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. Shopping online is a good alternative to making purchases at a reenactment. Most will sleep/camp at the reenactment event. That will mean pushing long hair under a hat, taking off ear rings, and doing their best to hide the evidence of being female. 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. A haversack, a kind of handbag worn over the left shoulder, is generally black. Historical reenactors are known for being sticklers for accuracy. 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. Are you really excited about being a part of large battle reenactments? The derogatory term for this same person is stitch nazi.. 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. While headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, our membership encompasses Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. 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. People come to Civil War reenacting in a myriad of ways. The reason is obvious. Aside from physical distance, a reenactor needs to take into consideration a few factors. 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 . Subscribe to our newsletter * indicates required. 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. Most reenactors join the infantry, which is followed in popularity by the artillery, then the cavalry and there are a few naval interpreters. 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. A Captivating Reenactment Of The Civil War Skirmish in Aiken - YouTube And that's not including weaponry: An M1 Garand will put you out $700 to $900, while other period guns cost less than $100. The age restriction on handling firearms does not prevent one from taking part in the hobby. While the three-banded musket is standard, there might be the occasional chance to carry something else. 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. While the majority of soldiers were in the 1840 age range, in many enlistment cases birth years were overlooked, or were fabricated. Reenacting units are organized in some of the same ways as Civil War companies and regiments. 21st Virginia, F Company, inc., is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501 (c)3 , living history, educational and Civil War re-enactment organization. Florida. Family Friendly Units - If reenacting is to become your next family adventure, you're going to have to find a family friendly unit. Particularly welcomeand neededat reenactments are Black reenactors. Discover more about American history at one of these events. A canteen holding about two quarts of water is critical. We strive for accurate historical depiction of our original unit." YouTube Video Creator "History Boy" Drummer, 8th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry Co. They should also have a list of recommended vendors that sell uniforms and equipment that meet their units standards. Reenactors need a shirt, coat, pants, wool socks, and a hat. 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. Thanks for reaching out John we just got in touch to provide you some additional information. 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. Unit Dues - Unit dues are typically the cheapest of all expenses. Little children have no business on the field because they can become separated from parents. Should I join a Civil War reenactment group? Is it fun? - Quora Winter reenactors will want heavy overcoats which can cost upwards of $300. Events Could Include: Reenactments, Living Histories, Round Tables, Battlewalks, Shows, Lectures & More. 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. Perhaps a particular company or regiment in the war had distinctive uniforms. 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. Both sides tolerate them. Perhaps you have a friend in the hobby who has encouraged you to give it a try. 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. Reenactors do not dwell on that terrible human cost. These characteristics can be challenging to identify by examining a units website or Facebook page or by chatting with the members at an event. 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. Home Research Top Five Tips for Getting Started in Civil War Reenacting. 2022 Sandbox Networks Inc. All rights reserved. or C.S.A. Civilian reenactors are the least expensive impressions to achieve, and have the most flexibility since the clothes chosen can range from elegant to simple. ThoughtCo. 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. Brush up on your geography and finally learn what countries are in Eastern Europe with our maps. One note for reenactors living in states with strict gun laws. 2) Consider What You Want Out of Reenacting: Spend some time thinking about what aspects of reenacting interest you. - "A Union Civil War Living History and Reenacting organization located in the greater Connecticut area. In 2014 the name was changed to North Florida Artillery Historical Foundation, Inc. was established as a non profit/IRS organization. Unit Dues - Unit dues are typically the cheapest of all expenses. 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. Civil War Reenacting makes an effort to list the websites of reenacting units, but, as might be expected, many units are not listed here. The only difference between the Civil War and the reenacting firing is that no Mini ball is rammed down the barrel. If you wear eyeglasses, consider purchasing period frames high on your shopping list as well. To submit a reenactment group for consideration, please contact us here. A basic infantryman's kit can be assembled starting around $1,000, but once you start adding in costly replica weapons and period-authentic accoutrementsor you have your heart set on being a cavalry officeryou could easily spend many thousands. 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. 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. Its educational and, finally, its a great way to escape the worries of today and pretend in the great outdoors. A Civil War Reenactment is the recreation of past battles for the education and entertainment of both spectators and hobbyists alike. In historical reenactments, people from all walks of life gather together, dressed head-to-toe in period clothing. While this material is of interest to reenactors, our hobby requires a detailed knowledge of the daily experience of individual soldiers. The best first purchase you can make is a pair of well-built shoes, usually called brogans or bootees. 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. Event Dues - This can really depend on the event and what is provided with the fee. 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. This list is by no means complete. The 125th Franklin, Tennessee event was held in minus 10 wind chill. How to Volunteer in Historical Reenactments | HowStuffWorks An Authentic Civil War Living History Association, Top Five Tips for Getting Started in Civil War Reenacting. 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]. Beginners should start by attending Civil War Reenactments and observing what goes on. 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. A love of history of all time periods is common though reenactors focus on the 19th century. Spectators wont see much action, but the reenactors will see only other reenactors and no more bleachers. The NPS decided that mock battles detracted from the commemorative nature of the battlefields. 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. How to join a unit, where and how to k. 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. Battle reenactments are scripted recreations of actual Civil War engagements, which spectators pay to come and watch. Reenacting units are organized in companies and regiments by reenactors from the same geographic area, much as Civil War companies and regiments were organized. How to join a reenactment group is not the hardest part of this journey, it's just the beginning. 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.. The gear does not stop at just a firearm either. 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". These can range anywhere from $5 a month to $25 a month. Can one really hear a Civil War era term the rattle of musketry? Welcome to the official website of the Georgia Division Reenactors Association! 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. 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. 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. While Confederate regulations called for a kepi, most men opted for a slouch hat, a broad-brimmed hat of varying styles. And, they must already have relationships with the brigades and divisions they want to command. 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. 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. If the unit is dedicated to historical accuracy, the accommodations will be meager. Reenactor A person, male or female, dedicated to recreating the War Between the States or Civil War. Women reenactors portraying soldiers are not uncommon, just as there were women in ranks during the Civil War. Civil War Re-enactment Group - North Florida Artillery Historical Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852. 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. That inattention to historical details led to groan-inducing scenes (for reenactors anyway) in Shenandoah where Jimmy Stewarts teenaged son grabs a Trapdoor Springfield and starts fighting. "How to Get Started With Historical Reenacting." How Civil Wars Start - Foreign Policy 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. (May 8, 2009) http://www.salary.com/personal/layoutscripts/psnl_articles.asp?tab=psn&cat=cat011&ser=ser032, Miller, John. As a spectator, you have a great opportunity to get a preview of what volunteering is like. And, if one wants, one can carry original muskets if they are safe. Becoming a historical re-enactor requires an unquenchable thirst for history and abiding patience with uncomfortable accommodations and ridiculous outfits. 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. The N word season pass premium + membership is in full effect for the day. 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. 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. how to join a civil war reenactment group - Iccleveland.org Civil War Reenactment Groups - Milsurpia For many people, there's nothing drier than a dense history book. All races and ethnicities can reenact. The main thing one has to learn is the infantry drill, and to follow orders to execute maneuvers. But, for whatever reason, something about recreating the life of a Civil War soldier resonates with you and youre interested in joining the hobby.