- "A Union Civil War Living History and Reenacting organization located in the greater Connecticut area. 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. 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. It was anticipation of the 125th anniversary events, starting in 1986, when reenacting turned into a serious hobby. If you can find material written by men from the unit you portray, even better. One of the last Civil War reenactments by Civil War vet erans was the Great Reunion of 1913, on the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. BROOKSVILLE, Fla. - Each January, Hernando County scrambled to put out the welcome mat for what has been called the largest Civil War reenactment in Florida the Brooksville Raid. 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. 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. 4 June 2009. American Civil War Reenactment Groups. Their website is: http://www.citizenscompanion.com/. Civil War Traveler lists a variety of events, including reenactments, searchable by state so newcomers can see some reenactments in person and talk to unit members. 2) Consider What You Want Out of Reenacting: Spend some time thinking about what aspects of reenacting interest you. Figure the cost of your accessories into your budget, too. 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. Alright, as a black man I have to say this: * ahem * IF. 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. 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. As a Civil War reenactor you will become a soldier, or a civilian, wearing authentic 1860s period clothing and learning to live as . 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. Although most common in the United States, there are also American Civil War reenactors in Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Italy, Denmark . 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. Units portraying the Vietnam War aren't nearly as prolific as World War 2 or Civil War impressions. Hand to hand combat is heavily scripted, never engage on your own. Most units have a list of acceptable gear and approved sutlers. 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. Sutlers Merchants who followed troops during the Civil War. Reenacting remained a small hobby during the mid-1970s when events numbering several hundred reenactors were common. Families wishing to stay together all weekend can portray civilians. "How to Get Started With Historical Reenacting." 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. In other words, you can try it out and see how you like it. and then went into battle to save Lees army, but until one has marched that same route, it is all theory. These characteristics can be challenging to identify by examining a units website or Facebook page or by chatting with the members at an event. 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. Cavalry reenactors have uniforms that are patterned after original cavalry uniforms. https://28thmass.orgLately I've noticed quite a few of you showing more interest in Civil War reenacting specifically. 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. Reenactors who claim: My ancestors would roll over in their graves if I portrayed the other side are frowned upon. Are you really excited about being a part of large battle reenactments? Now that the sesquicentennial is over, the future of reenacting is being debated. 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. The further that is away from the face, the better. Mega-events made it hard to lose ones self in the moment when a narrator was giving blow-by-blow accounts of the battle over loud speakers. If you are having any kind of encampment and want it in a certain order, let them know ahead of time. Keep attending reenactments until you find a period that suits your specific interests and talents. Muster A gathering, especially of troops, for service, inspection, review or roll call. 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. Hundreds of . Reenactments are only fun if there are enough enemies on the other side. For instance, the 26th Regiment of North Carolina Troops also portrays the 24th Michigan of The Iron Brigade when it reenacts as Federals. 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. Uniforms are all wool for Federal portrayals, and a wool and cotton blend for Confederates. Mega events involve thousands of reenactors. They are wondering if sleeping on the ground is as much fun as it was when they were young. The soldier in the rear rank must always keep his three-banded muskets middle band at the ear of the file partner in the front rank. Just how much does it cost to be a Civil War reenactor? While headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, our membership encompasses Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. Attend a few such reenactment events and talk to members of the involved groups to learn more about their reenactment focus and activities. Young Civil War Reenactor (photo by D. Farr). 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]. If you've gotten this far then hopefully you've put some thought into this endeavor. "How to Volunteer in Historical Reenactments" That means single reenactors in a specialty uniform must search out similar reenactors to fall in with at events. Mega-events, reenactments where reenactors number several thousand, are likely gone forever now that the 150th anniversary events ended in 2015. Special Thanks There's nothing volunteering in a historical reenactment to experience the sights, sounds and smells of history. 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. 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. 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. Muskets are real guns and fire a full powder charge but no bullet. 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. If the unit is a horse-drawn battery, the reenactors are expected to help groom, water, and feed the horses. While military reenacting is popular in many countries and covering many wars, Civil War Reenacting has been a growing hobby since it began in the 1960s spurred on by the Centennial. Eric Tetreault/Connecticut Renaissance Faire. Check ourencyclopedia for a gloss on thousands of topics from biographies to the table of elements. The N word season pass premium + membership is in full effect for the day. We've got you covered with our map collection. In a reenactment, a persona is a character and role that you choose to portray. All reenactors come into the unit as privates. 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. Do you have a passion for Ancient Rome, medieval fashion, or Colonial America, and the Salem Witch Trials? When you're starting out as a volunteer, the unit you're working with will probably have a spare uniform you can borrow. That could be in California, Wisconsin, or even Russia. 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. Event Dues - This can really depend on the event and what is provided with the fee. Historical reenacting gives you that chance. A colonial shopkeeper will have a pretty simple costume compared to a Civil War general's uniform. For the Bray family in Brunswick, American Civil War reenactment is more than just a historical hobby it's a family affair. 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. How do your feet feel after marching 22 miles in a single day in thin-soled brogans? "Become a Member." Before you purchase a musket and show up to your first event, you may find the following tips useful. Members may portray either a military impression, or one of many civilian roles which are appropriate to the Civil War period. We come from in and around Shelby County. 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 ]. We had a weekend with perfect weather and many exciting and educational activities. While doing their impression many will do a first-person impression. ThoughtCo, Aug. 26, 2020, thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852. Most units require members to be at least 16 years old before they can fall into ranks with a musket because of the maturity necessary to handle a firearm. The 26th North Carolina Troops and the 24th Michigan ran head-on into each other on the first day of Gettysburg in McPhersons Woods. (May 8, 2009) http://www.salary.com/personal/layoutscripts/psnl_articles.asp?tab=psn&cat=cat011&ser=ser032, Miller, John. These organizations will often have a camp life where young ones can partake in 1860's life styles. They will speak as though the War Between the States is current. 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. 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. Finally, there is the largest investment of all, the musket and bayonet. You may need to attend a handful of events with them before you get a good feel for the units personality and whether it is a good fit for you. If you have an interest in our American History during the period of 1861-1865, we invite you to join our ranks. Immersion events are small reenactments where reenactors carry everything with them with no resupply from vehicles. What did the Gettysburg artillery barrage sound like? For official duties, these youngstersoften between 10 and 14were called on to fill supporting roles such as drummers, buglers, messengers, and field assistants. 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. If the idea of volunteering in historical reenactments is appealing to you, the first thing you should do is attend some of these events as a spectator. Welcome! 2022 Sandbox Networks Inc. All rights reserved. This Forum is for Posting Civil War Event Information. The atmosphere is relaxed, allowing reenactors to recruit new members. We do this by portraying soldiers and citizens at . 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 . American Civil War Society. that appeal to campaigners. Farby is a Civil War Reenactment term for anything not typical of the period. Each unit has a different function and will provide a much different experience. Do your research before making any purchases to ensure that you get the most authentic bang for your buck. But if you've got the mettle and undying enthusiasm for history, we'll walk you through the basics of how to get involved. The most stare-inducing women reenactors are those ladies portraying Catholic nuns who served as nurses during the war. Typically, the age restriction for most events is 16 years old to carry a musket/rifle. 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.. 4) Read As Much As You Can: The best way to start your career in reenacting out right is to read extensively. For the sake of authenticity, women do not bear arms. This manual includes such things as company tactics and firing details [source: Miller]. 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). Reenacting units are organized in some of the same ways as Civil War companies and regiments. Reenactors wanting to get as close as possible to how the soldiers lived will use this resource. Most reenactment groups have extra clothing, uniforms,costumes, and props that they are willing to loan to newcomers. Do not make the mistake of spending a lot of money on gear that ends up gathering dust in your basement or up for sale on eBay. 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. Beginners should start by attending Civil War Reenactments and observing what goes on. California. Check your laws! Berdans Sharpshooters were a Federal unit of sharpshooters who wore dark green uniforms as an early form of camouflage. Encampments allow visitors to wander through a Civil War camp and observe soldiers training, resting, playing, and simply relaxingall without television, iPods, or computers! 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. 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. Its educational and, finally, its a great way to escape the worries of today and pretend in the great outdoors. 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). That does not mean that single, unit-unaffiliated Black reenactors in blue will not be allowed in ranks at reenactments such as Gettysburg, but it is not historically accurate. 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. 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. Some of the young men who started reenacting decades ago when the 125th anniversary events attracted them are now passing through middle age. Many groups may bridge these labels and there is a great degree of variation within the clusters, but generally reenacting organizations fall into one of the following categories: 3) Do Your Research on Units: The current reality of the reenacting hobby is that every unit is eager, if not borderline desperate, to add new recruits to their ranks. You'll have the Web at your fingertips to research an object's authenticity -- and to compare prices from multiple vendors. Both sides tolerate them. 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). The youngest vet eran was 61 and the oldest was 112. Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved by Milsurpia. The state of Pennsylvania hosted thousands of former Union and Confederate soldiers during the weeklong event. Typical costs for reenacting might include the following. By Robert Arvay. How to join a reenactment group is not the hardest part of this journey, it's just the beginning. 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.
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