived in a 21st century vehicle of some kind. "How to Get Started With Historical Reenacting." "How to Become a Re-Enactor." That means single reenactors in a specialty uniform must search out similar reenactors to fall in with at events. To a CIVIL WAR reenactment. Germany . To submit a reenactment group for consideration, please contact us here. I show up. Horses, though trained to expect loud noises from cannons, rifles, pistols and clanging sabers, sometimes throw their riders to the ground. The 49th Indiana Volunteer Infantry is Indiana's oldest, largest and best drilled civil war unit. Just how much does it cost to be a Civil War reenactor? 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. Learn more about the mythic conflict between the Argives and the Trojans. Event Dues - This can really depend on the event and what is provided with the fee. The North Florida Artillery was incorporated as a non-profit organization in the state of Florida in March 2007. In addition to special uniforms, some reenactors will be tempted to get special firearms. Aside from physical distance, a reenactor needs to take into consideration a few factors. Most organization will not watch your 10 year old kid all day. Event Dues - This can really depend on the event and what is provided with the fee. Following are some useful terms to acquaint you with Civil War Reenacting. 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. 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. Wearing historically accurate clothing is essential to your impression and attention to details is important, i.e. 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. While two-banded muskets were very common in ranks during the War, reenactors should not use them because of safety concerns with respect to the length of the barrel. As a Civil War reenactor you will become a soldier, or a civilian, wearing authentic 1860s period clothing and learning to live as . 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. Immerse yourself in the time period by reading books and primary source documents related to the area, and the type of person you've chosen to portray. 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. While Confederate regulations called for a kepi, most men opted for a slouch hat, a broad-brimmed hat of varying styles. 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. Some people do take the "authenticity" to an extreme, but most groups welcome anyone with an interest. This is especially important when it comes to clothing and weaponry, as we'll see on the next page. Check your local newspaper or search the Internet to find a reenactment near you. 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". By joining such a society, you'll have time to try out your persona before committing to any major purchases for your own kit. 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. Whats not to like? Immersion events are small reenactments where reenactors carry everything with them with no resupply from vehicles. 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. 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. 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. A Civil War Reenactment is the recreation of past battles for the education and entertainment of both spectators and hobbyists alike. 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. 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. Most reenacting units have both a website and a Facebook page, making it easier for people to find local units. Reenactors refer to their clothing and equipment as theirkit. The dues are an important aspect of keeping reenactment groups operating. They are great foundational introductions to the topic. 4) Read As Much As You Can: The best way to start your career in reenacting out right is to read extensively. That could be in California, Wisconsin, or even Russia. Unit Dues - Unit dues are typically the cheapest of all expenses. 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. The atmosphere is relaxed, allowing reenactors to recruit new members. Reenactors believe that a weekend playing soldier or civilian brings them closer to understanding the experiences of the men and women who lived in that time. These reenactors can make a modest living by working in museums or historic sites such as Plymouth, Mass., or Williamsburg, Va. The 26th North Carolina Troops and the 24th Michigan ran head-on into each other on the first day of Gettysburg in McPhersons Woods. 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. Not all organizations allow family's along for the ride. For many people, there's nothing drier than a dense history book. Finding a reenactment unit has gone 21st century. Don't be overwhelmed! 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 ]. Here you can find a list of groups that portray the Great War period. Typical costs for reenacting might include the following. Muster A gathering, especially of troops, for service, inspection, review or roll call. 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. Post Advance Schedules Up to 1 Year in Advance. Before you purchase a musket and show up to your first event, you may find the following tips useful. Infoplease is a reference and learning site, combining the contents of an encyclopedia, a dictionary, an atlas and several almanacs loaded with facts. Nothing spoils the look of a rank of men in a battle line then seeing someone wearing modern day glasses or ear rings. 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. California. Most reenacting units require members to own dual impressions; both Union and Confederate. What's more, you could get hurt. A police officer grips a corner of a torn U.S. flag at a memorial ceremony in New York on Sept. 11, 2004. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Figure the cost of your accessories into your budget, too. Some units have fifers and drummers. While still too small in numbers to simulate actual Civil War battles, the mega-events at least gave reenactors a sense of what the major battles would have been like. Reenacting gear includes the uniform, accoutrements, a musket, shoes, hat and more, all purchased from sutlers, merchants specializing in reproduction products for reenactors. In other words, you can try it out and see how you like it. Typically, the age restriction for most events is 16 years old to carry a musket/rifle. 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. 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. Civil War reenactors attempt to answer Footes rhetorical question by putting their 21st century selves into the roles of 19th century people. The best first purchase you can make is a pair of well-built shoes, usually called brogans or bootees. 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. Two TV mini-series, Blue & Gray (1982), and North & South (1985) drove interest in reenacting in the early 1980s. By the time Ken Burns PBS special The Civil War debuted in 1990 interest in the War was on an upswing. With the exception of events where rains flood the battlefield, reenactments are rarely cancelled for heat or cold. How to join a unit, where and how to k. 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). 5) Purchase Slowly and Strategically: When you are ready to start purchasing gear, take your time and make your purchases strategic. American Civil War Reenactment Groups. At some late-war battles such as Bentonville, North Carolina and Saylers Creek, Virginia, Federal units armed with repeating rifles chewed into Confederate ranks. Farby is a Civil War Reenactment term for anything not typical of the period. Confederate reenactors armed with single shot muskets have no choice but to fall or withdraw in the face of men using rifles that could carry upwards of 13 rounds that could be fired in a matter of seconds. Perhaps a particular company or regiment in the war had distinctive uniforms. Mountains might be climbed. Muskets are real guns and fire a full powder charge but no bullet. They like to bring tents, camp chairs, hidden ice chests, and other gear that the original army would never have had. Although most common in the United States, there are also American Civil War reenactors in Canada, the United Kingdom,. Shopping online is a good alternative to making purchases at a reenactment. The important thing to remember is the child still needs adult supervision. Living Histories at original battlefields are by invitation by the National Park Service or the states that also maintain battlefields. Then, the reenactors, tourist bureaus, and entrepreneurs realized that starting in 1991 they could stage larger-than-usual events at five-year intervals starting with the 130th anniversary of the start of the War. If its not, consider trying another group. 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.

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