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While we are based in Middle Tennessee, we have active and semi-active members in many states from Florida to Arizona and Alabama to Iowa besides our core Tennessee and Kentucky group. or C.S.A. Although most common in the United States, there are also American Civil War reenactors in Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Italy, Denmark . The United States Marines wear distinctive crossed white belts. 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. 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Typical costs for reenacting might include the following. Don't be overwhelmed! But if you're more interested in other wars or time periods, don't despair. 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. Most organization will not watch your 10 year old kid all day. "Become a Member." 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. 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. Civilian - A person, male or female, who reenacts any non-military impression during Reenactments. Still, American Civil War reenactments can take place wherever the hobbyists can find ground. Please Keep Reenactment Discussions in Proper Forum! The website also lists a number of sutler websites. Wearing historically accurate clothing is essential to your impression and attention to details is important, i.e. 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. Reenactments are only fun if there are enough enemies on the other side. 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. But, for whatever reason, something about recreating the life of a Civil War soldier resonates with you and youre interested in joining the hobby. Learn about one of the world's oldest and most popular religions. Focused events try to recreate parts of battles. 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. 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. 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. Reenactors wanting to get as close as possible to how the soldiers lived will use this resource. Horses, though trained to expect loud noises from cannons, rifles, pistols and clanging sabers, sometimes throw their riders to the ground. 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. 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. Are you looking for something you can do with your family? Beginners should start by attending Civil War Reenactments and observing what goes on. 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. During the Civil War Native Americans, Blacks, Asians, and Hispanics fought on both sides. Hard-core reenactors give up all amenities of modern life, from deodorant to modern wristwatches. Check your laws! 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. During fights with frequent firing, muskets have been known to cook off, a pre-mature explosion of the black powder poured down the barrel caused by a still-burning spark. Most reenactors collect their kit over a period of time, borrowing from generous fellow soldiers until they are fully outfitted. The USCTs fought as all Black units commanded by white officers. - "A Union Civil War Living History and Reenacting organization located in the greater Connecticut area. With the exception of events where rains flood the battlefield, reenactments are rarely cancelled for heat or cold. Home Research Top Five Tips for Getting Started in Civil War Reenacting. Gear - How much a reenactor spends on their gear is a product of individual means, love for the hobby, and type of unit. The same uniforms worn in the summer are worn in the winter. Germany . Most units have a list of acceptable gear and approved sutlers. You must have a passion for history and an active imagination. Learning an instrument is typically the easiest way for children to get involved. Do your research before making any purchases to ensure that you get the most authentic bang for your buck. C.S. They are encouraged to buy their opposite impression as soon as they can afford the cost. There is no age requirement for being a Civil War reenactor, but, of course, minors will need to have their parents approval and support. 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. "How to Get Started With Historical Reenacting." American Civil War Society. Welcome! Do not buy from sutlers on-line then select which unit you want to join. While doing their impression many will do a first-person impression. For official duties, these youngstersoften between 10 and 14were called on to fill supporting roles such as drummers, buglers, messengers, and field assistants. 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. These reenactors can make a modest living by working in museums or historic sites such as Plymouth, Mass., or Williamsburg, Va. https://www.thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852 (accessed March 5, 2023). Reenacting is at a cross-roads. Also, merchants who set up during reenactments and sell period-style goods to reenactors and the public. Check your local newspaper or search the Internet to find a reenactment near you. A police officer grips a corner of a torn U.S. flag at a memorial ceremony in New York on Sept. 11, 2004. While the majority of soldiers were in the 1840 age range, in many enlistment cases birth years were overlooked, or were fabricated. 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. Two TV mini-series, Blue & Gray (1982), and North & South (1985) drove interest in reenacting in the early 1980s. Immersion events are small reenactments where reenactors carry everything with them with no resupply from vehicles. 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. 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 . The ones below have been in business for years and may be considered the mainstays of the hobby. 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. Some units are thinking of staging parts of battles as authentically as possible, complete with the scaled down, but statistically correct numbers of casualties, and the maneuvers mentioned in survivor accounts. If you wear eyeglasses, consider purchasing period frames high on your shopping list as well. How do war reenactments work? The N word season pass premium + membership is in full effect for the day. 2nd Rhode Island Regiment. 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. Reenacting events come in varying categories. They should also have a list of recommended vendors that sell uniforms and equipment that meet their units standards. Infoplease is a reference and learning site, combining the contents of an encyclopedia, a dictionary, an atlas and several almanacs loaded with facts. Mega-events also created problems for reenactors such as too little and too far away parking, too little drinking water, and too few port-a-johns. 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. 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. Finding a reenactment unit has gone 21st century. Units of mainstreamers may number from 20 to 100. When you're starting out as a volunteer, the unit you're working with will probably have a spare uniform you can borrow. The reason is obvious. Period clothing and accessories can be very expensive -- depending on the period and figure you're portraying. 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. A reenactor could choose that impression by joining a reenacting unit following those uniform guidelines. She teaches at the Genealogical Institute of Pittsburgh and the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. After all, every one of the reenactors at an event arrived in a 21st century vehicle of some kind. All races and ethnicities can reenact. Most reenacting units are equipped to act as either Federal or Confederate troops in order to be able to balance numbers at reenacting events. The 49th Indiana Volunteer Infantry is Indiana's oldest, largest and best drilled civil war unit. Any unit you contact should be extremely welcoming and do everything they can to have you join their ranks. But if you want to portray a German soldier from World War II, the uniforms are pricier -- typically $300 to $400 [source: Miller]. Reenactors who claim: My ancestors would roll over in their graves if I portrayed the other side are frowned upon. For further reading suggestions and links to many of these online resources, please see the Stonewall Brigades Recommended Reading list. Many reenactors are completely outfitted with clothing, packs, gear, and vehicles their typical persona would carry. Most units will be eager to help you select gear that fits with their authenticity standards and will offer up the unit commander, a non-commissioned officer, or another senior member to mentor you through your initial purchases. 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. 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. Check ourencyclopedia for a gloss on thousands of topics from biographies to the table of elements. A Civil War Reenactment is the recreation of past battles for the education and entertainment of both spectators and hobbyists alike. The problem with these specialty impressions is that they only operate as units. One note for reenactors living in states with strict gun laws. Unit Dues - Unit dues are typically the cheapest of all expenses. https://28thmass.orgLately I've noticed quite a few of you showing more interest in Civil War reenacting specifically. "How to Become a Re-Enactor." This Forum is for Posting Civil War Event Information. The important thing to remember is the child still needs adult supervision. 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. Battle reenactments are scripted recreations of actual Civil War engagements, which spectators pay to come and watch. Civil War Reenactment is one of the fastest growing hobbies in the United States, and with good reason. Be prepared to be footsore! For the Bray family in Brunswick, American Civil War reenactment is more than just a historical hobby it's a family affair. Hand to hand combat is heavily scripted, never engage on your own. Event Dues - This can really depend on the event and what is provided with the fee. 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. 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. Some larger units will have majors, lieutenant colonels and colonels. Sandbox Learning is part of Sandbox & Co., a digital learning company. There are reenactment groups for almost any era that captures your interest, such as ancient Rome, the Middle Ages, the American Revolution or either of the World Wars. 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. Perhaps you have a friend in the hobby who has encouraged you to give it a try. 4. Instead they staged brigade-sized snowball fights. Here are the facts and trivia that people are buzzing about. If you have an interest in our American History during the period of 1861-1865, we invite you to join our ranks. Take your hits (deaths) If you wish to fight in a different unit that a family member fought in during the civil war. The most stare-inducing women reenactors are those ladies portraying Catholic nuns who served as nurses during the war. Need a reference? 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. 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. You can buy relatively cheap U.S. uniforms from the World Wars. 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). While the vast majority of reenactors are standard uniformed Confederate and Union soldiers, there are some small numbers who wear unique uniforms. California. 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. Of course, you might decide that Civil War reenactments aren't your cup of tea, and you'd prefer to dabble in the Colonial era. Perhaps a particular company or regiment in the war had distinctive uniforms. To submit a reenactment group for consideration, please contact us here. Don't buy a uniform or other equipment until you've joined a unit, which might have its own particular rules for attire. 1) Put the Credit Card Away: The absolute best advice anyone can give you is to delay purchasing any gear. It is common to find Black reenactors sprinkled in the Confederate ranks. 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. For many people, there's nothing drier than a dense history book. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Invitation events are smaller with limited numbers of participants making them easier to manage. Also welcome are Black reenactors portraying slaves or free blacks, teamsters, horse handlers, or other roles common to the period. First-person When a reenactor speaks to fellow reenactors and the public as a person during the 1860s. Some states require even single shot, reproduction muskets to be registered with the government. The dues are an important aspect of keeping reenactment groups operating. 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. Reenactors enjoy camping, cooking over an open fire, guns, loud noises, marching, military discipline, and telling stories. Florida. Just about anyone with an interest in reenactment can become a reenactor. Now i ma The persona you select should have some personal significance to you. First-person - When a reenactor speaks to fellow reenactors and the public as a person during the 1860s. There are scores of sutlers who operate regionally and nationally. Not only does it reinforce our sense of pride in our heritage, but its something in which the entire family can participate. Brogans are broad-soled half boots with leather soles worn by the common foot soldier. You'll also have to brush up on the language and customs specific to the era. Leather cartridge box, belt, bayonet scabbard and cap box come in a variety of types and colors such as russet brown, but most men choose black so the same accoutrements can be used for both Confederate and Union impressions. Before you start investing cash in reenacting, attend enough events to ensure that its a hobby that you truly enjoy and want to purse. "How to Get Started With Historical Reenacting." Load more. How does a starving man march 20 miles then go into a three-hour battle? [1]. Typically, the age restriction for most events is 16 years old to carry a musket/rifle. If you asked to galvanize (switch sides) for a battle or event, dont complain. ThoughtCo. We are a Civil War reenactment group based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee that portrays the 9th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry (US). These events help reenactors immerse themselves in the reenacting experience, gaining first-hand knowledge of war, battle strategy, and the hardships of combat. 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. And, if one wants, one can carry original muskets if they are safe. 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. One can read the history of how Confederate Major General Ambrose Powell Hills Light Division marched 22 miles from Harpers Ferry, Virginia to Sharpsburg, Maryland. Infoplease is part of the Sandbox Learning family of educational and reference sites for parents, teachers and students. Most people take their roles seriously and pride themselves on representing history as accurately as possible. You'll have the Web at your fingertips to research an object's authenticity -- and to compare prices from multiple vendors. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Too far forward, and the percussion cap is exploding in his ear. Many organizations, particularly Civil War, offer family friendly scenarios. Most reenacting units require members to own dual impressions; both Union and Confederate. 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. 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. With sound recordings, new generations could hear the Rebel yellyelped by 95-year-old men who still had the spunk to give it. 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. Their website is: www.CivilWarNews.com, Camp Chase Gazette is a how-to magazine for authentic reenactors. Little children have no business on the field because they can become separated from parents. Impression Many reenactors will choose an impression during a reenactment. Is there a list or quartermaster who do I need to contact to get involved as a reenactor for the civil war. Shopping online is a good alternative to making purchases at a reenactment. . or C.S.A. People come to Civil War reenacting in a myriad of ways. While Confederate regulations called for a kepi, most men opted for a slouch hat, a broad-brimmed hat of varying styles. These can range anywhere from $5 a month to $25 a month. If the unit is dedicated to historical accuracy, the accommodations will be meager. 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. For instance, the Stonewall Brigades list is located here. When looking through our list of reenactment groups, be sure to really think about what is important to you. There are a wide variety of canteens including wooden ones that Confederate soldiers carried, but which would not be appropriate for Union soldiers. To a CIVIL WAR reenactment. How to Get Started With Historical Reenacting. Most units require members to be at least 16 years old before they can fall into ranks with a musket because of the maturity necessary to handle a firearm. 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. WELCOME TO THE 49TH INDIANA CO.F. To those who do not do it, reenacting may seem like an odd hobby; spending the weekend recreating a war that killed upwards of three quarters of a million people when the United States population was just 31 million. The Author (far right in a Derby) with Shelby Foote at a Reenactment in the Early 1990s, Photograph provided by: Color Sergeant Clint Johnson 26th Regiment of North Carolina Troops, Shelby Foote, a historian who spent more than 20 years writing a three-volume history of The Civil War, was surrounded by several reenactors outside of a university where he was speaking. How do your feet feel after marching 22 miles in a single day in thin-soled brogans? (May 8, 2009) http://www.2ri.org/become_a_member.htm, Bromer, Zachary. Figure the cost of your accessories into your budget, too. 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. While headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, our membership encompasses Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. 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.