How do I join a unit as a reenactor? Reenactors adopt what they call impressions based on the type of person they want to portray. While the uniforms are generallywelluniform, hats (at least for Confederate portrayals) can be a matter of personal choice. Finding a reenactment unit has gone 21st century. Instead they staged brigade-sized snowball fights. Invitation events are smaller with limited numbers of participants making them easier to manage. *This post may contain affiliate links. Nothing spoils the look of a rank of men in a battle line then seeing someone wearing modern day glasses or ear rings. Scouring the sutlers' goods may also set you up for an impulse buy that your historic persona doesn't really need. Reenacting units staged living histories to explain weapons and uniforms at venues like schools and public parks to recruit new hobbyists. "How to Get Started With Historical Reenacting." Or, Dad can stay in the military camp while Mom and the kids stay in a civilian camp. For the Bray family in Brunswick, American Civil War reenactment is more than just a historical hobby it's a family affair. 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. 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. While Confederate regulations called for a kepi, most men opted for a slouch hat, a broad-brimmed hat of varying styles. 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. They carried Sharps rifles. People come to Civil War reenacting in a myriad of ways. 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 . Most organization will not watch your 10 year old kid all day. 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. We had a weekend with perfect weather and many exciting and educational activities. 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). While doing their impression many will do a first-person impression. The weapons that reenactors carry are real -- and loaded. Both sides tolerate them. 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). Hundreds of . Mega-events, reenactments where reenactors number several thousand, are likely gone forever now that the 150th anniversary events ended in 2015. If its not, consider trying another group. It is particularly valuable for its calendar of upcoming events, and book reviews. But if you want to portray a German soldier from World War II, the uniforms are pricier -- typically $300 to $400 [source: Miller]. 21st Virginia, F Company, inc., is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501 (c)3 , living history, educational and Civil War re-enactment organization. Many organizations, particularly Civil War, offer family friendly scenarios. BOOK TIP: "The Illustrated Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era". These organizations will often have a camp life where young ones can partake in 1860's life styles. Sutlers set up large tents at reenactments and also sell on-line. Read more. They'll have fun watching the excitement, and you'll get to teach them about history. Home Research Top Five Tips for Getting Started in Civil War Reenacting. Many reenactors are completely outfitted with clothing, packs, gear, and vehicles their typical persona would carry. Both shows used reenactors for the first time, a revelation for Hollywood directors who suddenly realized that their extras knew how to act like Civil War soldiers. Family Friendly Units - If reenacting is to become your next family adventure, you're going to have to find a family friendly unit. Post Advance Schedules Up to 1 Year in Advance. Some units have fifers and drummers. Be sure to look into this. When events are not limited by the numbers of participants per side, some events have seen Confederates outnumber Federals by five to oneat battles which the Federals won. The website also lists a number of sutler websites. Event Dues - This can really depend on the event and what is provided with the fee. No one in the 21st century really knows what it was like in the 19th century, but one can develop an idea from reading about the time period and convert that idea into a reenacting reality. In addition to special uniforms, some reenactors will be tempted to get special firearms. Reenacting does require a commitment, however, in both time and resources. Two TV mini-series, Blue & Gray (1982), and North & South (1985) drove interest in reenacting in the early 1980s. 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. Prospective reenactors should research units to judge how accepting they are of family participation. 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. Reenactor A person, male or female, dedicated to recreating the War Between the States or Civil War. There are essentially three types of reenactors; mainstream, campaigners, and stitch counters. This is especially important when it comes to clothing and weaponry, as we'll see on the next page. To volunteer in historical reenactments, you'll be dedicating your time, sacrificing your modern comforts and paying a pretty penny. Reenactment, appropriately called "living history," also means living under the same conditions encountered during the past. The most famous reenactment of the 1960s was the July 1961 Battle of First Manassas or Bull Run, held on the Manassas National Battlefield. Don't let that stop you! 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. This can mean everything from uncomfortable clothes and terrible food to inclement weather and a poor excuse for a bed. Have you often wondered what it might have been like to actually live in the past? A reenactor is a special breed of person. The best first purchase you can make is a pair of well-built shoes, usually called brogans or bootees. 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. Children as young as 8 have been seen at many reenactments partaking in field music. 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. Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era is a Pulitzer Prize-winning work on the American Civil War. Although most common in the United States, there are also American Civil War reenactors in Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Italy, Denmark . And that's not including weaponry: An M1 Garand will put you out $700 to $900, while other period guns cost less than $100. 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. The ones below have been in business for years and may be considered the mainstays of the hobby. 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. Gear - How much a reenactor spends on their gear is a product of individual means, love for the hobby, and type of unit. 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. Your email address will not be published. By now you are probably wondering, "how much is all of this going to cost me? 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. Cavalry and artillery reenactors have the added burden of worrying about their horses and mules stepping into holes on the field. The exhaustion felt at the end of that reenacting march brings home the realization that the soldiers of the Civil War were tough. Take your hits (deaths) If you wish to fight in a different unit that a family member fought in during the civil war. 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. Then again in 1938, those same veterans returned. For instance, the 26th Regiment of North Carolina Troops also portrays the 24th Michigan of The Iron Brigade when it reenacts as Federals. Please Keep Reenactment Discussions in Proper Forum! The problem with modern day reenacting for USCTs is that they were not at many of the major battles because the original Union generals refused to put them into ranks beside white soldiers and because significant numbers werent enlisted or trained until the middle of 1863. Most people choose a reenactment group that operates fairly close to home - at least within a day's drive. 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! 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. Aside from physical distance, a reenactor needs to take into consideration a few factors. Units portraying the Vietnam War aren't nearly as prolific as World War 2 or Civil War impressions. I, Eighth Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, Company A, Incorporated, 11th Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, Company G, Fourteenth Regiment Connecticut, Van Dyke's Howitizers 1st Florida Artillery. While the vast majority of reenactors are standard uniformed Confederate and Union soldiers, there are some small numbers who wear unique uniforms. Typical costs for reenacting might include the following. Following are some useful terms to acquaint you with Civil War Reenacting. Reliving the Civil War: A Re-enactors Handbook. 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. The derogatory term for this same person is stitch nazi.. All races and ethnicities can reenact. Historical reenacting gives you that chance. 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. Reenactments are only fun if there are enough enemies on the other side. Just about anyone with an interest in reenactment can become a reenactor. And, they must already have relationships with the brigades and divisions they want to command. We have members in four states Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi and Arkansas. Any unit you contact should be extremely welcoming and do everything they can to have you join their ranks. Once you do, it's time to create your own historical persona. 3 rd Florida Volunteer Infantry, Co. Too far forward, and the percussion cap is exploding in his ear. Required fields are marked *. In 2014 the name was changed to North Florida Artillery Historical Foundation, Inc. was established as a non profit/IRS organization. Most units have a list of acceptable gear and approved sutlers. Photos from the time period show some men marching in ranks with M-1 Garands, World War II semi-automatic rifles. Arkansas Infantry Reenactors. Do you have a passion for Ancient Rome, medieval fashion, or Colonial America, and the Salem Witch Trials? The 26th North Carolina Troops and the 24th Michigan ran head-on into each other on the first day of Gettysburg in McPhersons Woods. We do this by portraying soldiers and citizens at . Attend a few such reenactment events and talk to members of the involved groups to learn more about their reenactment focus and activities. This list is by no means complete. 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. Civil War reenactors attempt to answer Footes rhetorical question by putting their 21st century selves into the roles of 19th century people. Most reenactment groups have extra clothing, uniforms,costumes, and props that they are willing to loan to newcomers. Is there a list or quartermaster who do I need to contact to get involved as a reenactor for the civil war. To take part in high quality reenactments a reenactor should expect to drive at least a day for quality events. 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. 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. 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. Berdans Sharpshooters were a Federal unit of sharpshooters who wore dark green uniforms as an early form of camouflage. It is up to reenactors to know if they have the stamina to participate in the action. Invitation events are smaller events where organizers limit the number of participants in order to better manage the scale. That is my indication and EXPRESSED consent to be treated like a slave by all participating confederate soldiers. Also, merchants who set up during reenactments and sell period-style goods to reenactors and the public. To submit a reenactment group for consideration, please contact us here. And, if one wants, one can carry original muskets if they are safe. If you are up to the task, here's some information to get you started. 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. 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 ]. "I decided to join the Civil War reenacting group that helped to make the movie." . That means single reenactors in a specialty uniform must search out similar reenactors to fall in with at events. Muskets are real guns and fire a full powder charge but no bullet. 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. Also welcome are Black reenactors portraying slaves or free blacks, teamsters, horse handlers, or other roles common to the period. Civil War News is a monthly newspaper that covers news about battlefield preservation, and reenacting. Local living histories at venues such as historically themed parks are where many potential reenactors see their first living historians. Most reenactment organizations also won't allow children under 16 to bear arms. We are active from Virginia to New England. Arch supports were not invented in the 1860s, but feel free to put anything inside that helps you march. Still, the best plan for new reenactors is to join a unit and ask for help from the old hands in selecting uniforms and equipment. How do your feet feel after marching 22 miles in a single day in thin-soled brogans? Historical reenactors are known for being sticklers for accuracy. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. As they learn how to be a soldier, they take tests and advance through the non-commissioned ranks to corporals and sergeants. If you asked to galvanize (switch sides) for a battle or event, dont complain. Some larger units will have majors, lieutenant colonels and colonels. Check out our article How to Join a Reenactment Group. Perry's Headquarters Flag, Authentic, Original, Antique Civil War Cavalry Boots, 1840-Civil War Authentic Mechanic/ Wheel Cap Campaigner Repro by Mike Anderson, A RARE AUTHENTIC ORIGINAL EARLY CIVIL WAR CAVALRY UNIFORM, Authentic General US Grant Civil War Currier and Ives Lithograph Original Frame. The 125th anniversary of the start of the war in 1986 saw reenacting turn into a serious hobby. The largest event was likely the 135th Gettysburg reenactment where an estimated 15,000 attended. Reenacting events come in varying categories. The unit you ultimately join should be in a position to provide the elements that you want to get out of reenacting. Reenacting the Civil War as a hobby got off to a shaky start during in the 1960s when authenticity was ignored in favor of doing something, anything, to commemorate the Centennial. By Robert Arvay. How the Civilian Conservation Corps Worked, Historical Reenactment Costumes and Equipment, 2nd Rhode Island Regiment. Did you have ancestors who participated in a particular war? 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. Keep attending reenactments until you find a period that suits your specific interests and talents. Some civilian reenactors may choose to portray professions such as mortician or battlefield surgeon with some women roaming the field as nurses. Authentic Campaigner is a blog dedicated to events, impressions, goods, etc. 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. We strive for accurate historical depiction of our original unit." YouTube Video Creator "History Boy" Drummer, 8th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry Co. Cavalry reenactors have uniforms that are patterned after original cavalry uniforms. 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. They will speak as though the War Between the States is current. Also: Post Your Event Photos, Reviews, & Wrap-Ups. Merchants known as sutlers set up on-site to sell clothing, accessories and weapons. If looking to dive into Vietnam reenacting, the number one piece of advice is to speak to a unit before making purchases. 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. The North Florida Artillery was incorporated as a non-profit organization in the state of Florida in March 2007. Once the leather gear, muskets, and bayonets are purchased, only the opposite sides coat and pants are a necessary purchase to correctly portray the other side. 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. In other words, you can try it out and see how you like it. Some people do take the "authenticity" to an extreme, but most groups welcome anyone with an interest. The 125th Franklin, Tennessee event was held in minus 10 wind chill. 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. 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. Reenactors enjoy camping, cooking over an open fire, guns, loud noises, marching, military discipline, and telling stories. "Become a Member." The dues are an important aspect of keeping reenactment groups operating. Now that the sesquicentennial is over, the future of reenacting is being debated. While reenacting is a hobby, it has some of the trappings of operating in an actual army. A Civil War Reenactment is the recreation of past battles for the education and entertainment of both spectators and hobbyists alike. Reenacting remained a small hobby during the mid-1970s when events numbering several hundred reenactors were common. 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. Some of the young men who started reenacting decades ago when the 125th anniversary events attracted them are now passing through middle age. Most reenacting units are equipped to act as either Federal or Confederate troops in order to be able to balance numbers at reenacting events. For further reading suggestions and links to many of these online resources, please see the Stonewall Brigades Recommended Reading list. 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. Being a Civil War reenactor is about stepping back in time to create believable characterpersonaor what reenactors call an impression. Most large re-enactment events take place outdoors, so spring through fall are very active times of the year for the majority of these groups. Living histories take place at the actual battlefield by invitation from the National Park Service. 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 ].