Also, merchants who set up during reenactments and sell period-style goods to reenactors and the public. That is also the reason why most leather gear is black, the standard Union color. You'll have the Web at your fingertips to research an object's authenticity -- and to compare prices from multiple vendors. An Authentic Civil War Living History Association, Top Five Tips for Getting Started in Civil War Reenacting. Historical reenactors are known for being sticklers for accuracy. We come from in and around Shelby County. . If looking to dive into Vietnam reenacting, the number one piece of advice is to speak to a unit before making purchases. While those shows inspired then young, now-middle aged reenactors to study the war, the producers paid little attention to authenticity. The persona is sometimes referred to as an impression. 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. 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. Immerse yourself in the time period by reading books and primary source documents related to the area, and the type of person you've chosen to portray. A few options to consider. We had a weekend with perfect weather and many exciting and educational activities. Oftentimes, a young person will find themselves interested in living history but struggle to get involved. For instance, the 26th Regiment of North Carolina Troops also portrays the 24th Michigan of The Iron Brigade when it reenacts as Federals. Marches can range from a mile or so from camp to the battlefield to more than 20 miles at special events. Special Thanks Are you really excited about being a part of large battle reenactments? Reenacting gear includes the uniform, accoutrements, a musket, shoes, hat and more, all purchased from sutlers, merchants specializing in reproduction products for reenactors. The 125th Franklin, Tennessee event was held in minus 10 wind chill. (2020, August 26). Home Research Top Five Tips for Getting Started in Civil War Reenacting. Speculation among reenactors is that smaller, focused events is where the hobby is headed. Sutlers set up large tents at reenactments and also sell on-line. Historical reenacting gives you that chance. Do not buy from sutlers on-line then select which unit you want to join. Extreme Points of the United States (States & Territories), Federal issue forage cap (dark or indigo blue), State issue forage cap with McDowell visor (dark or indigo blue), Federal fatigue blouse ("sack coat," dark or indigo blue) with four brass buttons, Federal trousers, foot pattern (sky blue), Issue muslin shirt (or other period pattern), USM1855 cartridge box, .58 caliber, mid-war model (black leather), USM1855 bayonet scabbard (black leather, one-piece Springfield style), M1853 three-band .577 caliber Enfield rifle musket and bayonet, Musket sling for M1853 Enfield (untreated leather), Haversack, U.S. regulation wartime issue (black tarred canvas), USM1858 smooth side canteen (jean cloth or dark blue wool cover) with strap (leather preferred over cotton drill or linen). Little children have no business on the field because they can become separated from parents. 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. Reenactors accept discomfort, port-a-johns, close quarters, and the aches that come with carrying gear that weighs 20 pounds or more. Merchants known as sutlers set up on-site to sell clothing, accessories and weapons. We are active from Virginia to New England. 4) Read As Much As You Can: The best way to start your career in reenacting out right is to read extensively. Sandbox Learning is part of Sandbox & Co., a digital learning company. 5) Purchase Slowly and Strategically: When you are ready to start purchasing gear, take your time and make your purchases strategic. Check your laws! For the Bray family in Brunswick, American Civil War reenactment is more than just a historical hobby it's a family affair. 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. Civil War reenacting group in Colorado, Wyoming, Texas, and New Hampshire. There are essentially three types of reenactors; mainstream, campaigners, and stitch counters. Find WW1 Reenactment groups to join now! 2nd Rhode Island Regiment. When you're starting out as a volunteer, the unit you're working with will probably have a spare uniform you can borrow. Get a feel for the atmosphere and conditions of a living history event before you rush to buy vintage style military uniforms & equipment. The basic costs of outfitting an infantryman are between $1,500 and $2,000 which rises to $2,500 to $3,000 with the purchase of tents, ponchos, cooking gear, overcoats and other additional gear. 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. 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. Are you looking for a highly immersive experience that puts you right in the shoes of a Civil War soldier? Reenactors who claim: My ancestors would roll over in their graves if I portrayed the other side are frowned upon. 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, or living historians.. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852. With the exception of events where rains flood the battlefield, reenactments are rarely cancelled for heat or cold. A canteen holding about two quarts of water is critical. Each unit has a different function and will provide a much different experience. It might be a good idea to spring for the unit's annual fee for insurance coverage in case of an injury. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. But if you're more interested in other wars or time periods, don't despair. Perhaps a particular company or regiment in the war had distinctive uniforms. Reenactments are family events, so feel free to bring the kids, too. Sutlers Merchants who followed troops during the Civil War. But, for whatever reason, something about recreating the life of a Civil War soldier resonates with you and youre interested in joining the hobby. While Confederate regulations called for a kepi, most men opted for a slouch hat, a broad-brimmed hat of varying styles. 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. 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). The further that is away from the face, the better. Typical costs for reenacting might include the following. 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. Reenactors need a shirt, coat, pants, wool socks, and a hat. Uniforms are all wool for Federal portrayals, and a wool and cotton blend for Confederates. 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. 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. Whoever is physically able can take to the battlefield with certain age restrictions. Units Groups of Civil War reenactors who participate as an actual unit that fought during the War, i.e., the 7th Texas Infantry, the 69th New York or the 19th Alabama. While reenacting is fun, it is also a physically taxing 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. 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 . If you are up to the task, here's some information to get you started. 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. 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. A haversack, a kind of handbag worn over the left shoulder, is generally black. Thanks for reaching out John we just got in touch to provide you some additional information. Don't be overwhelmed! 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.. Learn about one of the world's oldest and most popular religions. They should also have a list of recommended vendors that sell uniforms and equipment that meet their units standards. A group of men this size can engage in brigade drill, practicing the same types of maneuvers the Civil War soldiers learned in order to face an enemy coming from any direction. Our editors update and regularly refine this enormous body of information to bring you reliable information. While some historians downplay or even deny the existence of gun-toting Black Confederates, insisting the only Blacks in Confederate gray were body servants, Black reenactors often have family knowledge that their ancestors did fight for the Confederacy. Aside from physical distance, a reenactor needs to take into consideration a few factors. And, if one wants, one can carry original muskets if they are safe. 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. 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. Civilian A person, male or female, who reenacts any non-military impression during Reenactments. The exhaustion felt at the end of that reenacting march brings home the realization that the soldiers of the Civil War were tough. 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. People come to Civil War reenacting in a myriad of ways. Reenacting remained a small hobby during the mid-1970s when events numbering several hundred reenactors were common. Perhaps you have a friend in the hobby who has encouraged you to give it a try. (May 8, 2009) http://www.2ri.org/become_a_member.htm, Bromer, Zachary. And that will generally be a four-wheel-drive SUV as all reenactors will one day find themselves in a muddy field wondering if they will be able to get out in time to get back to work on Monday. That part of history cannot be changed. Some civilian reenactors may choose to portray professions such as mortician or battlefield surgeon with some women roaming the field as nurses. - Confederate States or Confederate States Army. Once the basics are purchased, reenactors move on to acquire other gear like a canvas dog tent, or a larger A-frame tent, a gum or rubber blanket/poncho for putting down on the ground or wearing as rain gear, and cooking gear like tin frying pans and cooking grates. that appeal to campaigners. WW1 Reenactment Groups. Be prepared to be footsore! https://www.thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852 (accessed March 5, 2023). 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. Only a handful of men will make generals and they must know how to command at that level. C.S. If you wear eyeglasses, consider purchasing period frames high on your shopping list as well. Infantry is the easiest branch to learn and to finance. As they learn how to be a soldier, they take tests and advance through the non-commissioned ranks to corporals and sergeants. Powell, Kimberly. Here is a sampling of an infantry soldier's kit from the website of the 28th Massachusetts, Volunteer Infantry, 4th Regiment, Irish Brigade: Federal issue forage cap (dark or indigo blue) The 125th anniversary of the start of the war in 1986 saw reenacting turn into a serious hobby. Events Could Include: Reenactments, Living Histories, Round Tables, Battlewalks, Shows, Lectures & More. Check ourencyclopedia for a gloss on thousands of topics from biographies to the table of elements. 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. Once you've chosen a time period and character, you need to learn everything you can,from the way they dressed and ate, to their manner of speech, cultural beliefs, and social interactions. Welcome to the official website of the Georgia Division Reenactors Association! Immersion events are small reenactments where reenactors carry everything with them with no resupply from vehicles. With sound recordings, new generations could hear the Rebel yellyelped by 95-year-old men who still had the spunk to give it. Perhaps you have a friend in the hobby who has encouraged you to give it a try. No detail about a reenactors appearance should be ignored. You can buy relatively cheap U.S. uniforms from the World Wars. Reenacting units staged living histories to explain weapons and uniforms at venues like schools and public parks to recruit new hobbyists. Youre obviously interested in the Civil War, otherwise you wont be considering reenacting. Perhaps the most famous civil war in history began on April 12, 1861, when secessionist Southerners attacked the United States Army garrison at Fort Sumter, South Carolina . Reenacting Civil War battles began during the War when both sides staged mock battles when heavy snows kept the men in camp from going out and killing each other. The majority of reenactors choose to be soldiers, but even in a military reenactment group, there are other characters, such as wives, camp followers, surgeons, tinkers and sutlers (merchants). The North Florida Artillery was incorporated as a non-profit organization in the state of Florida in March 2007. 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. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links at no additional cost to you. 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. 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. 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. Reenacting the Civil War as a hobby got off to a shaky start during in the 1960s when authenticity was ignored in favor of doing something, anything, to commemorate the Centennial. Units of mainstreamers may number from 20 to 100. American Civil War Reenactment Groups. Reenactors refer to their clothing and equipment as theirkit. 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. If you have an interest in our American History during the period of 1861-1865, we invite you to join our ranks. For further reading suggestions and links to many of these online resources, please see the Stonewall Brigades Recommended Reading list. Reenactors adopt what they call impressions based on the type of person they want to portray. 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. For reenactments that span several days, this can be grueling. A love of history of all time periods is common though reenactors focus on the 19th century. 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. Also: Post Your Event Photos, Reviews, & Wrap-Ups. 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. 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. Have you often wondered what it might have been like to actually live in the past? If you choose an active reenactment role, you'll need to be in good health, capable of the physical activity and lack of everyday comforts that are inherent in reenacting. 21st Virginia, F Company, inc., is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501 (c)3 , living history, educational and Civil War re-enactment organization. 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 totally geared up reenactor will invest around $2 500 to $3 000 however that equipment with the exception of brogans will last as long as the reenactor will. Reenacting can be a family hobby with Dad, Mom, and the kids all portraying 19th century roles. The derogatory term for this same person is stitch nazi.. 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. Experience being part of bringing our nation's most turbulent and tragic era to life. While headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, our membership encompasses Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. Reenactors enjoy camping, cooking over an open fire, guns, loud noises, marching, military discipline, and telling stories. 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.
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