https://www.thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852 (accessed March 5, 2023). Company B, the reenacting group, is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer . And finally, muskets are real guns. Civil War Reenacting makes an effort to list the websites of reenacting units, but, as might be expected, many units are not listed here. That is my indication and EXPRESSED consent to be treated like a slave by all participating confederate soldiers. What did the Gettysburg artillery barrage sound like? Historical reenactors are known for being sticklers for accuracy. Check your local newspaper or reenactment Web sites for listings of upcoming reenactment events in your area. 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. Only a handful of men will make generals and they must know how to command at that level. No reenactor will respond to an unknown general who walks onto the field and tries to take command of units who do not know him. The hobby of Civil War reenacting continues to attract participants and spectators who care about Civil War history and the 19th century people who lived it. They are encouraged to buy their opposite impression as soon as they can afford the cost. 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 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. Or, Dad can stay in the military camp while Mom and the kids stay in a civilian camp. There is at least one Civil War era brass band using period instruments and playing period music. And, they must already have relationships with the brigades and divisions they want to command. That means most Union forces on Southern battlefields likely talk with Southern accents even though they are in blue. 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. Attend a few such reenactment events and talk to members of the involved groups to learn more about their reenactment focus and activities. It is one of the rich ironies of reenacting that Black Confederates march side by side with white Confederate reenactors, while Black Union troops usually only participate in battles where the USCTs were present such as New Market Heights, Virginia., and Olustee, Florida. For official duties, these youngstersoften between 10 and 14were called on to fill supporting roles such as drummers, buglers, messengers, and field assistants. What period of history most grabs your interest? Before showtime, pots and pans are some of the tools reenactor Tanya Haessly makes the most use of as a camp cook, feeding families and individuals taking part in a Civil War reenactment in Janney . Some units focus on the military side of reenacting, preferring to keep civilian women in a separate camp while other units allow children to run around the military camp. While still too small in numbers to simulate actual Civil War battles, the mega-events at least gave reenactors a sense of what the major battles would have been like. Not all reenactment groups will offer the same experiences. Stitch counters are authenticity historians who know the history of hats, shoes, uniforms, muskets, buttons, even how a uniform was manufactured thus the nick name. The same uniforms worn in the summer are worn in the winter. 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). 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. Both firearms are basically the same, but it is critical that reenactors choose the longer 3-banded models over the sometimes available two-banded models. It might be a good idea to spring for the unit's annual fee for insurance coverage in case of an injury. Mega events involve thousands of reenactors. 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. Youre obviously interested in the Civil War, otherwise you wont be considering reenacting. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. If you have an interest in our American History during the period of 1861-1865, we invite you to join our ranks. The dues are an important aspect of keeping reenactment groups operating. Florida. The persona is sometimes referred to as an impression. 4. There are alternative ways to get your history education. Reenactor A person, male or female, dedicated to recreating the War Between the States or Civil War. 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! Most reenacting units require members to own dual impressions; both Union and Confederate. Some civilian reenactors may choose to portray professions such as mortician or battlefield surgeon with some women roaming the field as nurses. Reenactors recreate history by portraying the look, actions, and lives of a person from a particular time period of history. Civil War Unit Reenactment Links And that's not including weaponry: An M1 Garand will put you out $700 to $900, while other period guns cost less than $100. If you can find material written by men from the unit you portray, even better. A love of history, a desire to better understand what Civil War era soldiers and civilians experienced, the pleasure of camping with friends and cooking over an open fire all explain why reenactors follow this hobby. List of historical reenactment groups - Wikipedia While headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, our membership encompasses Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. Buy at a reenactment or with the help of an experience unit member. Both sides tolerate them. 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. "Become a Member." A typical period correct firearm will cost upwards of $1000. That will mean pushing long hair under a hat, taking off ear rings, and doing their best to hide the evidence of being female. 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. Just about anyone with an interest in reenactment can become a reenactor. Reenacting for many is a serious, but fun, event. Welcome! While some of the research is now a bit dated, there is no better place to start than Bell Wileys classicsThe Life of Johnny Reb: The Common Soldier of the Confederacyand The Life of Billy Yank: The Common Soldier of the Union. 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. While it is rare, people have died from the exertion. Marches can range from a mile or so from camp to the battlefield to more than 20 miles at special events. Reenactors who claim: My ancestors would roll over in their graves if I portrayed the other side are frowned upon. Winter reenactors will want heavy overcoats which can cost upwards of $300. Some states require even single shot, reproduction muskets to be registered with the government. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. I. Delaware. Few units allow people in 21st century garb to camp in the military camp as it detracts from the reenactment atmosphere. While those shows inspired then young, now-middle aged reenactors to study the war, the producers paid little attention to authenticity. If they try for officer ranks like lieutenant and captain, they must take even more rigorous tests to demonstrate that they know the commands that moved men around the field. Reenactors adopt what they call impressions based on the type of person they want to portray. 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. Our editors update and regularly refine this enormous body of information to bring you reliable information. These reenactors can make a modest living by working in museums or historic sites such as Plymouth, Mass., or Williamsburg, Va. BOOK TIP: "The Illustrated Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era". This list is by no means complete. Scouring the sutlers' goods may also set you up for an impulse buy that your historic persona doesn't really need. Are you looking for a highly immersive experience that puts you right in the shoes of a Civil War soldier? If looking to dive into Vietnam reenacting, the number one piece of advice is to speak to a unit before making purchases. With sound recordings, new generations could hear the Rebel yellyelped by 95-year-old men who still had the spunk to give it. 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). Check out our article How to Join a Reenactment Group. Special Thanks During the Civil War Native Americans, Blacks, Asians, and Hispanics fought on both sides. 53rd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Company C, Inc. Company B of the 71st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, 87th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Company C, 97th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Company A, 97th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Co B, 151st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Company D, 10th Virginia Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 12th Virginia Infantry, Companies A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, and K, Co. E of the Second Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, 33d Regiment - Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, Company K, 2nd Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Association, Company E, 3rd Regiment, Confederate Engineers. How Civil Wars Start - Foreign Policy American Civil War reenactment - Wikipedia (May 8, 2009) http://www.salary.com/personal/layoutscripts/psnl_articles.asp?tab=psn&cat=cat011&ser=ser032, Miller, John. Powell, Kimberly. First-person - When a reenactor speaks to fellow reenactors and the public as a person during the 1860s. Also, merchants who set up during reenactments and sell period-style goods to reenactors and the public. That means single reenactors in a specialty uniform must search out similar reenactors to fall in with at events. Join us for a captivating reenactment of a Civil War skirmish, brought to life in stunning detail! The future of reenacting rests on the shoulders of younger generations. Many reenactors are completely outfitted with clothing, packs, gear, and vehicles their typical persona would carry. Active members, either military or . Dressing Up as Slaves for a Civil War Reenactment : r/TikTokCringe - Reddit Reenacting - 9th Pennsylvania Reserves Modern day work boots are not acceptable. The N word season pass premium + membership is in full effect for the day. Living history events include encampments, parades, and school enrichment programs. American Civil War Reenactment Groups Historical reenactment groups and living history groups offer an insight into how men and women lived in past times. While the three-banded musket is standard, there might be the occasional chance to carry something else. 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. You'll also have to brush up on the language and customs specific to the era. Photos from the time period show some men marching in ranks with M-1 Garands, World War II semi-automatic rifles. "I decided to join the Civil War reenacting group that helped to make the movie." . 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 Texas Rifles - Civil War Reenacting - Reenacting Reenacting gear includes the uniform, accoutrements, a musket, shoes, hat and more, all purchased from sutlers, merchants specializing in reproduction products for reenactors. We have committed ourselves to the education of the company membership and general public as to the lifestyle, military service and general values of the Black Civil War soldier through an authentic presentation of living history activities including battle reenactments, interpretive programs, training seminars, and similar programs. Reliving the Civil War: A Re-enactors Handbook. Reenacting. Learn about one of the world's oldest and most popular religions. Hand to hand combat is heavily scripted, never engage on your own. Most organization will not watch your 10 year old kid all day. For many people, there's nothing drier than a dense history book. Being a Civil War reenactor is about stepping back in time to create believable characterpersonaor what reenactors call an impression. Aside from physical distance, a reenactor needs to take into consideration a few factors. Check ourencyclopedia for a gloss on thousands of topics from biographies to the table of elements. If you are up to the task, here's some information to get you started. The Event Wire - Information. 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. While family involvement may be the goal of some reenactors, others enjoy the freedom of being away from the family on the weekend. Most will sleep/camp at the reenactment event. 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. Vietnam War Reenactors - Milsurpia.com 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. Your email address will not be published. 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. We are active from Virginia to New England. 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 . A Civil War Reenactment is the recreation of past battles for the education and entertainment of both spectators and hobbyists alike. Reenacting units are organized in some of the same ways as Civil War companies and regiments. Discover more about American history at one of these events. Typical costs for reenacting might include the following. Three factors come into play, and the United States demonstrates all of them. Reenacting remained a small hobby during the mid-1970s when events numbering several hundred reenactors were common. Focused events try to recreate parts of battles. 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. People come to Civil War reenacting in a myriad of ways. Civil War Reenactment Groups - Milsurpia 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. Don't be overwhelmed! These events help reenactors immerse themselves in the reenacting experience, gaining first-hand knowledge of war, battle strategy, and the hardships of combat. Reenacting does require a commitment, however, in both time and resources. Finding an organization for a child to partake in is not difficult. 4 June 2009. There is no age requirement for being a Civil War reenactor, but, of course, minors will need to have their parents approval and support. C.S. In a reenactment, a persona is a character and role that you choose to portray. Be prepared to be footsore! Many units will choose opposite unit impressions that have something to do with the primary unit they portray, or perhaps a unit that passed through their home area. If the unit is dedicated to historical accuracy, the accommodations will be meager. For example, most reenactors portray common soldiers, but maybe someone wants to portray a foreign-born ancestor so their impression will be augmented by speaking in an accent. Welcome to the official website of the Georgia Division Reenactors Association! 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. All races and ethnicities can reenact. This can mean everything from uncomfortable clothes and terrible food to inclement weather and a poor excuse for a bed. Your email address will not be published. Do you have a passion for Ancient Rome, medieval fashion, or Colonial America, and the Salem Witch Trials? Choose a 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. Men and boys threw on gray and blue pants and work shirts, grabbed whatever arms they could find, and marched out onto whatever fields were handy to recreate battles. or C.S.A. The dues are an important aspect of keeping reenactment groups operating. Colorado Connecticut. In particular, take notice of the grisly conditions a reenactor has to deal with -- especially in battle reenactments. . Infoplease is part of the Sandbox Learning family of educational and reference sites for parents, teachers and students. Most reenactment organizations also won't allow children under 16 to bear arms. Used by permission of Kathleen Smith. Now i ma Should I join a Civil War reenactment group? Is it fun? - Quora These organizations will often have a camp life where young ones can partake in 1860's life styles. With the exception of events where rains flood the battlefield, reenactments are rarely cancelled for heat or cold. A more specialized type of reenactment is living history, which requires reenactors to adopt specific historic personas and engage directly with the public to educate them about a certain period. Too far back and the soldier in the front rank is too close to the muzzle blast. Reenactment Groups - Milsurpia 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. Then again in 1938, those same veterans returned. What reenacting does is give men and women a chance to walk in the footsteps of those people who came before us just a little over 150 years ago. Check your local newspaper or search the Internet to find a reenactment near you. 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. Most reenactors join the infantry, which is followed in popularity by the artillery, then the cavalry and there are a few naval interpreters. Spectators wont see much action, but the reenactors will see only other reenactors and no more bleachers. Young Civil War Reenactor (photo by D. Farr). As you build your knowledge, there is a wealth of information available in online archives and books drawn from soldiers letters, diaries, and post-war memoirs. Find WW1 Reenactment groups to join now! Threadcounter A reenactor who insists on a historically accurate impression, down to fabric and buttonholes having the same threadcount typical of the time. CIVIL WAR REENACTING | How to Join a Unit - YouTube How To Get Started With Historical Reenacting - ThoughtCo For the Bray family in Brunswick, American Civil War reenactment is more than just a historical hobby it's a family affair. Brogans are broad-soled half boots with leather soles worn by the common foot soldier. Do not buy from sutlers on-line then select which unit you want to join. Also: Post Your Event Photos, Reviews, & Wrap-Ups. Our Organization - 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment Historical reenactment groups and living history groups offer an insight into how men and women lived in past times. 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). Contact | 49th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Co.F Most reenacting units have both a website and a Facebook page, making it easier for people to find local units. 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. The Past in the Present | National Geographic Society Some units have fifers and drummers. Living like a person in 1863, even if only for a few hours or a few days, would surely sharpen your skills as a historian, actor, and citizen. 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. We come from in and around Shelby County. If you asked to galvanize (switch sides) for a battle or event, dont complain. 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. 2nd Rhode Island Regiment. The 49th Indiana Volunteer Infantry is Indiana's oldest, largest and best drilled civil war unit. These can range anywhere from $5 a month to $25 a month. Event Dues - This can really depend on the event and what is provided with the fee. Most people choose a reenactment group that operates fairly close to home - at least within a day's drive. We are a Union regiment of the Southern Skirmish Association which aims to bring the history of the American Civil War to life with battles, drill displays, and a taste of 19th century camp life.