4 June 2009. 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. 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. These organizations will often have a camp life where young ones can partake in 1860's life styles. 2 nd Connecticut Volunteer Heavy Artillery Regiment, Co. And finally, muskets are real guns. 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. Check your local newspaper or reenactment Web sites for listings of upcoming reenactment events in your area. Modern day work boots are not acceptable. 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. 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. (May 8, 2009) http://www.salary.com/personal/layoutscripts/psnl_articles.asp?tab=psn&cat=cat011&ser=ser032, Miller, John. Most reenacting units are equipped to act as either Federal or Confederate troops in order to be able to balance numbers at reenacting events. In a reenactment, a persona is a character and role that you choose to portray. For instance, the Stonewall Brigades list is located here. Learn about one of the world's oldest and most popular religions. Aside from physical distance, a reenactor needs to take into consideration a few factors. 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. 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. 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. Do not make the mistake of spending a lot of money on gear that ends up gathering dust in your basement or up for sale on eBay. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852. All reenactors come into the unit as privates. Many reenactors are completely outfitted with clothing, packs, gear, and vehicles their typical persona would carry. Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era is a Pulitzer Prize-winning work on the American Civil War. This list is by no means complete. Beginners should start by attending Civil War Reenactments and observing what goes on. 2022 Sandbox Networks Inc. All rights reserved. The further that is away from the face, the better. 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. Most reenactors join the infantry, which is followed in popularity by the artillery, then the cavalry and there are a few naval interpreters. Uniforms are all wool for Federal portrayals, and a wool and cotton blend for Confederates. A canteen holding about two quarts of water is critical. Three factors come into play, and the United States demonstrates all of them. Reenacting units staged living histories to explain weapons and uniforms at venues like schools and public parks to recruit new hobbyists. Reenactors believe that a weekend playing soldier or civilian brings them closer to understanding the experiences of the men and women who lived in that time. Two TV mini-series, Blue & Gray (1982), and North & South (1985) drove interest in reenacting in the early 1980s. 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 49th Indiana, Company F is Indiana's oldest and largest nonprofit organization devoted to portraying life during the American Civil War. Marches can range from a mile or so from camp to the battlefield to more than 20 miles at special events. ThoughtCo. The dues are an important aspect of keeping reenactment groups operating. 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) For instance, the 26th Regiment of North Carolina Troops also portrays the 24th Michigan of The Iron Brigade when it reenacts as Federals. Living history events include encampments, parades, and school enrichment programs. Most reenacting units have both a website and a Facebook page, making it easier for people to find local units. 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. Becoming a historical re-enactor requires an unquenchable thirst for history and abiding patience with uncomfortable accommodations and ridiculous outfits. Do you have a passion for Ancient Rome, medieval fashion, or Colonial America, and the Salem Witch Trials? 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. But, for whatever reason, something about recreating the life of a Civil War soldier resonates with you and youre interested in joining the hobby. While reenacting is fun, it is also a physically taxing hobby. This video brings you to the historic battlefields of Aike. The largest event was the 135th Gettysburg reenactment which involved 15,000 reenactors. Powell, Kimberly. Finding a reenactment unit has gone 21st century. Powell, Kimberly. The NPS decided that mock battles detracted from the commemorative nature of the battlefields. Campaigners are usually young and pride themselves in carrying a minimal amount of gear, sleeping in the open, and being as uncomfortable as they can be, which was the way it was. In 2014 the name was changed to North Florida Artillery Historical Foundation, Inc. was established as a non profit/IRS organization. But if you're more interested in other wars or time periods, don't despair. 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. 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. To a CIVIL WAR reenactment. Reenacting for many is a serious, but fun, event. Civil War reenactors attempt to answer Footes rhetorical question by putting their 21st century selves into the roles of 19th century people. Prospective reenactors should research units to judge how accepting they are of family participation. 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. Attend a few such reenactment events and talk to members of the involved groups to learn more about their reenactment focus and activities. Load more. They will take on the persona of one who is living through the period and will not speak in modern language. Company B, the reenacting group, is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer . This is especially important when it comes to clothing and weaponry, as we'll see on the next page. You must have a passion for history and an active imagination. Civil War Reenactment Groups The American Civil War, fought between 1861 and 1865, continues to live on in the form of living history reenactments. 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. While headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, our membership encompasses Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. Historical reenactors are known for being sticklers for accuracy. To submit a reenactment group for consideration, please contact us here. Finding a reenactment group isn't as easy as looking at a map and finding the unit closest to you. Get a feel for the atmosphere and conditions of a living history event before you rush to buy vintage style military uniforms & equipment. how to join a civil war reenactment group - Iccleveland.org Horses, though trained to expect loud noises from cannons, rifles, pistols and clanging sabers, sometimes throw their riders to the ground. Are you looking for something you can do with your family? 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. Many organizations, particularly Civil War, offer family friendly scenarios. Sutlers Merchants who followed troops during the Civil War. Also, merchants who set up during reenactments and sell period-style goods to reenactors and the public. 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. Home Research Top Five Tips for Getting Started in Civil War Reenacting. Whats not to like? 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 are active from Virginia to New England. that appeal to campaigners. 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. 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. (May 8, 2009) http://www.2ri.org/become_a_member.htm, Bromer, Zachary. 2nd Rhode Island Regiment. Reenactors enjoy camping, cooking over an open fire, guns, loud noises, marching, military discipline, and telling stories. Learning an instrument is typically the easiest way for children to get involved. What does it take to start a civil war? - American Thinker One note for reenactors living in states with strict gun laws. While the vast majority of reenactors are standard uniformed Confederate and Union soldiers, there are some small numbers who wear unique uniforms. We do this by portraying soldiers and citizens at . The 125th anniversary of the start of the war in 1986 saw reenacting turn into a serious hobby. 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. Think about who you are in real life,or the person you secretly want to be, and translate that to an individual who lived during your time period of interest. 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. The Event Wire - Information. 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 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! Join us for a captivating reenactment of a Civil War skirmish, brought to life in stunning detail! Finding an organization for a child to partake in is not difficult. 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. The problem with these specialty impressions is that they only operate as units. The derogatory term for this same person is stitch nazi.. 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. 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 ]. A few options to consider. If you have any specific ideas, try to make those known as far in advance as possible so the re-enactors know what to expect and can plan to do what you wish. How To Get Started With Historical Reenacting - ThoughtCo 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. These events were often staged with paying spectators in mind, leading to sights that irritated reenactors such as rushing the enemy in a chargebut with multi-tiered bleachers behind the enemy. Sometimes, you'll be able to find authentic uniforms to wear to reenactments, especially for 20th-century wars. The youngest vet eran was 61 and the oldest was 112. 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. There are essentially three types of reenactors; mainstream, campaigners, and stitch counters. However, it is important that you find a unit that is a good match for you if you want to continue to enjoy reenacting over the long-haul. Reenacting units are organized in some of the same ways as Civil War companies and regiments. Historical reenacting gives you that chance. Still, American Civil War reenactments can take place wherever the hobbyists can find ground. While this material is of interest to reenactors, our hobby requires a detailed knowledge of the daily experience of individual soldiers. 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. Muskets are real guns and fire a full powder charge but no bullet. While family involvement may be the goal of some reenactors, others enjoy the freedom of being away from the family on the weekend. 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. 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. Reenactors recreate history by portraying the look, actions, and lives of a person from a particular time period of history. 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 . WELCOME TO THE 49TH INDIANA CO.F. Winter reenactors will want heavy overcoats which can cost upwards of $300. Over the past weekend, the Brays hosted the first encampment training of 2021 at their home for the 3rd Maine reenactment unit, the largest in Maine. If you're thinking about volunteering in a historical reenactment, experienced reenactors will tell you that you shouldn't delve into this hobby without knowing what you're getting into.