The only difference between the Civil War and the reenacting firing is that no Mini ball is rammed down the barrel. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links at no additional cost to you. Some larger units will have majors, lieutenant colonels and colonels. Reenacting. Before you purchase a musket and show up to your first event, you may find the following tips useful. The persona you select should have some personal significance to you. "How to Become a Re-Enactor." A reenactor could choose that impression by joining a reenacting unit following those uniform guidelines. Women participate as nurses, vivandieres, cooks, laundresses, or wives and sisters visiting the soldier in camp. Horses, though trained to expect loud noises from cannons, rifles, pistols and clanging sabers, sometimes throw their riders to the ground. Do your research before making any purchases to ensure that you get the most authentic bang for your buck. In historical reenactments, people from all walks of life gather together, dressed head-to-toe in period clothing. Here you can find a list of groups that portray the American Civil War period. These reenactors can make a modest living by working in museums or historic sites such as Plymouth, Mass., or Williamsburg, Va. Civilian - A person, male or female, who reenacts any non-military impression during Reenactments. 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. 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. https://28thmass.orgLately I've noticed quite a few of you showing more interest in Civil War reenacting specifically. For instance, the 26th Regiment of North Carolina Troops also portrays the 24th Michigan of The Iron Brigade when it reenacts as Federals. Some states require even single shot, reproduction muskets to be registered with the government. If you can find material written by men from the unit you portray, even better. The 125th Franklin, Tennessee event was held in minus 10 wind chill. American Civil War Reenactment Groups. 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. 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. Need a reference? A love of history of all time periods is common though reenactors focus on the 19th century. Many organizations, particularly Civil War, offer family friendly scenarios. Buy at a reenactment or with the help of an experience unit member. st croix zillow dollar genetal near me bnha x innocent reader. "How to Get Started With Historical Reenacting." In a reenactment, a persona is a character and role that you choose to portray. 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! They should also have a list of recommended vendors that sell uniforms and equipment that meet their units standards. 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. Infoplease is a reference and learning site, combining the contents of an encyclopedia, a dictionary, an atlas and several almanacs loaded with facts. 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. Two TV mini-series, Blue & Gray (1982), and North & South (1985) drove interest in reenacting in the early 1980s. Reenactors refer to their clothing and equipment as theirkit. Just as in the Civil War armies, men who take on the rank must be able to perform at that rank. Muster A gathering, especially of troops, for service, inspection, review or roll call. Reenacting does require a commitment, however, in both time and resources. 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. The United States Marines wear distinctive crossed white belts. A reenactor is a special breed of person. The important thing to remember is the child still needs adult supervision. Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era is a Pulitzer Prize-winning work on the American Civil War. Your email address will not be published. Are you really excited about being a part of large battle reenactments? 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. 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. A colonial shopkeeper will have a pretty simple costume compared to a Civil War general's uniform. AUTHENTIC Civil War Flag General W.F. 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. She teaches at the Genealogical Institute of Pittsburgh and the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. In FULL SLAVE garb. Welcome! and then went into battle to save Lees army, but until one has marched that same route, it is all theory. Reenactor A person, male or female, dedicated to recreating the War Between the States or Civil War. 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. This is especially important when it comes to clothing and weaponry, as we'll see on the next page. Mainstream is exactly what it sounds like, reenactors ranging in age from teenagers to well-beyond middle age who like the hobby, but who also do not fit the Civil War image of soldiers being thin and between the ages of 18-25. Here are the facts and trivia that people are buzzing about. 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. Most reenactment organizations also won't allow children under 16 to bear arms. 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. To volunteer in historical reenactments, you'll be dedicating your time, sacrificing your modern comforts and paying a pretty penny. Most will sleep/camp at the reenactment event. 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. The NPS decided that mock battles detracted from the commemorative nature of the battlefields. The Centennial created some interest in Hollywood, resulting in some Civil War era television shows like The Gray Ghost (1957) and The Americans (1961), and movies like Shenandoah (1965). 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]. One note for reenactors living in states with strict gun laws. These characteristics can be challenging to identify by examining a units website or Facebook page or by chatting with the members at an event. If you've gotten this far then hopefully you've put some thought into this endeavor. Scouring the sutlers' goods may also set you up for an impulse buy that your historic persona doesn't really need. Subscribe to our newsletter * indicates required. Shopping online is a good alternative to making purchases at a reenactment. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 1999. Perhaps you have a friend in the hobby who has encouraged you to give it a try. Beginners should start by attending Civil War Reenactments and observing what goes on. No reenactor will respond to an unknown general who walks onto the field and tries to take command of units who do not know him. If you are having any kind of encampment and want it in a certain order, let them know ahead of time. The largest event was likely the 135th Gettysburg reenactment where an estimated 15,000 attended. The main thing one has to learn is the infantry drill, and to follow orders to execute maneuvers. 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 English Civil War Society UK: English Civil War: 1642 AD 1651 AD Combat reenactment, living history, educational visits, film and TV work Ermine Street Guard UK: Roman army: 50 AD 200 AD Combat reenactment, living history, TV and film work, education work, research Historia Normannis UK France USA: Middle Ages: 1100 1215 Combat reenactment . Figure the cost of your accessories into your budget, too. Reenacting units are organized in companies and regiments by reenactors from the same geographic area, much as Civil War companies and regiments were organized. - Confederate States or Confederate States Army. These events help reenactors immerse themselves in the reenacting experience, gaining first-hand knowledge of war, battle strategy, and the hardships of combat. Many units keep a stock of uniforms and other equipment on hand in order to let people try the hobby out rather than invest in it only to discover that they do not really like playing the role of a 1860s soldier. Children as young as 8 have been seen at many reenactments partaking in field music. Historical reenactment groups and living history groups offer an insight into how men and women lived in past times. Brush up on your geography and finally learn what countries are in Eastern Europe with our maps. Too far forward, and the percussion cap is exploding in his ear. While headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, our membership encompasses Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. Some civilian reenactors may choose to portray professions such as mortician or battlefield surgeon with some women roaming the field as nurses. We do this by portraying soldiers and citizens at . The persona is sometimes referred to as an impression. An Authentic Civil War Living History Association, Top Five Tips for Getting Started in Civil War Reenacting. 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. 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. 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) 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. If youre interested in an immersive, authentic experience, joining a mainstream unit will be a poor fit. Civil War reenactors attempt to answer Footes rhetorical question by putting their 21st century selves into the roles of 19th century people. Living Histories at original battlefields are by invitation by the National Park Service or the states that also maintain battlefields. All reenactors come into the unit as privates. You will need to visit a sutlery (supply store run by a civilian, a "sutler"), either online or in person, in order to get your basic gear, called a "kit". We come from in and around Shelby County. These can range anywhere from $5 a month to $25 a month. Your email address will not be published. Most reenactors join the infantry, which is followed in popularity by the artillery, then the cavalry and there are a few naval interpreters. Speculation among reenactors is that smaller, focused events is where the hobby is headed. Only a handful of men will make generals and they must know how to command at that level. 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. California. 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. Salary.com. 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. When brigaded with other units, a reenactor general may command 200-300 men. Reenactments are family events, so feel free to bring the kids, too. Hand to hand combat is heavily scripted, never engage on your own. While those shows inspired then young, now-middle aged reenactors to study the war, the producers paid little attention to authenticity. Civil War Encampment & Reenactment 2021 August 5, 2021 | Education, Events and Programs, Historic Hanna's Town Thank you to everyone who joined us for the biannual Civil War Encampment and Reenactment! Reenacting events come in varying categories. 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. The physically disabled cannot take the field as soldiers, but the impression of a wounded soldier in a period wheel chair being pushed by a civilian in period clothes is welcome. Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Jane McGrath Powell, Kimberly. Don't be overwhelmed! That is also the reason why most leather gear is black, the standard Union color. Cavalry reenactors have uniforms that are patterned after original cavalry uniforms. 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. Once you invest time and money into historical volunteerism, you'll likely find great reward from all your efforts. With the exception of events where rains flood the battlefield, reenactments are rarely cancelled for heat or cold. Now that the sesquicentennial is over, the future of reenacting is being debated. Most reenactors collect their kit over a period of time, borrowing from generous fellow soldiers until they are fully outfitted. But if you're more interested in other wars or time periods, don't despair. Also welcome are Black reenactors portraying slaves or free blacks, teamsters, horse handlers, or other roles common to the period. And that's not including weaponry: An M1 Garand will put you out $700 to $900, while other period guns cost less than $100. Load more. 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]. Units of mainstreamers may number from 20 to 100. Larger regiments will combine those companies to form a state-wide organization. If its not, consider trying another group. Civil War News is a monthly newspaper that covers news about battlefield preservation, and reenacting. Typical costs for reenacting might include the following. 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. How do war reenactments work? A few options to consider. Many groups may bridge these labels and there is a great degree of variation within the clusters, but generally reenacting organizations fall into one of the following categories: 3) Do Your Research on Units: The current reality of the reenacting hobby is that every unit is eager, if not borderline desperate, to add new recruits to their ranks. Real sticklers discourage men from wearing wedding bands as that custom was not around during The Civil War. 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. A typical period correct firearm will cost upwards of $1000. Reenactors carry everything with them with no resupply from a vehicle, speak in first person and essentially lose themselves entirely in the war for the weekend. Event Dues - This can really depend on the event and what is provided with the fee. Which branch reenactors join is up to their interest in each branchand their financial resources. Finding an organization for a child to partake in is not difficult. Many units have loaner gear or special requirements. Historical reenactors are known for being sticklers for accuracy. How do I join a unit as a reenactor? 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. The 150th Manassas, Virginia event was held when the temperature on the field was 114 degrees. I show up. Invitation events are smaller with limited numbers of participants making them easier to manage. Active members, either military or . While reenacting is fun, it is also a physically taxing hobby. Infantry is the easiest branch to learn and to finance. You'll have the Web at your fingertips to research an object's authenticity -- and to compare prices from multiple vendors. The further that is away from the face, the better. Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved by Milsurpia. 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. Each unit has a different function and will provide a much different experience. Unit Dues - Unit dues are typically the cheapest of all expenses. 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. Reenactors need a shirt, coat, pants, wool socks, and a hat. Most reenacting units are equipped to act as either Federal or Confederate troops in order to be able to balance numbers at reenacting events. 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. Other less expensive options are impressions of a civilian water boy, drummer boy, messenger, or just a regular kidthey were certainly, if unfortunately, caught up in the war. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. By joining such a society, you'll have time to try out your persona before committing to any major purchases for your own kit. While Confederate regulations called for a kepi, most men opted for a slouch hat, a broad-brimmed hat of varying styles. It was anticipation of the 125th anniversary events, starting in 1986, when reenacting turned into a serious hobby. Confederate States or Confederate States Army. 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. That means single reenactors in a specialty uniform must search out similar reenactors to fall in with at events. All races and ethnicities can reenact. The N word season pass premium + membership is in full effect for the day. Take your hits (deaths) If you wish to fight in a different unit that a family member fought in during the civil war.