The state of Pennsylvania hosted thousands of former Union and Confederate soldiers during the weeklong event. Hand to hand combat is heavily scripted, never engage on your own. The important thing to remember is the child still needs adult supervision. 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. First-person - When a reenactor speaks to fellow reenactors and the public as a person during the 1860s. 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. The 125th Franklin, Tennessee event was held in minus 10 wind chill. If the unit is a horse-drawn battery, the reenactors are expected to help groom, water, and feed the horses. Whoever is physically able can take to the battlefield with certain age restrictions. Most units will be eager to help you select gear that fits with their authenticity standards and will offer up the unit commander, a non-commissioned officer, or another senior member to mentor you through your initial purchases. 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. And, if one wants, one can carry original muskets if they are safe. Top Five Tips for Getting Started in Civil War Reenacting The organization has grown to include dozens of civil war reenactors and their families. This can mean everything from uncomfortable clothes and terrible food to inclement weather and a poor excuse for a bed. 2022 Sandbox Networks Inc. All rights reserved. Learn more about the world with our collection of regional and country maps. Active members, either military or . 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 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. Scouring the sutlers' goods may also set you up for an impulse buy that your historic persona doesn't really need. They like to bring tents, camp chairs, hidden ice chests, and other gear that the original army would never have had. Learn how your comment data is processed. How do I join a unit as a reenactor? 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. There is no age requirement for being a Civil War reenactor, but, of course, minors will need to have their parents approval and support. As they learn how to be a soldier, they take tests and advance through the non-commissioned ranks to corporals and sergeants. Sutlers Merchants who followed troops during the Civil War. That will mean pushing long hair under a hat, taking off ear rings, and doing their best to hide the evidence of being female. Family Friendly Units - If reenacting is to become your next family adventure, you're going to have to find a family friendly unit. There is no poll showing where reenactors live, but observation would put a majority of them in The South. Threadcounter A reenactor who insists on a historically accurate impression, down to fabric and buttonholes having the same threadcount typical of the time. This manual includes such things as company tactics and firing details [source: Miller]. The dues are an important aspect of keeping reenactment groups operating. Period clothing and accessories can be very expensive -- depending on the period and figure you're portraying. Is there a list or quartermaster who do I need to contact to get involved as a reenactor for the civil war. 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. Our way to offer tribute to these great men of the Civil War is to study as much as possible . Take your hits (deaths) If you wish to fight in a different unit that a family member fought in during the civil war. We come from in and around Shelby County. So, many die-hard history-lovers volunteer in historical reenactments for an action-packed and enlightening experience. If looking to dive into Vietnam reenacting, the number one piece of advice is to speak to a unit before making purchases. Invitation events are smaller with limited numbers of participants making them easier to manage. That is what reenacting is all about; trying to live for a weekend like a Civil War soldier or civilian to figure out how they did it. 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). It is particularly valuable for its calendar of upcoming events, and book reviews. Eric Tetreault/Connecticut Renaissance Faire. C.S. By the time Ken Burns PBS special The Civil War debuted in 1990 interest in the War was on an upswing. The only difference between the Civil War and the reenacting firing is that no Mini ball is rammed down the barrel. American Civil War Reenactment Groups Historical reenactment groups and living history groups offer an insight into how men and women lived in past times. Most reenacting units are equipped to act as either Federal or Confederate troops in order to be able to balance numbers at reenacting events. They carried Sharps rifles. 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. Some states require even single shot, reproduction muskets to be registered with the government. During the Civil War Native Americans, Blacks, Asians, and Hispanics fought on both sides. Women reenactors portraying soldiers are not uncommon, just as there were women in ranks during the Civil War. 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. 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. The further that is away from the face, the better. 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. 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 largest event was likely the 135th Gettysburg reenactment where an estimated 15,000 attended. Spectators wont see much action, but the reenactors will see only other reenactors and no more bleachers. ThoughtCo. While doing their impression many will do a first-person impression. And many battle reenactment societies require that you acquaint yourself thoroughly with the manual of arms. 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. By joining such a society, you'll have time to try out your persona before committing to any major purchases for your own kit. Reenactment Groups in Central Kentucky - American Civil War Forums Reenactment Groups - Milsurpia 53rd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Company C, Inc. Company B of the 71st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, 87th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Company C, 97th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Company A, 97th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Co B, 151st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Company D, 10th Virginia Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 12th Virginia Infantry, Companies A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, and K, Co. E of the Second Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, 33d Regiment - Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, Company K, 2nd Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Association, Company E, 3rd Regiment, Confederate Engineers. Instead they staged brigade-sized snowball fights. Most will sleep/camp at the reenactment event. The age restriction on handling firearms does not prevent one from taking part in the hobby. Stan Honda . BOOK TIP: "The Illustrated Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era". Marches can range from a mile or so from camp to the battlefield to more than 20 miles at special events. The USCTs fought as all Black units commanded by white officers. 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. In other words, you can try it out and see how you like it. Muskets are real guns and fire a full powder charge but no bullet. AUTHENTIC Civil War Flag General W.F. 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. Battle reenactments are scripted recreations of actual Civil War engagements, which spectators pay to come and watch. Two TV mini-series, Blue & Gray (1982), and North & South (1985) drove interest in reenacting in the early 1980s. Sometimes, you'll be able to find authentic uniforms to wear to reenactments, especially for 20th-century wars. While those shows inspired then young, now-middle aged reenactors to study the war, the producers paid little attention to authenticity. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links at no additional cost to you. CIVIL WAR REENACTING | How to Join a Unit - YouTube Civil War News is a monthly newspaper that covers news about battlefield preservation, and reenacting. Sutlers set up large tents at reenactments and also sell on-line. Florida. While the majority of soldiers were in the 1840 age range, in many enlistment cases birth years were overlooked, or were fabricated. 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. I show up. Finding a reenactment group isn't as easy as looking at a map and finding the unit closest to you. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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. The Event Wire - Information. 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. Children were active participants in the Civil War. Women participate as nurses, vivandieres, cooks, laundresses, or wives and sisters visiting the soldier in camp. Little children have no business on the field because they can become separated from parents. Just as in the Civil War armies, men who take on the rank must be able to perform at that rank. They are encouraged to buy their opposite impression as soon as they can afford the cost. Some of the young men who started reenacting decades ago when the 125th anniversary events attracted them are now passing through middle age. While some of the research is now a bit dated, there is no better place to start than Bell Wileys classicsThe Life of Johnny Reb: The Common Soldier of the Confederacyand The Life of Billy Yank: The Common Soldier of the Union. There are a wide variety of canteens including wooden ones that Confederate soldiers carried, but which would not be appropriate for Union soldiers. A reenactor is a special breed of person. These events help reenactors immerse themselves in the reenacting experience, gaining first-hand knowledge of war, battle strategy, and the hardships of combat. One place to find equipment for sale is at the reenactment events. Event Dues - This can really depend on the event and what is provided with the fee. Reenactors accept discomfort, port-a-johns, close quarters, and the aches that come with carrying gear that weighs 20 pounds or more. With sound recordings, new generations could hear the Rebel yellyelped by 95-year-old men who still had the spunk to give it. These organizations will often have a camp life where young ones can partake in 1860's life styles. Members may portray either a military impression, or one of many civilian roles which are appropriate to the Civil War period. A haversack, a kind of handbag worn over the left shoulder, is generally black. Reenactors sacrifice immense amounts of time, effort, and money to recreate history. Tacticals are unscripted battles which are usually not open to the public. Be sure to look into this. 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. Women have to make the effort to disguise themselves as men. Reenacting for many is a serious, but fun, event. Now i ma These can range anywhere from $5 a month to $25 a month. WW1 Reenactment Groups. Nearly all of the muskets available today are made in Italy, but some used ones manufactured back in the 1970s and 1980s are available from Japan and England. 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. A love of history of all time periods is common though reenactors focus on the 19th century. 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. Local living histories at venues such as historically themed parks are where many potential reenactors see their first living historians. 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. By now you are probably wondering, "how much is all of this going to cost me? Reenacting units staged living histories to explain weapons and uniforms at venues like schools and public parks to recruit new hobbyists. Whats not to like? Immersion events are small reenactments where reenactors carry everything with them with no resupply from vehicles. Rivers might be crossed. Historical reenactment groups and living history groups offer an insight into how men and women lived in past times. 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. As a Civil War reenactor you will become a soldier, or a civilian, wearing authentic 1860s period clothing and learning to live as . Living histories take place at the actual battlefield by invitation from the National Park Service. Check out our article How to Join a Reenactment Group. Living Histories at original battlefields are by invitation by the National Park Service or the states that also maintain battlefields. Too far forward, and the percussion cap is exploding in his ear. 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). Help/Ideas for Organizing a Reenactment - American Civil War Forums If you crave intrigue and a dash of melodrama, historical fiction can make the past come alive. How did my ancestors survive battles, diseases, and prison camps on far away battlefields then return home to produce me? Some units have fifers and drummers. Both firearms are basically the same, but it is critical that reenactors choose the longer 3-banded models over the sometimes available two-banded models. For reenactments that span several days, this can be grueling. A colonial shopkeeper will have a pretty simple costume compared to a Civil War general's uniform. The troops do their best to mimic the movements of the actual battle, but as in real war, things often don't go according to plan . Focused events try to recreate parts of battles. Impression Many reenactors will choose an impression during a reenactment. Civil War reenactors attempt to answer Footes rhetorical question by putting their 21st century selves into the roles of 19th century people. Men and boys threw on gray and blue pants and work shirts, grabbed whatever arms they could find, and marched out onto whatever fields were handy to recreate battles. 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 future of reenacting rests on the shoulders of younger generations. 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 reenactor could choose that impression by joining a reenacting unit following those uniform guidelines. I, Eighth Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, Company A, Incorporated, 11th Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, Company G, Fourteenth Regiment Connecticut, Van Dyke's Howitizers 1st Florida Artillery. 4. In particular, take notice of the grisly conditions a reenactor has to deal with -- especially in battle reenactments. Time and place generally work together, so while you're picking your time period, you will generally have a certain location in mind as well. Most reenactors join the infantry, which is followed in popularity by the artillery, then the cavalry and there are a few naval interpreters. How Civil Wars Start - Foreign Policy Reenactor Groups by State Listing presented by the Quartermaster Shop Berdans Sharpshooters were a Federal unit of sharpshooters who wore dark green uniforms as an early form of camouflage. 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. The persona you select should have some personal significance to you. We are active from Virginia to New England. 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. No detail about a reenactors appearance should be ignored. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852. Following are some useful terms to acquaint you with Civil War Reenacting. The United States Marines wear distinctive crossed white belts. Reenactments and national parks help reimagine what life was like for Check your local newspaper or reenactment Web sites for listings of upcoming reenactment events in your area. 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. In historical reenactments, people from all walks of life gather together, dressed head-to-toe in period clothing. There are scores of sutlers who operate regionally and nationally. CIVIL WAR REENACTING | How to Join a Unit - YouTube Units of mainstreamers may number from 20 to 100. Reenactments vary greatly in size, with events in New England typically showcasing 100500 infantry, while the 150th anniversary of Gettysburg in 2013 is expected to field more than 15,000 reenactors, plus thousands of civilian interpreters, 400 horses, and 100 cannon. Then again in 1938, those same veterans returned. 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. Post Advance Schedules Up to 1 Year in Advance. Farby is a Civil War Reenactment term for anything not typical of the period. Mainstreamers cheerfully accept the nickname TBG- which stands for Tubby Bearded Guys. 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. Attend a few such reenactment events and talk to members of the involved groups to learn more about their reenactment focus and activities. 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. (May 8, 2009) http://www.salary.com/personal/layoutscripts/psnl_articles.asp?tab=psn&cat=cat011&ser=ser032, Miller, John. Company B, the reenacting group, is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer . 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. 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. Learn more about the mythic conflict between the Argives and the Trojans. 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. Our principal reason for existence is to promote an authentic portrayal of Civil War history to the . "I decided to join the Civil War reenacting group that helped to make the movie." . The English Civil War Society UK: English Civil War: 1642 AD 1651 AD Combat reenactment, living history, educational visits, film and TV work Ermine Street Guard UK: Roman army: 50 AD 200 AD Combat reenactment, living history, TV and film work, education work, research Historia Normannis UK France USA: Middle Ages: 1100 1215 Combat reenactment . One asked the obvious question to a man who had written more than 3,000 pages seemingly covering every aspect of a war that stretched from New Mexico to New York: Is there anything about the War that you dont know?, Footes response was immediate: I still dont know how they did it. 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. Take the time to fully research your character and period, considering where yourpersonalives, his age, hisoccupation, and his social status, before purchasing items which may or may not be authentic or appropriate. "How to Become a Re-Enactor." In addition to special uniforms, some reenactors will be tempted to get special firearms. 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. Here you can find a list of groups that portray the Great War period. Did you have ancestors who participated in a particular war? Civilian A person, male or female, who reenacts any non-military impression during Reenactments. For many people, there's nothing drier than a dense history book. The North Florida Artillery was incorporated as a non-profit organization in the state of Florida in March 2007. For official duties, these youngstersoften between 10 and 14were called on to fill supporting roles such as drummers, buglers, messengers, and field assistants. Join us for a captivating reenactment of a Civil War skirmish, brought to life in stunning detail! How To Join A Civil War Reenactment Group | TooIF or C.S.A. Fit for Effective Service: Virginia Arms Her Stonewall Brigade, Its Ancient Reputation: The Stonewall Brigade at Cedar Mountain, The Stonewall Brigade at Gettysburg Part Four: The Fate of the Flags, How to Adapt a Confederate ANV Impression by Time Period, Top Tips for Transitioning From Mainstream to Authentic Reenacting. One note for reenactors living in states with strict gun laws. Becoming a Civil War Reenactor - InfoPlease 2nd Rhode Island Regiment. Perhaps you have a friend in the hobby who has encouraged you to give it a try. The unit you ultimately join should be in a position to provide the elements that you want to get out of reenacting. How the Civilian Conservation Corps Worked, Historical Reenactment Costumes and Equipment, 2nd Rhode Island Regiment. The persona is sometimes referred to as an impression. You must have a passion for history and an active imagination. 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. They are great foundational introductions to the topic. "How to Get Started With Historical Reenacting." Winter reenactors will want heavy overcoats which can cost upwards of $300. Don't be overwhelmed! Many reenactors are completely outfitted with clothing, packs, gear, and vehicles their typical persona would carry. Reenacting does require a commitment, however, in both time and resources. Civil War Unit Reenactment Links The 49th Indiana, Company F is Indiana's oldest and largest nonprofit organization devoted to portraying life during the American Civil War. Reenactors wanting to get as close as possible to how the soldiers lived will use this resource. That is also the reason why most leather gear is black, the standard Union color. What's more, you could get hurt. Merchants known as sutlers set up on-site to sell clothing, accessories and weapons. 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. A Civil War Reenactment will have various units such as artillery, cavalry, or infantry units. Civil War Encampment & Reenactment 2021 - Westmoreland County 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. Most reenacting units require members to own dual impressions; both Union and Confederate. They are wondering if sleeping on the ground is as much fun as it was when they were young. Beginners should start by attending Civil War Reenactments and observing what goes on. Do not buy from sutlers on-line then select which unit you want to join.