Invitation events are smaller events where organizers limit the number of participants in order to better manage the scale. 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. Cavalry and artillery reenactors have the added burden of worrying about their horses and mules stepping into holes on the field. Marches can range from a mile or so from camp to the battlefield to more than 20 miles at special events. 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. As they learn how to be a soldier, they take tests and advance through the non-commissioned ranks to corporals and sergeants. If you've gotten this far then hopefully you've put some thought into this endeavor. Mountains might be climbed. There is nothing inherently better or worse about any of these clusters they are each different ways of experiencing the hobby and it is important that you pick the one that most closely matches what interests you. 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. C.S. "How to Become a Re-Enactor." Some units have fifers and drummers. Uniforms are all wool for Federal portrayals, and a wool and cotton blend for Confederates. If its not, consider trying another group. Buy at a reenactment or with the help of an experience unit member. ThoughtCo, Aug. 26, 2020, thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852. 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. 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. We strive for accurate historical depiction of our original unit." YouTube Video Creator "History Boy" Drummer, 8th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry Co. It might be a good idea to spring for the unit's annual fee for insurance coverage in case of an injury. Being a Civil War reenactor is about stepping back in time to create believable characterpersonaor what reenactors call an impression. 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. Not all reenactment groups will offer the same experiences. 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. Post Advance Schedules Up to 1 Year in Advance. 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. 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. Depending upon your reenactment scenario, this may be a real individual or a fictional one who could have lived during your time period of interest. 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. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links at no additional cost to you. A typical period correct firearm will cost upwards of $1000. But if you want to portray a German soldier from World War II, the uniforms are pricier -- typically $300 to $400 [source: Miller]. Youre obviously interested in the Civil War, otherwise you wont be considering reenacting. The stitch counters can belong in either the mainstream or the campaigner camp. New reenactors start as privates and promotion to non commissioned officer or officer status depends on passing tests and demonstrating an ability to command larger bodies of men in maneuvers on the field. Children can usually even participate, although most reenactment groups have a minimum age (12 or 13 is common) for children to be allowed in more dangerous roles, such as on the battlefield. When brigaded with other units, a reenactor general may command 200-300 men. Most reenacting units have both a website and a Facebook page, making it easier for people to find local units. Load more. These can range anywhere from $5 a month to $25 a month. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. For instance, the Stonewall Brigades list is located here. "Become a Member." Battle reenactments are scripted recreations of actual Civil War engagements, which spectators pay to come and watch. To those who do not do it, reenacting may seem like an odd hobby; spending the weekend recreating a war that killed upwards of three quarters of a million people when the United States population was just 31 million. Germany . If you have an interest in our American History during the period of 1861-1865, we invite you to join our ranks. Both sides tolerate them. While those shows inspired then young, now-middle aged reenactors to study the war, the producers paid little attention to authenticity. Check your laws! These organizations will often have a camp life where young ones can partake in 1860's life styles. The three types seem to always be warring with each other in blog posts with the campaigners laughing at the age of the mainstreamers; the mainstreamers laughing at the campaigners with their dirty faces; and the stitch counters laughing at both of them for wearing a uniform that was proper in 1862, but which wasnt worn in 1864. Mega-events, reenactments where reenactors number several thousand, are likely gone forever now that the 150th anniversary events ended in 2015. Work with your unit point of contact to ensure that the items you select even from these vendors are appropriate, since not every jacket a particular vendor offers will fit your units desired impression. Your email address will not be published. Can one really hear a Civil War era term the rattle of musketry? Welcome! After all, every one of the reenactors at an event arrived in a 21st century vehicle of some kind. The organization has grown to include dozens of civil war reenactors and their families. While we are based in Middle Tennessee, we have active and semi-active members in many states from Florida to Arizona and Alabama to Iowa besides our core Tennessee and Kentucky group. If you are up to the task, here's some information to get you started. Just about anyone with an interest in reenactment can become a reenactor. Experience being part of bringing our nation's most turbulent and tragic era to life. Cavalry reenacting is the most expensive branch to portray as the mounted soldiers have to buy period saddles, bridles, carbines, shotguns, pistols and sabers in addition to owning and transporting the horses to the events. Women reenactors portraying soldiers are not uncommon, just as there were women in ranks during the Civil War. If looking to dive into Vietnam reenacting, the number one piece of advice is to speak to a unit before making purchases. Camping with ones friends can be an attractive incentive to pack up the gear and drive away rather than staying home doing chores. Many units will choose opposite unit impressions that have something to do with the primary unit they portray, or perhaps a unit that passed through their home area. Typically, the age restriction for most events is 16 years old to carry a musket/rifle. Larger regiments will combine those companies to form a state-wide organization. There is at least one Civil War era brass band using period instruments and playing period music. While this material is of interest to reenactors, our hobby requires a detailed knowledge of the daily experience of individual soldiers. Children as young as 8 have been seen at many reenactments partaking in field music. Authentic Campaigner is a blog dedicated to events, impressions, goods, etc. 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. Confederate States or Confederate States Army. They like to bring tents, camp chairs, hidden ice chests, and other gear that the original army would never have had. 8th Confederate Cavalry / 7th Kentucky Cavalry, 3rd Arkansas Volunteer Infantry Company A, 1st Arkansas US Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 2nd Connecticut Volunteer Heavy Artillery Regiment, Co. In addition to having to wear hot, uncomfortable clothing, participants can forget about sleeping in comfortable beds, eating decent food and taking hot showers. Just how much does it cost to be a Civil War reenactor? For a great description of womens clothing and textiles during the Civil War, read this Civil War Fashion piece by Kathy Dhalle on the Bits of Blue & Gray website. And, if one wants, one can carry original muskets if they are safe. If you can find material written by men from the unit you portray, even better. At some late-war battles such as Bentonville, North Carolina and Saylers Creek, Virginia, Federal units armed with repeating rifles chewed into Confederate ranks. 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. Once you invest time and money into historical volunteerism, you'll likely find great reward from all your efforts. 2022 Sandbox Networks Inc. All rights reserved. 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, or living historians.. Required fields are marked *. 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. Historical reenacting gives you that chance. For further reading suggestions and links to many of these online resources, please see the Stonewall Brigades Recommended Reading list. Don't be overwhelmed! The 26th North Carolina Troops and the 24th Michigan ran head-on into each other on the first day of Gettysburg in McPhersons Woods. Also: Post Your Event Photos, Reviews, & Wrap-Ups. Event Dues - This can really depend on the event and what is provided with the fee. Reproduction clothing can cost several hundred dollars, and reproduction period rifles as much as $1000. In summer, many men carry two. Most will sleep/camp at the reenactment event. While Confederate regulations called for a kepi, most men opted for a slouch hat, a broad-brimmed hat of varying styles. Unit Type - Not all organizations are the same. 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. These can range anywhere from $5 a month to $25 a month. In addition to special uniforms, some reenactors will be tempted to get special firearms.