Children were active participants in the Civil War. You've probably thought to yourself that reenacting sounds like fun, but you're just not sure about committing yourself due to time, money, and lack of know-how. The gear does not stop at just a firearm either. We seek to commemorate the great hardships and sacrifices of the soldiers and citizens of Indiana during our nation's most turbulent and defining moment in history, the American Civil War. Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era is a Pulitzer Prize-winning work on the American Civil War. And that's not including weaponry: An M1 Garand will put you out $700 to $900, while other period guns cost less than $100. These characteristics can be challenging to identify by examining a units website or Facebook page or by chatting with the members at an event. 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. I. Delaware. During the Civil War Native Americans, Blacks, Asians, and Hispanics fought on both sides. Figure the cost of your accessories into your budget, too. 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. Reliving the Civil War: A Re-enactors Handbook. Once you do, it's time to create your own historical persona. 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. Check your local newspaper or reenactment Web sites for listings of upcoming reenactment events in your area. "Dream Job: Historical Reenactor." 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. The most famous reenactment of the 1960s was the July 1961 Battle of First Manassas or Bull Run, held on the Manassas National Battlefield. Do your research before making any purchases to ensure that you get the most authentic bang for your buck. 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. If you have any specific ideas, try to make those known as far in advance as possible so the re-enactors know what to expect and can plan to do what you wish. A musket will shoot a flame of fire and unburned powder out the muzzle. 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. Reenactors often do more interacting with the visiting public such as performing drill and firing demonstrations, and giving flag and equipment talks. Event Dues - This can really depend on the event and what is provided with the fee. Infoplease is a reference and learning site, combining the contents of an encyclopedia, a dictionary, an atlas and several almanacs loaded with facts. This list is by no means complete. If you are having any kind of encampment and want it in a certain order, let them know ahead of time. Perhaps you attended a reenactment as a spectator and found yourself wishing you were in the midst of the smoke and confusion rather than watching it from afar. We come from in and around Shelby County. 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. Discover more about American history at one of these events. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 1999. They are great foundational introductions to the topic. If the unit is a horse-drawn battery, the reenactors are expected to help groom, water, and feed the horses. Some states require even single shot, reproduction muskets to be registered with the government. We are active from Virginia to New England. The Author (far right in a Derby) with Shelby Foote at a Reenactment in the Early 1990s, Photograph provided by: Color Sergeant Clint Johnson 26th Regiment of North Carolina Troops, Shelby Foote, a historian who spent more than 20 years writing a three-volume history of The Civil War, was surrounded by several reenactors outside of a university where he was speaking. Finding a reenactment unit has gone 21st century. Just as in the Civil War armies, men who take on the rank must be able to perform at that rank. Their website is: www.CivilWarNews.com, Camp Chase Gazette is a how-to magazine for authentic reenactors. Reenactors sacrifice immense amounts of time, effort, and money to recreate history. The youngest vet eran was 61 and the oldest was 112. "I decided to join the Civil War reenacting group that helped to make the movie." . Attend a few such reenactment events and talk to members of the involved groups to learn more about their reenactment focus and activities. How do your feet feel after marching 22 miles in a single day in thin-soled brogans? Many units have loaner gear or special requirements. For instance, the 26th Regiment of North Carolina Troops also portrays the 24th Michigan of The Iron Brigade when it reenacts as Federals. 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. Sometimes, you'll be able to find authentic uniforms to wear to reenactments, especially for 20th-century wars. Our principal reason for existence is to promote an authentic portrayal of Civil War history to the . While it is rare, people have died from the exertion. Which branch reenactors join is up to their interest in each branchand their financial resources. 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. For the sake of authenticity, women do not bear arms. American Civil War Reenactment Groups. This is especially important when it comes to clothing and weaponry, as we'll see on the next page. 7th Florida Infantry Regiment, Company F. 21st Georgia Volunteer Infantry Civil War Reenactment Unit, 24th Georgia vols Company B civil War reenacting group, Company A, 2nd Battalion Georgia Sharpshooters, 104th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Company H, First Maryland Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 28th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Company B, 4th Texas Co. E / 16th Michigan Co. B Civil War Reenactors, Reynolds' Battery L 1st New York Light Artillery, 75th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Company A, Company "C" 2nd Regiment Berdan Sharpshooters. These can range anywhere from $5 a month to $25 a month. How did my ancestors survive battles, diseases, and prison camps on far away battlefields then return home to produce me? That is my indication and EXPRESSED consent to be treated like a slave by all participating confederate soldiers. For the Bray family in Brunswick, American Civil War reenactment is more than just a historical hobby it's a family affair. Unit Type - Not all organizations are the same. Check with your reenacting unit before buying any gun. In a reenactment, a persona is a character and role that you choose to portray. Check your laws! But if you're more interested in other wars or time periods, don't despair. Welcome! That means most Union forces on Southern battlefields likely talk with Southern accents even though they are in blue. Instead they staged brigade-sized snowball fights. 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. And finally, muskets are real guns. Stan Honda . Most people take their roles seriously and pride themselves on representing history as accurately as possible. 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. 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. Typical costs for reenacting might include the following. As a spectator, you have a great opportunity to get a preview of what volunteering is like. - Confederate States or Confederate States Army. Choose a Persona What did the Gettysburg artillery barrage sound like? We are a Civil War reenactment group based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee that portrays the 9th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry (US). The NPS decided that mock battles detracted from the commemorative nature of the battlefields. Reenacting units are organized in companies and regiments by reenactors from the same geographic area, much as Civil War companies and regiments were organized. 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. 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. Most people choose a reenactment group that operates fairly close to home - at least within a day's drive. No detail about a reenactors appearance should be ignored. The only difference between the Civil War and the reenacting firing is that no Mini ball is rammed down the barrel. A reenactor could choose that impression by joining a reenacting unit following those uniform guidelines. Some of the young men who started reenacting decades ago when the 125th anniversary events attracted them are now passing through middle age. To submit a reenactment group for consideration, please contact us here. While the uniforms are generallywelluniform, hats (at least for Confederate portrayals) can be a matter of personal choice. Your email address will not be published. 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. It is common to find Black reenactors sprinkled in the Confederate ranks. These reenactors can make a modest living by working in museums or historic sites such as Plymouth, Mass., or Williamsburg, Va. So, many die-hard history-lovers volunteer in historical reenactments for an action-packed and enlightening experience. Reenactors living near each other form around a company that comes from that same geographic area. 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. Find WW1 Reenactment groups to join now! 2nd Rhode Island Regiment. There is no age requirement for being a Civil War reenactor, but, of course, minors will need to have their parents approval and support. Few units allow people in 21st century garb to camp in the military camp as it detracts from the reenactment atmosphere. Special Thanks And, if one wants, one can carry original muskets if they are safe. Two TV mini-series, Blue & Gray (1982), and North & South (1985) drove interest in reenacting in the early 1980s. 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. Perhaps you have a deep interest in the Civil War and want to experience it and understand it in a way that books can never truly capture. Reenacting is at a cross-roads. If its not, consider trying another group. 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. Some larger units will have majors, lieutenant colonels and colonels. Reenactors adopt what they call impressions based on the type of person they want to portray. that appeal to campaigners. Modern day work boots are not acceptable. A few options to consider. Do not buy from sutlers on-line then select which unit you want to join. Women participate as nurses, vivandieres, cooks, laundresses, or wives and sisters visiting the soldier in camp. Following are some useful terms to acquaint you with Civil War Reenacting. Read more. 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. She teaches at the Genealogical Institute of Pittsburgh and the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. 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. Hand to hand combat is heavily scripted, never engage on your own. Most will sleep/camp at the reenactment event. 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. Reenacting for many is a serious, but fun, event. The Stonewall Brigade is an authentic living history association concentrated in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania dedicated to accurately portraying the common soldier of the Civil War. The thinking is that events where only several hundred troops are participating can be much more manageable and affordable to stage than the huge events that required hundreds of acres of land for the reenactment itself, plus parking for thousands of participants and spectators. While the vast majority of reenactors are standard uniformed Confederate and Union soldiers, there are some small numbers who wear unique uniforms. With sound recordings, new generations could hear the Rebel yellyelped by 95-year-old men who still had the spunk to give it. 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. In addition to special uniforms, some reenactors will be tempted to get special firearms. or C.S.A. They are wondering if sleeping on the ground is as much fun as it was when they were young. 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. 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. By the time Ken Burns PBS special The Civil War debuted in 1990 interest in the War was on an upswing. WELCOME TO THE 49TH INDIANA CO.F. Reenactors refer to their clothing and equipment as theirkit. How to Get Started on a Literature Review, Discovering the Occupations of Your Ancestors, Ancient Sources on Persian or Iranian History, Fun Family History Activities for Family Reunions, 3 Practical Ways to Become a Better Homeschooling Teacher, Certificate in Genealogical Research, Boston University. The three types seem to always be warring with each other in blog posts with the campaigners laughing at the age of the mainstreamers; the mainstreamers laughing at the campaigners with their dirty faces; and the stitch counters laughing at both of them for wearing a uniform that was proper in 1862, but which wasnt worn in 1864. People come to Civil War reenacting in a myriad of ways. Family Friendly Units - If reenacting is to become your next family adventure, you're going to have to find a family friendly unit. These organizations will often have a camp life where young ones can partake in 1860's life styles. Most reenacting units are equipped to act as either Federal or Confederate troops in order to be able to balance numbers at reenacting events. But, there are legitimate roles for reenactors in their early teens to act as runners, or fifers or drummers if they are musically inclined to join units which have field musicians. The atmosphere is relaxed, allowing reenactors to recruit new members. Are you really excited about being a part of large battle reenactments? Reproduction clothing can cost several hundred dollars, and reproduction period rifles as much as $1000. Still, American Civil War reenactments can take place wherever the hobbyists can find ground. The United States Marines wear distinctive crossed white belts. Mainstream is exactly what it sounds like, reenactors ranging in age from teenagers to well-beyond middle age who like the hobby, but who also do not fit the Civil War image of soldiers being thin and between the ages of 18-25. It is particularly valuable for its calendar of upcoming events, and book reviews. 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. https://28thmass.orgLately I've noticed quite a few of you showing more interest in Civil War reenacting specifically. Welcome to the official website of the Georgia Division Reenactors Association! 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 ]. Cavalry reenactors have uniforms that are patterned after original cavalry uniforms. Living histories take place at the actual battlefield by invitation from the National Park Service. A love of history of all time periods is common though reenactors focus on the 19th century. If you have an interest in our American History during the period of 1861-1865, we invite you to join our ranks. Spectators wont see much action, but the reenactors will see only other reenactors and no more bleachers. The important thing to remember is the child still needs adult supervision. Did you have ancestors who participated in a particular war? 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. Active members, either military or . Join us for a captivating reenactment of a Civil War skirmish, brought to life in stunning detail! Immersion events are small reenactments where reenactors carry everything with them with no resupply from vehicles. Infoplease knows the value of having sources you can trust. 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. Reenacting remained a small hobby during the mid-1970s when events numbering several hundred reenactors were common. R. Lee Hadden. You can buy relatively cheap U.S. uniforms from the World Wars. . The stitch counters can belong in either the mainstream or the campaigner camp. and then went into battle to save Lees army, but until one has marched that same route, it is all theory. Learn about one of the world's oldest and most popular religions. Authentic Campaigner is a blog dedicated to events, impressions, goods, etc. 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. Used by permission of Kathleen Smith. - "A Union Civil War Living History and Reenacting organization located in the greater Connecticut area. Beginners should start by attending Civil War Reenactments and observing what goes on. "How to Get Started With Historical Reenacting." 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. 1) Put the Credit Card Away: The absolute best advice anyone can give you is to delay purchasing any gear. 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. Finally, there is the largest investment of all, the musket and bayonet. They are designed to save you money, help you avoid some of the most common mistakes first time reenactors make, and give you the best chance at enjoying the hobby over the long-term. The unit you ultimately join should be in a position to provide the elements that you want to get out of reenacting. Between a quarter and a third of the Union army was made up of European immigrants so real or imitation Irish and eastern European accents are welcome. 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. The dues are an important aspect of keeping reenactment groups operating. Civil War reenactors attempt to answer Footes rhetorical question by putting their 21st century selves into the roles of 19th century people. Reenactors put themselves in the shoes of those from an earlier time where food was scarce, disease was rampant, and a good nights sleep might mean sleeping in the mud. Photos from the time period show some men marching in ranks with M-1 Garands, World War II semi-automatic rifles. With the exception of events where rains flood the battlefield, reenactments are rarely cancelled for heat or cold. There are alternative ways to get your history education. During the Civil War Native Americans, Blacks, Asians, and Hispanics fought on both sides. The 26th North Carolina Troops and the 24th Michigan ran head-on into each other on the first day of Gettysburg in McPhersons Woods. C.S. 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 . The website also lists a number of sutler websites. American Civil War Society. CIVIL WAR REENACTING | How to Join a Unit 9,438 views Premiered Mar 6, 2019 405 Dislike Share Save Studio T Reenacting 3.33K subscribers https://28thmass.org Lately I've noticed quite a. 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. 2) Consider What You Want Out of Reenacting: Spend some time thinking about what aspects of reenacting interest you. Young Civil War Reenactor (photo by D. Farr). Arkansas Infantry Reenactors. A Civil War Reenactment is the recreation of past battles for the education and entertainment of both spectators and hobbyists alike. Confederate States or Confederate States Army. Being a Civil War reenactor is about stepping back in time to create believable characterpersonaor what reenactors call an impression.

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