There are alternative ways to get your history education. How To Get Started With Historical Reenacting - ThoughtCo 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. There are Federal Zouave units who wear bright red pants, red trimmed jackets, and turbans. That is what reenacting is all about; trying to live for a weekend like a Civil War soldier or civilian to figure out how they did it. Get Started in Reenacting - ReenactmentHQ California. Subscribe to our newsletter * indicates required. 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. The Event Wire - Information. Two TV mini-series, Blue & Gray (1982), and North & South (1985) drove interest in reenacting in the early 1980s. 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. Civil War Encampment & Reenactment 2021 - Westmoreland County Just how much does it cost to be a Civil War reenactor? 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. At some late-war battles such as Bentonville, North Carolina and Saylers Creek, Virginia, Federal units armed with repeating rifles chewed into Confederate ranks. Eric Tetreault/Connecticut Renaissance Faire. Local video entrepreneurs filmed those 125th anniversary reenactments on VHS tapes, selling them to the reenactors who hoped to see themselves acting as Civil War soldiers. Its educational and, finally, its a great way to escape the worries of today and pretend in the great outdoors. 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. 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. The three types seem to always be warring with each other in blog posts with the campaigners laughing at the age of the mainstreamers; the mainstreamers laughing at the campaigners with their dirty faces; and the stitch counters laughing at both of them for wearing a uniform that was proper in 1862, but which wasnt worn in 1864. that appeal to campaigners. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852. Reenactment Groups in Central Kentucky - American Civil War Forums Find WW1 Reenactment groups to join now! If you have an interest in our American History during the period of 1861-1865, we invite you to join our ranks. Few units allow people in 21st century garb to camp in the military camp as it detracts from the reenactment atmosphere. Their website is: http://www.citizenscompanion.com/. 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. 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. Hard-core reenactors give up all amenities of modern life, from deodorant to modern wristwatches. Confederate Zouaves called Louisiana Tigers wear striped baggy pants. A Civil War Reenactment will have various units such as artillery, cavalry, or infantry units. 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. 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. Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved by Milsurpia. 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. 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 generally participate in three types of events: Battle reenactments are scripted recreations of actual Civil War engagements, which spectators pay to come and watch. "How to Become a Re-Enactor." Learn more about the mythic conflict between the Argives and the Trojans. Family Friendly Units - If reenacting is to become your next family adventure, you're going to have to find a family friendly unit. The stitch counters can belong in either the mainstream or the campaigner camp. The easiest way for children to get involved in reenacting is to do it as a family. Some states require even single shot, reproduction muskets to be registered with the government. or C.S.A. Immersion events are small reenactments where reenactors carry everything with them with no resupply from vehicles. After all, every one of the reenactors at an event arrived in a 21st century vehicle of some kind. Each unit has a different function and will provide a much different experience. Your email address will not be published. These characteristics can be challenging to identify by examining a units website or Facebook page or by chatting with the members at an event. Reenactors refer to their clothing and equipment as theirkit. 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. Perhaps a particular company or regiment in the war had distinctive uniforms. American Civil War Reenactment Groups - Living History archive Discover more about American history at one of these events. One note for reenactors living in states with strict gun laws. Some civilian reenactors may choose to portray professions such as mortician or battlefield surgeon with some women roaming the field as nurses. This can be a great way to save money, but make sure you run all major purchases by your mentor to ensure youre buying quality gear and not getting swindled. After a near disaster where one reenactor was hit by a Mini ball fragment left in a musket that had been live fired before the event, the National Park Service thereafter banned reenactments from being held on its battlefields. Reenacting gear includes the uniform, accoutrements, a musket, shoes, hat and more, all purchased from sutlers, merchants specializing in reproduction products for reenactors. Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era is a Pulitzer Prize-winning work on the American Civil War. 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. Youre obviously interested in the Civil War, otherwise you wont be considering reenacting. 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. (May 8, 2009) http://www.salary.com/personal/layoutscripts/psnl_articles.asp?tab=psn&cat=cat011&ser=ser032, Miller, John. The largest event was the 135th Gettysburg reenactment which involved 15,000 reenactors. Reenactors have a variety of reasons for dressing up on the weekends then plunging into their interpretation of a war that killed, by recent estimates, 750,000 people. Oftentimes, a young person will find themselves interested in living history but struggle to get involved. "Dream Job: Historical Reenactor." Many organizations, particularly Civil War, offer family friendly scenarios. Once you invest time and money into historical volunteerism, you'll likely find great reward from all your efforts. While the vast majority of reenactors are standard uniformed Confederate and Union soldiers, there are some small numbers who wear unique uniforms. 1) Put the Credit Card Away: The absolute best advice anyone can give you is to delay purchasing any gear. Muskets are real guns and fire a full powder charge but no bullet. The future of reenacting rests on the shoulders of younger generations. Becoming a Civil War Reenactor - InfoPlease I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links at no additional cost to you. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. 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). 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. Reenactors sacrifice immense amounts of time, effort, and money to recreate history. 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. Finding a reenactment unit has gone 21st century. 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) In many war reenactments, there aren't roles for women on the battlefield, but some events have side attractions geared toward women, such as tea parties, craft activities and quilt shows. These groups often focus on reenactment of wars, offering members (and sometimes the public) a glimpse of what life was like during the conflicts that shaped history. Dressing Up as Slaves for a Civil War Reenactment : r/TikTokCringe - Reddit Welcome! While this material is of interest to reenactors, our hobby requires a detailed knowledge of the daily experience of individual soldiers. Learn fife or drum. A colonial shopkeeper will have a pretty simple costume compared to a Civil War general's uniform. Salary.com. In particular, take notice of the grisly conditions a reenactor has to deal with -- especially in battle reenactments. When looking through our list of reenactment groups, be sure to really think about what is important to you. If you crave intrigue and a dash of melodrama, historical fiction can make the past come alive. I. Delaware. While doing their impression many will do a first-person impression. Once you do, it's time to create your own historical persona. But if you want to portray a German soldier from World War II, the uniforms are pricier -- typically $300 to $400 [source: Miller]. These events help reenactors immerse themselves in the reenacting experience, gaining first-hand knowledge of war, battle strategy, and the hardships of combat. By the time Ken Burns PBS special The Civil War debuted in 1990 interest in the War was on an upswing. 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. Did you have ancestors who participated in a particular war? 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. The important thing to remember is the child still needs adult supervision. 7th Florida Infantry Regiment, Company F. 21st Georgia Volunteer Infantry Civil War Reenactment Unit, 24th Georgia vols Company B civil War reenacting group, Company A, 2nd Battalion Georgia Sharpshooters, 104th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Company H, First Maryland Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 28th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Company B, 4th Texas Co. E / 16th Michigan Co. B Civil War Reenactors, Reynolds' Battery L 1st New York Light Artillery, 75th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Company A, Company "C" 2nd Regiment Berdan Sharpshooters. For reenactments that span several days, this can be grueling. "I decided to join the Civil War reenacting group that helped to make the movie." . When brigaded with other units, a reenactor general may command 200-300 men. John Miller, a veteran reenactor who specializes in the Civil War, warns prospective volunteers that the hobby can get dangerous [source: Miller]. 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. This is especially important when it comes to clothing and weaponry, as we'll see on the next page. 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. The most stare-inducing women reenactors are those ladies portraying Catholic nuns who served as nurses during the war. 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. Spectators wont see much action, but the reenactors will see only other reenactors and no more bleachers. While those shows inspired then young, now-middle aged reenactors to study the war, the producers paid little attention to authenticity. 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. 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. They are wondering if sleeping on the ground is as much fun as it was when they were young. 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]. 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. Civilian A person, male or female, who reenacts any non-military impression during Reenactments. Your mentor can also assist you in finding used gear either from unit members or outside resources like eBay or Facebook. The Texas Rifles are seeking men and women of valor to join us and thousands of other history-minded hobbyists to experience, first hand, one of the country's fastest-growing, most unique recreational activities. Don't be overwhelmed! 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. 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. Reenacting. Berdans Sharpshooters were a Federal unit of sharpshooters who wore dark green uniforms as an early form of camouflage. Civil War Reenacting makes an effort to list the websites of reenacting units, but, as might be expected, many units are not listed here. Top Five Tips for Getting Started in Civil War Reenacting In addition to having to wear hot, uncomfortable clothing, participants can forget about sleeping in comfortable beds, eating decent food and taking hot showers. 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. There is no poll showing where reenactors live, but observation would put a majority of them in The South. What does it take to start a civil war? - American Thinker 4. Typically, the age restriction for most events is 16 years old to carry a musket/rifle. Too far back and the soldier in the front rank is too close to the muzzle blast. Finding an organization for a child to partake in is not difficult. 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. Children as young as 8 have been seen at many reenactments partaking in field music. 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. 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. These organizations will often have a camp life where young ones can partake in 1860's life styles. You'll also have to brush up on the language and customs specific to the era. How the Civilian Conservation Corps Worked, Historical Reenactment Costumes and Equipment, 2nd Rhode Island Regiment. We come from in and around Shelby County. The website also lists a number of sutler websites. All races and ethnicities can reenact. These reenactors can make a modest living by working in museums or historic sites such as Plymouth, Mass., or Williamsburg, Va. Most reenactment organizations also won't allow children under 16 to bear arms. Arch supports were not invented in the 1860s, but feel free to put anything inside that helps you march. Thanks for reaching out John we just got in touch to provide you some additional information. List of historical reenactment groups - Wikipedia Choose a Persona
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