Did you have ancestors who participated in a particular war? Living Histories at original battlefields are by invitation by the National Park Service or the states that also maintain battlefields. It is up to reenactors to know if they have the stamina to participate in the action. 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. Local living histories at venues such as historically themed parks are where many potential reenactors see their first living historians. No detail about a reenactors appearance should be ignored. American Civil War Reenactment Groups Historical reenactment groups and living history groups offer an insight into how men and women lived in past times. In 1913 elderly Union and Confederate veterans met at the 50th anniversary of Gettysburg and put themselves through their pacesbut without the muskets they had used against each other. Merchants known as sutlers set up on-site to sell clothing, accessories and weapons. *This post may contain affiliate links. Camping with ones friends can be an attractive incentive to pack up the gear and drive away rather than staying home doing chores. Although most common in the United States, there are also American Civil War reenactors in Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Italy, Denmark . 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. Scouring the sutlers' goods may also set you up for an impulse buy that your historic persona doesn't really need. Whoever is physically able can take to the battlefield with certain age restrictions. As they learn how to be a soldier, they take tests and advance through the non-commissioned ranks to corporals and sergeants. Impression Many reenactors will choose an impression during a reenactment. Reproduction clothing can cost several hundred dollars, and reproduction period rifles as much as $1000. While headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, our membership encompasses Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. Infoplease is part of the Sandbox Learning family of educational and reference sites for parents, teachers and students. A musket will shoot a flame of fire and unburned powder out the muzzle. That could be in California, Wisconsin, or even Russia. Women participate as nurses, vivandieres, cooks, laundresses, or wives and sisters visiting the soldier in camp. If you asked to galvanize (switch sides) for a battle or event, dont complain. 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. 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. John Miller, a veteran reenactor who specializes in the Civil War, warns prospective volunteers that the hobby can get dangerous [source: Miller]. 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. 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 NPS decided that mock battles detracted from the commemorative nature of the battlefields. While it is rare, people have died from the exertion. C.S. and then went into battle to save Lees army, but until one has marched that same route, it is all theory. Focused events try to recreate parts of battles. Experience being part of bringing our nation's most turbulent and tragic era to life. Once you invest time and money into historical volunteerism, you'll likely find great reward from all your efforts. Instead they staged brigade-sized snowball fights. 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. California. What period of history most grabs your interest? Typical costs for reenacting might include the following. They like to bring tents, camp chairs, hidden ice chests, and other gear that the original army would never have had. Marches can range from a mile or so from camp to the battlefield to more than 20 miles at special events. Photos from the time period show some men marching in ranks with M-1 Garands, World War II semi-automatic rifles. There are alternative ways to get your history education. How do war reenactments work? There are scores of sutlers who operate regionally and nationally. We had a weekend with perfect weather and many exciting and educational activities. Finally, there is the largest investment of all, the musket and bayonet. The USCTs fought as all Black units commanded by white officers. This Forum is for Posting Civil War Event Information. Reenacting does require a commitment, however, in both time and resources. Home Research Top Five Tips for Getting Started in Civil War Reenacting. "Become a Member." Immersion events are small reenactments that attract campaigners. They are wondering if sleeping on the ground is as much fun as it was when they were young. 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. Most reenactors join the infantry, which is followed in popularity by the artillery, then the cavalry and there are a few naval interpreters. Most reenactors are everyday people from all walks of life, with ages ranging from 16 to people in their sixties. Units of mainstreamers may number from 20 to 100. Youre obviously interested in the Civil War, otherwise you wont be considering reenacting. 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). If you're thinking about volunteering in a historical reenactment, experienced reenactors will tell you that you shouldn't delve into this hobby without knowing what you're getting into. or C.S.A. 21st Virginia, F Company, inc., is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501 (c)3 , living history, educational and Civil War re-enactment organization. Attend a few such reenactment events and talk to members of the involved groups to learn more about their reenactment focus and activities. Reenacting units organized around a specific regiment with a general type of uniform will not allow a Berdan sharpshooter or a Louisiana Tiger in the ranks. Brush up on your geography and finally learn what countries are in Eastern Europe with our maps. When looking through our list of reenactment groups, be sure to really think about what is important to you. A Civil War Reenactment will have various units such as artillery, cavalry, or infantry units. 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.. Civil War reenacting group in Colorado, Wyoming, Texas, and New Hampshire. If the unit is a horse-drawn battery, the reenactors are expected to help groom, water, and feed the horses. Modern day work boots are not acceptable. 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. 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. The persona you select should have some personal significance to you. Now that the sesquicentennial is over, the future of reenacting is being debated. You'll also have to brush up on the language and customs specific to the era. The physically disabled cannot take the field as soldiers, but the impression of a wounded soldier in a period wheel chair being pushed by a civilian in period clothes is welcome. 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. Shopping online is a good alternative to making purchases at a reenactment. olg pick 4 Some civilian reenactors may choose to portray professions such as mortician or battlefield surgeon with some women roaming the field as nurses. Work with your unit point of contact to ensure that the items you select even from these vendors are appropriate, since not every jacket a particular vendor offers will fit your units desired impression. 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. To volunteer in historical reenactments, you'll be dedicating your time, sacrificing your modern comforts and paying a pretty penny. 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 . 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. Muskets are real guns and fire a full powder charge but no bullet. Is there a list or quartermaster who do I need to contact to get involved as a reenactor for the civil war. Used by permission of Kathleen Smith. The further that is away from the face, the better. This manual includes such things as company tactics and firing details [source: Miller]. Salary.com. Get a feel for the atmosphere and conditions of a living history event before you rush to buy vintage style military uniforms & equipment. 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. It is where the Civil War soldier carried his food and where the reenactor will carry his food, wallet and car keys. Confederate Zouaves called Louisiana Tigers wear striped baggy pants. 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. Spectators wont see much action, but the reenactors will see only other reenactors and no more bleachers. Living History Archive. Colonial-era muskets run a few hundred dollars, and with the rest of the necessary kit, you're looking at more than $1,000 [source: 2nd Rhode Island Regiment ]. 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. To take part in high quality reenactments a reenactor should expect to drive at least a day for quality events. Reenacting can be a family hobby with Dad, Mom, and the kids all portraying 19th century roles. If you crave intrigue and a dash of melodrama, historical fiction can make the past come alive. 3 rd Florida Volunteer Infantry, Co. We are active from Virginia to New England. Reenacting units are organized in some of the same ways as Civil War companies and regiments. A typical period correct firearm will cost upwards of $1000. 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. Gear - How much a reenactor spends on their gear is a product of individual means, love for the hobby, and type of unit. Immersion events are small reenactments where reenactors carry everything with them with no resupply from vehicles. That model Springfield was not developed until 1869. There's nothing volunteering in a historical reenactment to experience the sights, sounds and smells of history. The 49th Indiana, Company F is Indiana's oldest and largest nonprofit organization devoted to portraying life during the American Civil War. Authentic Campaigner is a blog dedicated to events, impressions, goods, etc. Learn more about the mythic conflict between the Argives and the Trojans. For instance, the Stonewall Brigades list is located here. The unit you ultimately join should be in a position to provide the elements that you want to get out of reenacting. 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. 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 . Check ourencyclopedia for a gloss on thousands of topics from biographies to the table of elements. After all, every one of the reenactors at an event arrived in a 21st century vehicle of some kind. Arch supports were not invented in the 1860s, but feel free to put anything inside that helps you march. Emmitsburg Area Historical Society.http://www.emmitsburg.net/archive_list/articles/misc/re-enactor.htm, Special Offer on Antivirus Software From HowStuffWorks and TotalAV Security, How the Civilian Conservation Corp Worked. Buy at a reenactment or with the help of an experience unit member. The 125th Franklin, Tennessee event was held in minus 10 wind chill. We strive for accurate historical depiction of our original unit." YouTube Video Creator "History Boy" Drummer, 8th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry Co. A reenactor is a special breed of person. Don't be overwhelmed! American Civil War Society. Company B, the reenacting group, is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer . 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. Our way to offer tribute to these great men of the Civil War is to study as much as possible . Reenactor A person, male or female, dedicated to recreating the War Between the States or Civil War. The dues are an important aspect of keeping reenactment groups operating. Reenactors often do more interacting with the visiting public such as performing drill and firing demonstrations, and giving flag and equipment talks. This video brings you to the historic battlefields of Aike. 2) Consider What You Want Out of Reenacting: Spend some time thinking about what aspects of reenacting interest you. Your mentor can also assist you in finding used gear either from unit members or outside resources like eBay or Facebook.
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how to join a civil war reenactment group
