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Civil War News is a monthly newspaper that covers news about battlefield preservation, and reenacting. The state of Pennsylvania hosted thousands of former Union and Confederate soldiers during the weeklong event. For instance, Revolutionary War-era equipment is generally more expensive than Civil War weapons. ThoughtCo, Aug. 26, 2020, thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852. While headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, our membership encompasses Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. Find WW1 Reenactment groups to join now! Reenacting for many is a serious, but fun, event. The soldier in the rear rank must always keep his three-banded muskets middle band at the ear of the file partner in the front rank. 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 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. 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. The gear does not stop at just a firearm either. Eric Tetreault/Connecticut Renaissance Faire. 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. 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. Immersion events are small reenactments where reenactors carry everything with them with no resupply from vehicles. How to join a reenactment group is not the hardest part of this journey, it's just the beginning. 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. We are active from Virginia to New England. As they learn how to be a soldier, they take tests and advance through the non-commissioned ranks to corporals and sergeants. 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 reenacting is fun, it is also a physically taxing hobby. A plastic mug would be farby as would a polyester uniform since they didnt have polyester in 1861. 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. 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 . By now you are probably wondering, "how much is all of this going to cost me? Wearing historically accurate clothing is essential to your impression and attention to details is important, i.e. Many organizations, particularly Civil War, offer family friendly scenarios. Sutlers Merchants who followed troops during the Civil War. If you are having any kind of encampment and want it in a certain order, let them know ahead of time. . WW1 Reenactment Groups. Check your local newspaper or search the Internet to find a reenactment near you. There are Federal Zouave units who wear bright red pants, red trimmed jackets, and turbans. Do not make the mistake of spending a lot of money on gear that ends up gathering dust in your basement or up for sale on eBay. Don't let that stop you! Reenactors do not dwell on that terrible human cost. Reenactors need a shirt, coat, pants, wool socks, and a hat. 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 anniversary of the start of the war in 1986 saw reenacting turn into a serious hobby. Fit for Effective Service: Virginia Arms Her Stonewall Brigade, Its Ancient Reputation: The Stonewall Brigade at Cedar Mountain, The Stonewall Brigade at Gettysburg Part Four: The Fate of the Flags, How to Adapt a Confederate ANV Impression by Time Period, Top Tips for Transitioning From Mainstream to Authentic Reenacting. WELCOME TO THE 49TH INDIANA CO.F. 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. By Robert Arvay. Discover more about American history at one of these events. 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. Alright, as a black man I have to say this: * ahem * IF. Between a quarter and a third of the Union army was made up of European immigrants so real or imitation Irish and eastern European accents are welcome. 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. The 125th Franklin, Tennessee event was held in minus 10 wind chill. 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. 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. Larger regiments will combine those companies to form a state-wide organization. They'll have fun watching the excitement, and you'll get to teach them about history. Muskets are real guns and fire a full powder charge but no bullet. They will speak as though the War Between the States is current. They, in turn, showed the VHS tapes to younger historians, who learned that the soldiers on screen were not actors, but young men acting out their historical fantasies. 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. 3 rd Florida Volunteer Infantry, Co. 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. For instance, the 26th Regiment of North Carolina Troops also portrays the 24th Michigan of The Iron Brigade when it reenacts as Federals. Germany . Special Thanks 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 . Your mentor can also assist you in finding used gear either from unit members or outside resources like eBay or Facebook. People come to Civil War reenacting in a myriad of ways. 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. If you wear eyeglasses, consider purchasing period frames high on your shopping list as well. The North Florida Artillery was incorporated as a non-profit organization in the state of Florida in March 2007. Confederate reenactors armed with single shot muskets have no choice but to fall or withdraw in the face of men using rifles that could carry upwards of 13 rounds that could be fired in a matter of seconds. A typical period correct firearm will cost upwards of $1000. Units of mainstreamers may number from 20 to 100. In other words, you can try it out and see how you like it. John Miller, a veteran reenactor who specializes in the Civil War, warns prospective volunteers that the hobby can get dangerous [source: Miller]. Mega events involve thousands of reenactors. But if you're more interested in other wars or time periods, don't despair. Reenactment groups and societies can be found all over the world, although they are especially active in the U.S., UK, Germany, Sweden, Canada, and Australia. That will mean pushing long hair under a hat, taking off ear rings, and doing their best to hide the evidence of being female. Now i ma The N word season pass premium + membership is in full effect for the day. In FULL SLAVE garb. For instance, the Stonewall Brigades list is located here. Threadcounter A reenactor who insists on a historically accurate impression, down to fabric and buttonholes having the same threadcount typical of the time. Each reenactor has a specific role to play, so volunteers are expected to have extensive knowledge of the historical event as well as the time period in which it occurs. Each unit has a different function and will provide a much different experience. Some units have fifers and drummers. The unit you ultimately join should be in a position to provide the elements that you want to get out of reenacting. Unit Type - Not all organizations are the same. Horses, though trained to expect loud noises from cannons, rifles, pistols and clanging sabers, sometimes throw their riders to the ground. Choose a Persona 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. Company B, the reenacting group, is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer . Reenactments are family events, so feel free to bring the kids, too. Historical reenacting gives you that chance. - "A Union Civil War Living History and Reenacting organization located in the greater Connecticut area. 8th Confederate Cavalry / 7th Kentucky Cavalry, 3rd Arkansas Volunteer Infantry Company A, 1st Arkansas US Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 2nd Connecticut Volunteer Heavy Artillery Regiment, Co. Almost every reenactor can tell you stories about uniforms or equipment they rushed to purchase when they first started out and later regretted after they learned it was of poor quality or didnt fit the impression they ultimately pursued. Most reenacting units require members to own dual impressions; both Union and Confederate. You'll have the Web at your fingertips to research an object's authenticity -- and to compare prices from multiple vendors. If you're portraying a poor farmer during the Revolutionary War, then don't purchase a fancy rifle that would have been out of his financial grasp. An Authentic Civil War Living History Association, Top Five Tips for Getting Started in Civil War Reenacting. 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]. Welcome! "How to Get Started With Historical Reenacting." Only a handful of men will make generals and they must know how to command at that level. R. Lee Hadden. 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. Read more. You must have a passion for history and an active imagination. Have you often wondered what it might have been like to actually live in the past? Before you start investing cash in reenacting, attend enough events to ensure that its a hobby that you truly enjoy and want to purse. One of the last Civil War reenactments by Civil War vet erans was the Great Reunion of 1913, on the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. 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. Unit Dues - Unit dues are typically the cheapest of all expenses. In summer, many men carry two. 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. If you've gotten this far then hopefully you've put some thought into this endeavor. Reenactments are only fun if there are enough enemies on the other side. Otherwise, the 60 grains of powder and a piece of paper wadding for each charge is authentic. It is common to find Black reenactors sprinkled in the Confederate ranks. Learn more about the mythic conflict between the Argives and the Trojans. Rivers might be crossed. It is up to reenactors to know if they have the stamina to participate in the action. Here are the facts and trivia that people are buzzing about. Now that the sesquicentennial is over, the future of reenacting is being debated. Infoplease knows the value of having sources you can trust. Learn about one of the world's oldest and most popular religions. Infoplease is a reference and learning site, combining the contents of an encyclopedia, a dictionary, an atlas and several almanacs loaded with facts. 2nd Rhode Island Regiment. that appeal to campaigners. Some larger units will have majors, lieutenant colonels and colonels. Most people take their roles seriously and pride themselves on representing history as accurately as possible. Family Friendly Units - If reenacting is to become your next family adventure, you're going to have to find a family friendly unit. Odds are that youve already read a decent amount about the war, but most Civil War books focus on the movements of vast armies and the leaders who directed them. 1) Put the Credit Card Away: The absolute best advice anyone can give you is to delay purchasing any gear. 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. 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. 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. All races and ethnicities can reenact. (May 8, 2009) http://www.2ri.org/become_a_member.htm, Bromer, Zachary. Brogans are broad-soled half boots with leather soles worn by the common foot soldier. Immersion events are small reenactments that attract campaigners. 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. And, if one wants, one can carry original muskets if they are safe. Then again in 1938, those same veterans returned. Particularly welcomeand neededat reenactments are Black reenactors. They are great foundational introductions to the topic. Merchants known as sutlers set up on-site to sell clothing, accessories and weapons. Colorado Connecticut. Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Jane McGrath (2020, August 26). There is at least one Civil War era brass band using period instruments and playing period music. California. Mainstreamers cheerfully accept the nickname TBG- which stands for Tubby Bearded Guys. Our way to offer tribute to these great men of the Civil War is to study as much as possible . Tacticals are unscripted battles which are usually not open to the public. 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 are essentially three types of reenactors; mainstream, campaigners, and stitch counters. "Become a Member." Period clothing and accessories can be very expensive -- depending on the period and figure you're portraying. That is my indication and EXPRESSED consent to be treated like a slave by all participating confederate soldiers. The youngest vet eran was 61 and the oldest was 112. Also: Post Your Event Photos, Reviews, & Wrap-Ups. Not all organizations allow family's along for the ride. We seek to commemorate the great hardships and sacrifices of the soldiers and citizens of Indiana during our nation's most turbulent and defining moment in history, the American Civil War. 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. Since 1974, we have represented Indiana's civil war heritage in movies and documentaries, for newspapers and TV, and at schools, museums and reenactments across the US. Are you looking for a highly immersive experience that puts you right in the shoes of a Civil War soldier? Although most common in the United States, there are also American Civil War reenactors in Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Italy, Denmark . Some civilian reenactors may choose to portray professions such as mortician or battlefield surgeon with some women roaming the field as nurses. *This post may contain affiliate links. We are a Civil War reenactment group based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee that portrays the 9th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry (US). If you asked to galvanize (switch sides) for a battle or event, dont complain. 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, Civil War recreationists, or living historians. Between a quarter and a third of the Union army was made up of European immigrants so real or imitation Irish and eastern European accents are welcome. This is especially important when it comes to clothing and weaponry, as we'll see on the next page. Many units have loaner gear or special requirements. Being a Civil War reenactor is about stepping back in time to create believable characterpersonaor what reenactors call an impression. As you become more engaged with the unit, it's time to think about acquiring your own reenactment kit so that new recruits can use the spares while they test the waters. There is no poll showing where reenactors live, but observation would put a majority of them in The South. Just how much does it cost to be a Civil War reenactor? These events help reenactors immerse themselves in the reenacting experience, gaining first-hand knowledge of war, battle strategy, and the hardships of combat. . After all, every one of the reenactors at an event arrived in a 21st century vehicle of some kind. In addition to special uniforms, some reenactors will be tempted to get special firearms. Infoplease is part of the Sandbox Learning family of educational and reference sites for parents, teachers and students. Most reenactors are everyday people from all walks of life, with ages ranging from 16 to people in their sixties. The 49th Indiana, Company F is Indiana's oldest and largest nonprofit organization devoted to portraying life during the American Civil War. 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). Two TV mini-series, Blue & Gray (1982), and North & South (1985) drove interest in reenacting in the early 1980s. 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. Most reenactment organizations also won't allow children under 16 to bear arms. The weapons that reenactors carry are real -- and loaded. 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. 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. "I decided to join the Civil War reenacting group that helped to make the movie." . 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 units staged living histories to explain weapons and uniforms at venues like schools and public parks to recruit new hobbyists. The 26th North Carolina Troops and the 24th Michigan ran head-on into each other on the first day of Gettysburg in McPhersons Woods. Civil War soldiers or civilians didnt have digital watches or plastic frame eyeglasses. A haversack, a kind of handbag worn over the left shoulder, is generally black. One place to find equipment for sale is at the reenactment events. 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. 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. 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. Join us for a captivating reenactment of a Civil War skirmish, brought to life in stunning detail! Its educational and, finally, its a great way to escape the worries of today and pretend in the great outdoors. Load more. Unit Dues - Unit dues are typically the cheapest of all expenses. Following are some useful terms to acquaint you with Civil War Reenacting. Reenactors adopt what they call impressions based on the type of person they want to portray. For the sake of authenticity, women do not bear arms. Most units will have a decent collection of clothes, gear, and even muskets that you can borrow, but it is often difficult to find loaner shoes since many reenactors only own a single pair. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. C.S. 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 150th Manassas, Virginia event was held when the temperature on the field was 114 degrees. Typically, the age restriction for most events is 16 years old to carry a musket/rifle. 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. Most reenacting units have both a website and a Facebook page, making it easier for people to find local units. 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.. 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. 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. Powell, Kimberly. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 1999. Civil War Reenactment Groups The American Civil War, fought between 1861 and 1865, continues to live on in the form of living history reenactments. Units portraying the Vietnam War aren't nearly as prolific as World War 2 or Civil War impressions. 2 nd Connecticut Volunteer Heavy Artillery Regiment, Co. The organization has grown to include dozens of civil war reenactors and their families. Historical reenactment groups and living history groups offer an insight into how men and women lived in past times. 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. 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. Confederate States or Confederate States Army. A love of history of all time periods is common though reenactors focus on the 19th century. 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. If you crave intrigue and a dash of melodrama, historical fiction can make the past come alive. 4 June 2009. 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. Perhaps you have a deep interest in the Civil War and want to experience it and understand it in a way that books can never truly capture. 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. Not sure about the geography of the middle east? Check ourencyclopedia for a gloss on thousands of topics from biographies to the table of elements. The age restriction on handling firearms does not prevent one from taking part in the hobby. Event Dues - This can really depend on the event and what is provided with the fee. How did my ancestors survive battles, diseases, and prison camps on far away battlefields then return home to produce me? Gear - How much a reenactor spends on their gear is a product of individual means, love for the hobby, and type of unit. Camping with ones friends can be an attractive incentive to pack up the gear and drive away rather than staying home doing chores. As a spectator, you have a great opportunity to get a preview of what volunteering is like. The granddaddy of all Civil War sutlers started outfitting reenactors in the mid-1970s. You'll also have to brush up on the language and customs specific to the era. 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.