how to join a civil war reenactment group

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. Horses, though trained to expect loud noises from cannons, rifles, pistols and clanging sabers, sometimes throw their riders to the ground. Learn more about the mythic conflict between the Argives and the Trojans. Before you purchase a musket and show up to your first event, you may find the following tips useful. The stitch counters can belong in either the mainstream or the campaigner camp. Most reenactment groups have extra clothing, uniforms,costumes, and props that they are willing to loan to newcomers. Not sure about the geography of the middle east? 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. Any unit youre interested in joining should be eager to loan you a uniform and equipment for your first few events (if they are not or if youre pressured to purchase equipment right away, youre probably considering the wrong unit). Did you have ancestors who participated in a particular war? Most people choose a reenactment group that operates fairly close to home - at least within a day's drive. 2 nd Connecticut Volunteer Heavy Artillery Regiment, Co. 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. Following are some useful terms to acquaint you with Civil War Reenacting. Attend a few such reenactment events and talk to members of the involved groups to learn more about their reenactment focus and activities. that appeal to campaigners. While reenactors do like authenticity, they draw the line at paying upwards of $30 for registration fees, but finding over-flowing port-a-johns by Sunday morning. 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. 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. American Civil War Reenactment Groups. Finally, there is the largest investment of all, the musket and bayonet. Of course, you might decide that Civil War reenactments aren't your cup of tea, and you'd prefer to dabble in the Colonial era. Civilian - A person, male or female, who reenacts any non-military impression during Reenactments. While the vast majority of reenactors are standard uniformed Confederate and Union soldiers, there are some small numbers who wear unique uniforms. As a spectator, you have a great opportunity to get a preview of what volunteering is like. Reenactors have a variety of reasons for dressing up on the weekends then plunging into their interpretation of a war that killed, by recent estimates, 750,000 people. To a CIVIL WAR reenactment. For many people, there's nothing drier than a dense history book. 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. 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. Reenactors generally participate in three types of events: Battle reenactments are scripted recreations of actual Civil War engagements, which spectators pay to come and watch. 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. How do war reenactments work? Reenactor Groups by State Listing presented by the Quartermaster Shop People come to Civil War reenacting in a myriad of ways. Home | 49th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Co.F Don't be overwhelmed! Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved by Milsurpia. And finally, muskets are real guns. Although most common in the United States, there are also American Civil War reenactors in Canada, the United Kingdom,. The 26th North Carolina Troops and the 24th Michigan ran head-on into each other on the first day of Gettysburg in McPhersons Woods. 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. 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 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. 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. Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Jane McGrath 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. Event Dues - This can really depend on the event and what is provided with the fee. An Authentic Civil War Living History Association, Top Five Tips for Getting Started in Civil War Reenacting. And, if one wants, one can carry original muskets if they are safe. Also, merchants who set up during reenactments and sell period-style goods to reenactors and the public. For the sake of authenticity, women do not bear arms. Particularly welcomeand neededat reenactments are Black reenactors. Reenactors carry everything with them with no resupply from a vehicle, speak in first person and essentially lose themselves entirely in the war for the weekend. The Texas Rifles - Civil War Reenacting - Reenacting Spectators wont see much action, but the reenactors will see only other reenactors and no more bleachers. 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. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 1999. 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. - Confederate States or Confederate States Army. Keep attending reenactments until you find a period that suits your specific interests and talents. We do this by portraying soldiers and citizens at . 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. Welcome to the official website of the Georgia Division Reenactors Association! How do I join a unit as a reenactor? But, for whatever reason, something about recreating the life of a Civil War soldier resonates with you and youre interested in joining the hobby. Sandbox Learning is part of Sandbox & Co., a digital learning company. We strive for accurate historical depiction of our original unit." YouTube Video Creator "History Boy" Drummer, 8th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry Co. AUTHENTIC Civil War Flag General W.F. Mountains might be climbed. Impression Many reenactors will choose an impression during a reenactment. Shopping online is a good alternative to making purchases at a reenactment. Reenacting units keep a list of approved sutlers that have proven to stock authentic and well-made goods. Reenactment, appropriately called "living history," also means living under the same conditions encountered during the past. They will take on the persona of one who is living through the period and will not speak in modern language. Powell, Kimberly. We come from in and around Shelby County. Many units have loaner gear or special requirements. 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. 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 . How the Civilian Conservation Corps Worked, Historical Reenactment Costumes and Equipment, 2nd Rhode Island Regiment. 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. 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. The most famous reenactment of the 1960s was the July 1961 Battle of First Manassas or Bull Run, held on the Manassas National Battlefield. 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. The derogatory term for this same person is stitch nazi.. Real sticklers discourage men from wearing wedding bands as that custom was not around during The Civil War. Special Thanks Powell, Kimberly. Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era is a Pulitzer Prize-winning work on the American Civil War. 2) Consider What You Want Out of Reenacting: Spend some time thinking about what aspects of reenacting interest you. 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. Not only does it reinforce our sense of pride in our heritage, but its something in which the entire family can participate. When looking through our list of reenactment groups, be sure to really think about what is important to you. 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. During the Civil War Native Americans, Blacks, Asians, and Hispanics fought on both sides. There are essentially three types of reenactors; mainstream, campaigners, and stitch counters. A canteen holding about two quarts of water is critical. Now i ma Our way to offer tribute to these great men of the Civil War is to study as much as possible . Some units have fifers and drummers. Your email address will not be published. People come to Civil War reenacting in a myriad of ways. Be sure to look into this. Your mentor can also assist you in finding used gear either from unit members or outside resources like eBay or Facebook. 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. 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. Military reenactors will choose infantry, artillery, cavalry or medical (and a few others such as engineers or sharpshooters) and many will choose a civilian impression. . It publishes articles such as how to cut and pack rations of raw pork, how to properly do bayonet drill, calendars of events, and how to contact different reenactment units. No detail about a reenactors appearance should be ignored. 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. Units Groups of Civil War reenactors who participate as an actual unit that fought during the War, i.e., the 7th Texas Infantry, the 69th New York or the 19th Alabama. The North Florida Artillery was incorporated as a non-profit organization in the state of Florida in March 2007. 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. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Civil War reenactment in Florida ends after 40 years - WJXT You must have a passion for history and an active imagination. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Civil War News is a monthly newspaper that covers news about battlefield preservation, and reenacting. A reenactor could choose that impression by joining a reenacting unit following those uniform guidelines. Read more. Figure the cost of your accessories into your budget, too. Living histories take place at the actual battlefield by invitation from the National Park Service. There are alternative ways to get your history education. Civil War reenactments grow in popularity in wake of 2020 protests The dues are an important aspect of keeping reenactment groups operating. Aside from physical distance, a reenactor needs to take into consideration a few factors. The most stare-inducing women reenactors are those ladies portraying Catholic nuns who served as nurses during the war. Company B, the reenacting group, is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer . What period of history most grabs your interest? Reenactment Groups - Milsurpia Some larger units will have majors, lieutenant colonels and colonels. For instance, the 26th Regiment of North Carolina Troops also portrays the 24th Michigan of The Iron Brigade when it reenacts as Federals. 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. The youngest vet eran was 61 and the oldest was 112. "How to Become a Re-Enactor." Speculation among reenactors is that smaller, focused events is where the hobby is headed.