These can range anywhere from $5 a month to $25 a month. Just about anyone with an interest in reenactment can become a reenactor. Becoming a historical re-enactor requires an unquenchable thirst for history and abiding patience with uncomfortable accommodations and ridiculous outfits. If the unit is a horse-drawn battery, the reenactors are expected to help groom, water, and feed the horses. - Confederate States or Confederate States Army. You've probably thought to yourself that reenacting sounds like fun, but you're just not sure about committing yourself due to time, money, and lack of know-how. 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. When you're starting out as a volunteer, the unit you're working with will probably have a spare uniform you can borrow. If its not, consider trying another group. The state of Pennsylvania hosted thousands of former Union and Confederate soldiers during the weeklong event. For those men who need vision correction and who do not wear contact lens, there are sutlers who deal in eye glasses which are correct for the period. Family Friendly Units - If reenacting is to become your next family adventure, you're going to have to find a family friendly unit. And many battle reenactment societies require that you acquaint yourself thoroughly with the manual of arms. Civil War Reenactment Groups The American Civil War, fought between 1861 and 1865, continues to live on in the form of living history reenactments. For instance, the Stonewall Brigades list is located here. We have committed ourselves to the education of the company membership and general public as to the lifestyle, military service and general values of the Black Civil War soldier through an authentic presentation of living history activities including battle reenactments, interpretive programs, training seminars, and similar programs. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links at no additional cost to you. 4 June 2009. Merchants known as sutlers set up on-site to sell clothing, accessories and weapons. Some units have fifers and drummers. Used by permission of Kathleen Smith. Living Histories at original battlefields are by invitation by the National Park Service or the states that also maintain battlefields. 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. 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. 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. To a CIVIL WAR reenactment. Reenactment, appropriately called "living history," also means living under the same conditions encountered during the past. By now you are probably wondering, "how much is all of this going to cost me? Just how much does it cost to be a Civil War reenactor? Our editors update and regularly refine this enormous body of information to bring you reliable information. 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! 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. "Become a Member." The most famous reenactment of the 1960s was the July 1961 Battle of First Manassas or Bull Run, held on the Manassas National Battlefield. 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. Not all organizations allow family's along for the ride. 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. Most will sleep/camp at the reenactment event. One note for reenactors living in states with strict gun laws. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. The atmosphere is relaxed, allowing reenactors to recruit new members. Learn more about the world with our collection of regional and country maps. or C.S.A. Civilian - A person, male or female, who reenacts any non-military impression during Reenactments. Powell, Kimberly. 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. For further reading suggestions and links to many of these online resources, please see the Stonewall Brigades Recommended Reading list. For example, most reenactors portray common soldiers, but maybe someone wants to portray a foreign-born ancestor so their impression will be augmented by speaking in an accent. People come to Civil War reenacting in a myriad of ways. While reenacting is fun, it is also a physically taxing hobby. Please Keep Reenactment Discussions in Proper Forum! How do your feet feel after marching 22 miles in a single day in thin-soled brogans? Mega events involve thousands of reenactors. Reenactors accept discomfort, port-a-johns, close quarters, and the aches that come with carrying gear that weighs 20 pounds or more. 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. Horses, though trained to expect loud noises from cannons, rifles, pistols and clanging sabers, sometimes throw their riders to the ground. An Authentic Civil War Living History Association, Top Five Tips for Getting Started in Civil War Reenacting. 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. After a near disaster where one reenactor was hit by a Mini ball fragment left in a musket that had been live fired before the event, the National Park Service thereafter banned reenactments from being held on its battlefields. 2) Consider What You Want Out of Reenacting: Spend some time thinking about what aspects of reenacting interest you. Then, the reenactors, tourist bureaus, and entrepreneurs realized that starting in 1991 they could stage larger-than-usual events at five-year intervals starting with the 130th anniversary of the start of the War. Experience being part of bringing our nation's most turbulent and tragic era to life. Finally, there is the largest investment of all, the musket and bayonet. 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. 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. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852. By the time Ken Burns PBS special The Civil War debuted in 1990 interest in the War was on an upswing. Being a Civil War reenactor is about stepping back in time to create believable characterpersonaor what reenactors call an impression. olg pick 4 Required fields are marked *. 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. It is up to reenactors to know if they have the stamina to participate in the action. Also welcome are Black reenactors portraying slaves or free blacks, teamsters, horse handlers, or other roles common to the period. 21st Virginia, F Company, inc., is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501 (c)3 , living history, educational and Civil War re-enactment organization. Attend a few such reenactment events and talk to members of the involved groups to learn more about their reenactment focus and activities. Civil War Reenacting makes an effort to list the websites of reenacting units, but, as might be expected, many units are not listed here. This can mean everything from uncomfortable clothes and terrible food to inclement weather and a poor excuse for a bed. Scouring the sutlers' goods may also set you up for an impulse buy that your historic persona doesn't really need. The USCTs fought as all Black units commanded by white officers. 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. Sutlers Merchants who followed troops during the Civil War. 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. The only difference between the Civil War and the reenacting firing is that no Mini ball is rammed down the barrel. Oftentimes, a young person will find themselves interested in living history but struggle to get involved. How do war reenactments work? Reenactments are family events, so feel free to bring the kids, too. Civil War Traveler lists a variety of events, including reenactments, searchable by state so newcomers can see some reenactments in person and talk to unit members. People come to Civil War reenacting in a myriad of ways. 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. Gear - How much a reenactor spends on their gear is a product of individual means, love for the hobby, and type of unit. Time and place generally work together, so while you're picking your time period, you will generally have a certain location in mind as well. 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. Check your laws! 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. Don't buy a uniform or other equipment until you've joined a unit, which might have its own particular rules for attire. Powell, Kimberly. Sometimes, you'll be able to find authentic uniforms to wear to reenactments, especially for 20th-century wars. All races and ethnicities can reenact. 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. 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. 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. Or, Dad can stay in the military camp while Mom and the kids stay in a civilian camp. Winter reenactors will want heavy overcoats which can cost upwards of $300. Only a handful of men will make generals and they must know how to command at that level. Threadcounter A reenactor who insists on a historically accurate impression, down to fabric and buttonholes having the same threadcount typical of the time. 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. 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. "How to Get Started With Historical Reenacting." John Miller, a veteran reenactor who specializes in the Civil War, warns prospective volunteers that the hobby can get dangerous [source: Miller]. It was anticipation of the 125th anniversary events, starting in 1986, when reenacting turned into a serious hobby. 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. Reenacting can be a family hobby with Dad, Mom, and the kids all portraying 19th century roles. The 125th anniversary of the start of the war in 1986 saw reenacting turn into a serious hobby. While reenactors do like authenticity, they draw the line at paying upwards of $30 for registration fees, but finding over-flowing port-a-johns by Sunday morning. The 49th Indiana Volunteer Infantry is Indiana's oldest, largest and best drilled civil war unit. Many organizations, particularly Civil War, offer family friendly scenarios. 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. Reenactors take their jobs very seriously. The largest event was likely the 135th Gettysburg reenactment where an estimated 15,000 attended. 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. 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. American Civil War Society. clear this with both units and dont just show up expecting to be ok. These characteristics can be challenging to identify by examining a units website or Facebook page or by chatting with the members at an event. Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era is a Pulitzer Prize-winning work on the American Civil War. Infantry is the easiest branch to learn and to finance. If you've gotten this far then hopefully you've put some thought into this endeavor. To submit a reenactment group for consideration, please contact us here. Marches can range from a mile or so from camp to the battlefield to more than 20 miles at special events.
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