Here you can find a list of groups that portray the Great War period. For many people, there's nothing drier than a dense history book. Reenactors recreate history by portraying the look, actions, and lives of a person from a particular time period of history. 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 stitch counters can belong in either the mainstream or the campaigner camp. For the Bray family in Brunswick, American Civil War reenactment is more than just a historical hobby it's a family affair. Unit Type - Not all organizations are the same. While the majority of soldiers were in the 1840 age range, in many enlistment cases birth years were overlooked, or were fabricated. https://28thmass.orgLately I've noticed quite a few of you showing more interest in Civil War reenacting specifically. Infantry is the easiest branch to learn and to finance. "How to Become a Re-Enactor." Finding an organization for a child to partake in is not difficult. We had a weekend with perfect weather and many exciting and educational activities. Are you interested in conducting research into tiny details of soldiers lives? Be prepared to be footsore! Discover more about American history at one of these events. This manual includes such things as company tactics and firing details [source: Miller]. . The NPS decided that mock battles detracted from the commemorative nature of the battlefields. While family involvement may be the goal of some reenactors, others enjoy the freedom of being away from the family on the weekend. When brigaded with other units, a reenactor general may command 200-300 men. 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. If you choose an active reenactment role, you'll need to be in good health, capable of the physical activity and lack of everyday comforts that are inherent in reenacting. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 1999. 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. Only a handful of men will make generals and they must know how to command at that level. Whats not to like? (May 8, 2009) http://www.salary.com/personal/layoutscripts/psnl_articles.asp?tab=psn&cat=cat011&ser=ser032, Miller, John. An Authentic Civil War Living History Association, Top Five Tips for Getting Started in Civil War Reenacting. Civil War Reenactment is one of the fastest growing hobbies in the United States, and with good reason. Reenacting for many is a serious, but fun, event. Learning an instrument is typically the easiest way for children to get involved. Some larger units will have majors, lieutenant colonels and colonels. These events help reenactors immerse themselves in the reenacting experience, gaining first-hand knowledge of war, battle strategy, and the hardships of combat. C.S. The Event Wire - Information. Battle reenactments are scripted recreations of actual Civil War engagements, which spectators pay to come and watch. While the three-banded musket is standard, there might be the occasional chance to carry something else. While doing their impression many will do a first-person impression. How does a starving man march 20 miles then go into a three-hour battle? [1]. Event Dues - This can really depend on the event and what is provided with the fee. 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. Shopping online is a good alternative to making purchases at a reenactment. Arkansas Infantry Reenactors. 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. Speculation among reenactors is that smaller, focused events is where the hobby is headed. 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). Reenactors often do more interacting with the visiting public such as performing drill and firing demonstrations, and giving flag and equipment talks. We do this by portraying soldiers and citizens at . This video brings you to the historic battlefields of Aike. Check your local newspaper or search the Internet to find a reenactment near you. A basic infantryman's kit can be assembled starting around $1,000, but once you start adding in costly replica weapons and period-authentic accoutrementsor you have your heart set on being a cavalry officeryou could easily spend many thousands. 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. The Texas Rifles are seeking men and women of valor to join us and thousands of other history-minded hobbyists to experience, first hand, one of the country's fastest-growing, most unique recreational activities. Kimberly Powell is a professional genealogist and the author of The Everything Guide to Online Genealogy. These organizations will often have a camp life where young ones can partake in 1860's life styles. The reason is obvious. The 49th Indiana Volunteer Infantry is Indiana's oldest, largest and best drilled civil war unit. These characteristics can be challenging to identify by examining a units website or Facebook page or by chatting with the members at an event. Sutlers set up large tents at reenactments and also sell on-line. Once you invest time and money into historical volunteerism, you'll likely find great reward from all your efforts. 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. When looking through our list of reenactment groups, be sure to really think about what is important to you. Just how much does it cost to be a Civil War reenactor? 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. C.S. Not all organizations allow family's along for the ride. 4. Reproduction clothing can cost several hundred dollars, and reproduction period rifles as much as $1000. A haversack, a kind of handbag worn over the left shoulder, is generally black. In FULL SLAVE garb. 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. These can range anywhere from $5 a month to $25 a month. But if you've got the mettle and undying enthusiasm for history, we'll walk you through the basics of how to get involved. Don't let that stop you! The United States Colored Troops, the freemen and runaway slaves who joined the Union army in numbers around 180,000, are a small, but highly appreciated branch of reenacting. Our way to offer tribute to these great men of the Civil War is to study as much as possible . Children as young as 8 have been seen at many reenactments partaking in field music. While some of the research is now a bit dated, there is no better place to start than Bell Wileys classicsThe Life of Johnny Reb: The Common Soldier of the Confederacyand The Life of Billy Yank: The Common Soldier of the Union. 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. Civilian - A person, male or female, who reenacts any non-military impression during Reenactments. 1) Put the Credit Card Away: The absolute best advice anyone can give you is to delay purchasing any gear. 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. 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. Alright, as a black man I have to say this: * ahem * IF. 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. The fully equipped reenactor will spend around $2,500 to $3,000, but that gear, with the exception of brogans, will last as long as the reenactor will. That part of history cannot be changed. Too many curious volunteers have spent hundreds of dollars on costumes and equipment only to find out that the experience is more grueling than they bargained for. There are scores of sutlers who operate regionally and nationally. 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. To submit a reenactment group for consideration, please contact us here. Once the basics are purchased, reenactors move on to acquire other gear like a canvas dog tent, or a larger A-frame tent, a gum or rubber blanket/poncho for putting down on the ground or wearing as rain gear, and cooking gear like tin frying pans and cooking grates. 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. 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. 2022 Sandbox Networks Inc. All rights reserved. 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. And, if one wants, one can carry original muskets if they are safe. 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. . Muster A gathering, especially of troops, for service, inspection, review or roll call. Women have to make the effort to disguise themselves as men. Focused events try to recreate parts of battles. That is my indication and EXPRESSED consent to be treated like a slave by all participating confederate soldiers. A musket will shoot a flame of fire and unburned powder out the muzzle. Their website is: www.CivilWarNews.com, Camp Chase Gazette is a how-to magazine for authentic reenactors. A canteen holding about two quarts of water is critical. Local living histories at venues such as historically themed parks are where many potential reenactors see their first living historians. A police officer grips a corner of a torn U.S. flag at a memorial ceremony in New York on Sept. 11, 2004. 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 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. 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. 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 largest event was the 135th Gettysburg reenactment which involved 15,000 reenactors. 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. 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. Mountains might be climbed. 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. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. During the Civil War Native Americans, Blacks, Asians, and Hispanics fought on both sides. Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Jane McGrath 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). It is particularly valuable for its calendar of upcoming events, and book reviews. They are encouraged to buy their opposite impression as soon as they can afford the cost. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. American Civil War Reenactment Groups Historical reenactment groups and living history groups offer an insight into how men and women lived in past times. The atmosphere is relaxed, allowing reenactors to recruit new members. 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). Whether you've chosen to be a fur trapper, a soldier or a medieval princess, this clothing and accessories you select for your kit should match your persona.