A love of history of all time periods is common though reenactors focus on the 19th century. A reenactor could choose that impression by joining a reenacting unit following those uniform guidelines. Uniforms are all wool for Federal portrayals, and a wool and cotton blend for Confederates. 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. There are reenactment groups for almost any era that captures your interest, such as ancient Rome, the Middle Ages, the American Revolution or either of the World Wars. How did my ancestors survive battles, diseases, and prison camps on far away battlefields then return home to produce me? What period of history most grabs your interest? What did the Gettysburg artillery barrage sound like? There are essentially three types of reenactors; mainstream, campaigners, and stitch counters. A love of history, a desire to better understand what Civil War era soldiers and civilians experienced, the pleasure of camping with friends and cooking over an open fire all explain why reenactors follow this hobby. There is at least one Civil War era brass band using period instruments and playing period music. Have you often wondered what it might have been like to actually live in the past? The gear does not stop at just a firearm either. 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. Check ourencyclopedia for a gloss on thousands of topics from biographies to the table of elements. 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. Many units keep a stock of uniforms and other equipment on hand in order to let people try the hobby out rather than invest in it only to discover that they do not really like playing the role of a 1860s soldier. 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. WW1 Reenactment Groups. Civil War Reenacting makes an effort to list the websites of reenacting units, but, as might be expected, many units are not listed here. First-person - When a reenactor speaks to fellow reenactors and the public as a person during the 1860s. Most reenactment organizations also won't allow children under 16 to bear arms. These reenactors can make a modest living by working in museums or historic sites such as Plymouth, Mass., or Williamsburg, Va. Here you can find a list of groups that portray the American Civil War period. Invitation events are smaller with limited numbers of participants making them easier to manage. Not all organizations allow family's along for the ride. That part of history cannot be changed. Children as young as 8 have been seen at many reenactments partaking in field music. The important thing to remember is the child still needs adult supervision. Thanks for reaching out John we just got in touch to provide you some additional information. 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. Find WW1 Reenactment groups to join now! 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. or C.S.A. Families wishing to stay together all weekend can portray civilians. Following are some useful terms to acquaint you with Civil War Reenacting. Check your local newspaper or reenactment Web sites for listings of upcoming reenactment events in your area. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Get a feel for the atmosphere and conditions of a living history event before you rush to buy vintage style military uniforms & equipment. 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. Reenacting units are organized in companies and regiments by reenactors from the same geographic area, much as Civil War companies and regiments were organized. Top Five Tips for Getting Started in Civil War Reenacting Most units have a list of acceptable gear and approved sutlers. 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 . Check your laws! By joining such a society, you'll have time to try out your persona before committing to any major purchases for your own kit. 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). Beginners should start by attending Civil War Reenactments and observing what goes on. 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. Perhaps a particular company or regiment in the war had distinctive uniforms. Discover more about American history at one of these events. We strive for accurate historical depiction of our original unit." YouTube Video Creator "History Boy" Drummer, 8th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry Co. Reenactors sacrifice immense amounts of time, effort, and money to recreate history. 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. Although most common in the United States, there are also American Civil War reenactors in Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Italy, Denmark . Marches can range from a mile or so from camp to the battlefield to more than 20 miles at special events. 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. 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.. Be prepared to be footsore! The United States Colored Troops, the freemen and runaway slaves who joined the Union army in numbers around 180,000, are a small, but highly appreciated branch of reenacting. Mega events involve thousands of reenactors. 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. A Captivating Reenactment Of The Civil War Skirmish in Aiken - YouTube 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). There are scores of sutlers who operate regionally and nationally. . That means single reenactors in a specialty uniform must search out similar reenactors to fall in with at events. The basic costs of outfitting an infantryman are between $1,500 and $2,000 which rises to $2,500 to $3,000 with the purchase of tents, ponchos, cooking gear, overcoats and other additional gear. How does a starving man march 20 miles then go into a three-hour battle? [1]. This can be a great way to save money, but make sure you run all major purchases by your mentor to ensure youre buying quality gear and not getting swindled. The weapons that reenactors carry are real -- and loaded. They are wondering if sleeping on the ground is as much fun as it was when they were young. 9th KY Typical costs for reenacting might include the following. To take part in high quality reenactments a reenactor should expect to drive at least a day for quality events. Learn about one of the world's oldest and most popular religions. Stan Honda . The website also lists a number of sutler websites. Mainstreamers cheerfully accept the nickname TBG- which stands for Tubby Bearded Guys. What does it take to start a civil war? - American Thinker So, many die-hard history-lovers volunteer in historical reenactments for an action-packed and enlightening experience. By the time Ken Burns PBS special The Civil War debuted in 1990 interest in the War was on an upswing. For instance, the Stonewall Brigades list is located here. 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. 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. Some units focus on the military side of reenacting, preferring to keep civilian women in a separate camp while other units allow children to run around the military camp. Hundreds of . Whats not to like? Its educational and, finally, its a great way to escape the worries of today and pretend in the great outdoors. The atmosphere is relaxed, allowing reenactors to recruit new members. Events Could Include: Reenactments, Living Histories, Round Tables, Battlewalks, Shows, Lectures & More. CIVIL WAR REENACTING | How to Join a Unit - YouTube Reenacting - 9th Pennsylvania Reserves 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) When brigaded with other units, a reenactor general may command 200-300 men. - Confederate States or Confederate States Army. Period clothing and accessories can be very expensive -- depending on the period and figure you're portraying. Your mentor can also assist you in finding used gear either from unit members or outside resources like eBay or Facebook. Some units are thinking of staging parts of battles as authentically as possible, complete with the scaled down, but statistically correct numbers of casualties, and the maneuvers mentioned in survivor accounts. Do not buy from sutlers on-line then select which unit you want to join. Check your local newspaper or search the Internet to find a reenactment near you. Rivers might be crossed. Do your research before making any purchases to ensure that you get the most authentic bang for your buck. A few options to consider. 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. 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]. Arkansas Infantry Reenactors. Shopping online is a good alternative to making purchases at a reenactment. I. Delaware. 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. The 125th Franklin, Tennessee event was held in minus 10 wind chill. Once the leather gear, muskets, and bayonets are purchased, only the opposite sides coat and pants are a necessary purchase to correctly portray the other side. You must have a passion for history and an active imagination. Our way to offer tribute to these great men of the Civil War is to study as much as possible . The physically disabled cannot take the field as soldiers, but the impression of a wounded soldier in a period wheel chair being pushed by a civilian in period clothes is welcome. There are alternative ways to get your history education. The persona is sometimes referred to as an impression. 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. Other less expensive options are impressions of a civilian water boy, drummer boy, messenger, or just a regular kidthey were certainly, if unfortunately, caught up in the war. Is there a list or quartermaster who do I need to contact to get involved as a reenactor for the civil war. For instance, Revolutionary War-era equipment is generally more expensive than Civil War weapons. 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. 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. The Event Wire - Information. 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. 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. Although most common in the United States, there are also American Civil War reenactors in Canada, the United Kingdom,. Living Histories at original battlefields are by invitation by the National Park Service or the states that also maintain battlefields. 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. Vietnam War Reenactors - Milsurpia.com 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 ]. Oftentimes, a young person will find themselves interested in living history but struggle to get involved. Most people take their roles seriously and pride themselves on representing history as accurately as possible. 2nd Rhode Island Regiment. Larger regiments will combine those companies to form a state-wide organization. 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. Get Started in Reenacting - ReenactmentHQ How do I join a unit as a reenactor? California. Some states require even single shot, reproduction muskets to be registered with the government. Reenactments are only fun if there are enough enemies on the other side. Their website is: www.CivilWarNews.com, Camp Chase Gazette is a how-to magazine for authentic reenactors. What's more, you could get hurt. Arch supports were not invented in the 1860s, but feel free to put anything inside that helps you march. Each unit has a different function and will provide a much different experience. Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved by Milsurpia. If you can find material written by men from the unit you portray, even better. While Confederate regulations called for a kepi, most men opted for a slouch hat, a broad-brimmed hat of varying styles. "I decided to join the Civil War reenacting group that helped to make the movie." . Reenacting. Civil War Reenacting - Essential Civil War Curriculum These events were often staged with paying spectators in mind, leading to sights that irritated reenactors such as rushing the enemy in a chargebut with multi-tiered bleachers behind the enemy. Most reenactors collect their kit over a period of time, borrowing from generous fellow soldiers until they are fully outfitted. 5) Purchase Slowly and Strategically: When you are ready to start purchasing gear, take your time and make your purchases strategic. 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". Living History Archive. Help/Ideas for Organizing a Reenactment - American Civil War Forums Encampments allow visitors to wander through a Civil War camp and observe soldiers training, resting, playing, and simply relaxingall without television, iPods, or computers! When you're starting out as a volunteer, the unit you're working with will probably have a spare uniform you can borrow. If you're thinking about volunteering in a historical reenactment, experienced reenactors will tell you that you shouldn't delve into this hobby without knowing what you're getting into. One place to find equipment for sale is at the reenactment events. Confederate Zouaves called Louisiana Tigers wear striped baggy pants. Perhaps you have a friend in the hobby who has encouraged you to give it a try. That is also the reason why most leather gear is black, the standard Union color. While headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, our membership encompasses Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. These can range anywhere from $5 a month to $25 a month. That could be in California, Wisconsin, or even Russia. The age restriction on handling firearms does not prevent one from taking part in the hobby. 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. For the Bray family in Brunswick, American Civil War reenactment is more than just a historical hobby it's a family affair. While these stories may transport you to Elizabethan England or ancient Rome, they're still fiction, after all, and don't always provide authentic history lessons. 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. How do your feet feel after marching 22 miles in a single day in thin-soled brogans? The main thing one has to learn is the infantry drill, and to follow orders to execute maneuvers. Hand to hand combat is heavily scripted, never engage on your own. How To Join A Civil War Reenactment Group | TooIF Don't let that stop you! The further that is away from the face, the better. And that's not including weaponry: An M1 Garand will put you out $700 to $900, while other period guns cost less than $100. Before showtime, pots and pans are some of the tools reenactor Tanya Haessly makes the most use of as a camp cook, feeding families and individuals taking part in a Civil War reenactment in Janney . Most reenacting units have both a website and a Facebook page, making it easier for people to find local units. 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. 4 June 2009. 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. 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. Powell, Kimberly. Reproduction clothing can cost several hundred dollars, and reproduction period rifles as much as $1000. .com/us/military/civil-war-reenactor.html. A Civil War Reenactment will have various units such as artillery, cavalry, or infantry units. 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. Are you interested in conducting research into tiny details of soldiers lives? The stitch counters can belong in either the mainstream or the campaigner camp.