how to join a civil war reenactment group
Find WW1 Reenactment groups to join now! No one in the 21st century really knows what it was like in the 19th century, but one can develop an idea from reading about the time period and convert that idea into a reenacting reality. If youre interested in an immersive, authentic experience, joining a mainstream unit will be a poor fit. Our editors update and regularly refine this enormous body of information to bring you reliable information. 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. Civil War Re-enactment Group - North Florida Artillery Historical Mainstreamers cheerfully accept the nickname TBG- which stands for Tubby Bearded Guys. Reenacting events come in varying categories. First-person When a reenactor speaks to fellow reenactors and the public as a person during the 1860s. Is there a list or quartermaster who do I need to contact to get involved as a reenactor for the civil war. I show up. These can range anywhere from $5 a month to $25 a month. 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. If you've gotten this far then hopefully you've put some thought into this endeavor. Learn fife or drum. 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 . Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Units of mainstreamers may number from 20 to 100. How to join a reenactment group is not the hardest part of this journey, it's just the beginning. Typically, the age restriction for most events is 16 years old to carry a musket/rifle. This video brings you to the historic battlefields of Aike. 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. Reenactors living near each other form around a company that comes from that same geographic area. Immersion events are small reenactments where reenactors carry everything with them with no resupply from vehicles. Reenacting units staged living histories to explain weapons and uniforms at venues like schools and public parks to recruit new hobbyists. A Civil War Reenactment is the recreation of past battles for the education and entertainment of both spectators and hobbyists alike. Farby is a Civil War Reenactment term for anything not typical of the period. Some people do take the "authenticity" to an extreme, but most groups welcome anyone with an interest. The further that is away from the face, the better. Modern day work boots are not acceptable. Finding a reenactment group isn't as easy as looking at a map and finding the unit closest to you. We've got you covered with our map collection. Living History Archive. 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. Welcome to the official website of the Georgia Division Reenactors Association! 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. While doing their impression many will do a first-person impression. Not all reenactment groups will offer the same experiences. 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. ThoughtCo. Youre obviously interested in the Civil War, otherwise you wont be considering reenacting. In historical reenactments, people from all walks of life gather together, dressed head-to-toe in period clothing. 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. Living Histories at original battlefields are by invitation by the National Park Service or the states that also maintain battlefields. That could be in California, Wisconsin, or even Russia. Get a feel for the atmosphere and conditions of a living history event before you rush to buy vintage style military uniforms & equipment. Being a reenactor can not only put you in touch with your inner soldier, drummer, or fifer, but can also deepen your understanding of our country's past. 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. Tacticals are unscripted battles which are usually not open to the public. Unit Dues - Unit dues are typically the cheapest of all expenses. 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). Becoming a historical re-enactor requires an unquenchable thirst for history and abiding patience with uncomfortable accommodations and ridiculous outfits. She teaches at the Genealogical Institute of Pittsburgh and the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. Nothing spoils the look of a rank of men in a battle line then seeing someone wearing modern day glasses or ear rings. For those men who need vision correction and who do not wear contact lens, there are sutlers who deal in eye glasses which are correct for the period. 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. But if you're more interested in other wars or time periods, don't despair. Many units have loaner gear or special requirements. The exhaustion felt at the end of that reenacting march brings home the realization that the soldiers of the Civil War were tough. Over the past weekend, the Brays hosted the first encampment training of 2021 at their home for the 3rd Maine reenactment unit, the largest in Maine. Each unit also has a slightly different personality and quirks they might be laid back or intense, their members may all have similar backgrounds and have known each other all their lives or they may be more diverse, they may be highly social at events and the life of the party or they may be more reserved. 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]. For further reading suggestions and links to many of these online resources, please see the Stonewall Brigades Recommended Reading list. The unit you ultimately join should be in a position to provide the elements that you want to get out of reenacting. Used by permission of Kathleen Smith. While the majority of soldiers were in the 1840 age range, in many enlistment cases birth years were overlooked, or were fabricated. 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. Reenacting can be a family hobby with Dad, Mom, and the kids all portraying 19th century roles. Kimberly Powell is a professional genealogist and the author of The Everything Guide to Online Genealogy. 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. Hand to hand combat is heavily scripted, never engage on your own. Units portraying the Vietnam War aren't nearly as prolific as World War 2 or Civil War impressions. Colorado Connecticut. If you are having any kind of encampment and want it in a certain order, let them know ahead of time. Check your local newspaper or reenactment Web sites for listings of upcoming reenactment events in your area. 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. Reenactor A person, male or female, dedicated to recreating the War Between the States or Civil War. Muster A gathering, especially of troops, for service, inspection, review or roll call. You'll also have to brush up on the language and customs specific to the era. 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. Reproduction clothing can cost several hundred dollars, and reproduction period rifles as much as $1000. Do you have a passion for Ancient Rome, medieval fashion, or Colonial America, and the Salem Witch Trials? Oftentimes, a young person will find themselves interested in living history but struggle to get involved. Event Dues - This can really depend on the event and what is provided with the fee. The N word season pass premium + membership is in full effect for the day. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852. Take your hits (deaths) If you wish to fight in a different unit that a family member fought in during the civil war. Most reenacting units are equipped to act as either Federal or Confederate troops in order to be able to balance numbers at reenacting events. Reenactments are only fun if there are enough enemies on the other side. WELCOME TO THE 49TH INDIANA CO.F. The stitch counters can belong in either the mainstream or the campaigner camp. Photos from the time period show some men marching in ranks with M-1 Garands, World War II semi-automatic rifles. While the vast majority of reenactors are standard uniformed Confederate and Union soldiers, there are some small numbers who wear unique uniforms. Most people choose a reenactment group that operates fairly close to home - at least within a day's drive. 3 rd Florida Volunteer Infantry, Co. Finally, there is the largest investment of all, the musket and bayonet. - Confederate States or Confederate States Army. 4) Read As Much As You Can: The best way to start your career in reenacting out right is to read extensively. Threadcounter A reenactor who insists on a historically accurate impression, down to fabric and buttonholes having the same threadcount typical of the time. 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. Families wishing to stay together all weekend can portray civilians. Most reenacting units have both a website and a Facebook page, making it easier for people to find local units. Civil War News is a monthly newspaper that covers news about battlefield preservation, and reenacting. There is no poll showing where reenactors live, but observation would put a majority of them in The South. Most reenacting units require members to own dual impressions; both Union and Confederate. Our way to offer tribute to these great men of the Civil War is to study as much as possible . The only difference between the Civil War and the reenacting firing is that no Mini ball is rammed down the barrel. Most reenactment organizations also won't allow children under 16 to bear arms. Speculation among reenactors is that smaller, focused events is where the hobby is headed. Your mentor can also assist you in finding used gear either from unit members or outside resources like eBay or Facebook. Now i ma During the Civil War Native Americans, Blacks, Asians, and Hispanics fought on both sides. 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Learning an instrument is typically the easiest way for children to get involved. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. If its not, consider trying another group. By joining such a society, you'll have time to try out your persona before committing to any major purchases for your own kit. During the Civil War Native Americans, Blacks, Asians, and Hispanics fought on both sides. how to join a civil war reenactment group - Iccleveland.org Confederate States or Confederate States Army. Don't let that stop you! For instance, the Stonewall Brigades list is located here.
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