At some late-war battles such as Bentonville, North Carolina and Saylers Creek, Virginia, Federal units armed with repeating rifles chewed into Confederate ranks. 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. 2) Consider What You Want Out of Reenacting: Spend some time thinking about what aspects of reenacting interest you. A typical period correct firearm will cost upwards of $1000. The persona is sometimes referred to as an impression. Scouring the sutlers' goods may also set you up for an impulse buy that your historic persona doesn't really need. As you become more engaged with the unit, it's time to think about acquiring your own reenactment kit so that new recruits can use the spares while they test the waters. 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. 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 derogatory term for this same person is stitch nazi.. Impression Many reenactors will choose an impression during a reenactment. Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved by Milsurpia. Check your local newspaper or reenactment Web sites for listings of upcoming reenactment events in your area. All races and ethnicities can reenact. Welcome! It might be a good idea to spring for the unit's annual fee for insurance coverage in case of an injury. 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. 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. People come to Civil War reenacting in a myriad of ways. WELCOME TO THE 49TH INDIANA CO.F. The unit you ultimately join should be in a position to provide the elements that you want to get out of reenacting. 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. Do your research before making any purchases to ensure that you get the most authentic bang for your buck. Civil War Reenactment is one of the fastest growing hobbies in the United States, and with good reason. 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. In historical reenactments, people from all walks of life gather together, dressed head-to-toe in period clothing. A Civil War Reenactment is the recreation of past battles for the education and entertainment of both spectators and hobbyists alike. Be prepared to be footsore! 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. The best first purchase you can make is a pair of well-built shoes, usually called brogans or bootees. 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. 21st Virginia, F Company, inc., is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501 (c)3 , living history, educational and Civil War re-enactment organization. Our way to offer tribute to these great men of the Civil War is to study as much as possible . Unit Type - Not all organizations are the same. Are you looking for something you can do with your family? Little children have no business on the field because they can become separated from parents. It is up to reenactors to know if they have the stamina to participate in the action. Invitation events are smaller events where organizers limit the number of participants in order to better manage the scale. When you're starting out as a volunteer, the unit you're working with will probably have a spare uniform you can borrow. Marches can range from a mile or so from camp to the battlefield to more than 20 miles at special events. Children as young as 8 have been seen at many reenactments partaking in field music. 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. Reenacting gear includes the uniform, accoutrements, a musket, shoes, hat and more, all purchased from sutlers, merchants specializing in reproduction products for reenactors. Becoming a historical re-enactor requires an unquenchable thirst for history and abiding patience with uncomfortable accommodations and ridiculous outfits. 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. It is where the Civil War soldier carried his food and where the reenactor will carry his food, wallet and car keys. By the time Ken Burns PBS special The Civil War debuted in 1990 interest in the War was on an upswing. Not all organizations allow family's along for the ride. Otherwise, the 60 grains of powder and a piece of paper wadding for each charge is authentic. 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. Most units have a list of acceptable gear and approved sutlers. 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. Their website is: www.CivilWarNews.com, Camp Chase Gazette is a how-to magazine for authentic reenactors. That could be in California, Wisconsin, or even Russia. 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. By now you are probably wondering, "how much is all of this going to cost me? Since 1974, we have represented Indiana's civil war heritage in movies and documentaries, for newspapers and TV, and at schools, museums and reenactments across the US. These organizations will often have a camp life where young ones can partake in 1860's life styles. Thats why reenactors, like Civil War soldiers, are trained to not put their hand over the muzzle of the musket; least they get a palm full of painful, burning powder. But, there are legitimate roles for reenactors in their early teens to act as runners, or fifers or drummers if they are musically inclined to join units which have field musicians. 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. . To take part in high quality reenactments a reenactor should expect to drive at least a day for quality events. 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. 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.. Our editors update and regularly refine this enormous body of information to bring you reliable information. 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) 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. 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. 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. "Dream Job: Historical Reenactor." Cavalry reenactors have uniforms that are patterned after original cavalry uniforms. While doing their impression many will do a first-person impression. This can mean everything from uncomfortable clothes and terrible food to inclement weather and a poor excuse for a bed. Learn more about the mythic conflict between the Argives and the Trojans. Units of mainstreamers may number from 20 to 100. There are Federal Zouave units who wear bright red pants, red trimmed jackets, and turbans. A haversack, a kind of handbag worn over the left shoulder, is generally black. What reenacting does is give men and women a chance to walk in the footsteps of those people who came before us just a little over 150 years ago. 1) Put the Credit Card Away: The absolute best advice anyone can give you is to delay purchasing any gear. 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. Take your hits (deaths) If you wish to fight in a different unit that a family member fought in during the civil war. 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. That is my indication and EXPRESSED consent to be treated like a slave by all participating confederate soldiers. That means single reenactors in a specialty uniform must search out similar reenactors to fall in with at events. Berdans Sharpshooters were a Federal unit of sharpshooters who wore dark green uniforms as an early form of camouflage. Like any hobby, there is a broad spectrum within reenacting with different informal clusters of individuals and groups focusing more or less attention on authenticity. Women have to make the effort to disguise themselves as men. Here you can find a list of groups that portray the American Civil War period. A Civil War Reenactment will have various units such as artillery, cavalry, or infantry units. 2 nd Connecticut Volunteer Heavy Artillery Regiment, Co. (May 8, 2009) http://www.salary.com/personal/layoutscripts/psnl_articles.asp?tab=psn&cat=cat011&ser=ser032, Miller, John. If you crave intrigue and a dash of melodrama, historical fiction can make the past come alive. Learn fife or drum. Unit Dues - Unit dues are typically the cheapest of all expenses. That is also the reason why most leather gear is black, the standard Union color. 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. Instead they staged brigade-sized snowball fights. Aside from physical distance, a reenactor needs to take into consideration a few factors. 53rd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Company C, Inc. Company B of the 71st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, 87th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Company C, 97th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Company A, 97th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Co B, 151st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Company D, 10th Virginia Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 12th Virginia Infantry, Companies A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, and K, Co. E of the Second Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, 33d Regiment - Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, Company K, 2nd Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Association, Company E, 3rd Regiment, Confederate Engineers. A few options to consider. 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. We are a Civil War reenactment group based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee that portrays the 9th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry (US). The weapons that reenactors carry are real -- and loaded. Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era is a Pulitzer Prize-winning work on the American Civil War. The organization has grown to include dozens of civil war reenactors and their families. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links at no additional cost to you. Hundreds of . If you have an interest in our American History during the period of 1861-1865, we invite you to join our ranks. . When looking through our list of reenactment groups, be sure to really think about what is important to you. As they learn how to be a soldier, they take tests and advance through the non-commissioned ranks to corporals and sergeants. 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. Living History Archive. 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. 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. 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. 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 only difference between the Civil War and the reenacting firing is that no Mini ball is rammed down the barrel. The youngest vet eran was 61 and the oldest was 112. Although most common in the United States, there are also American Civil War reenactors in Canada, the United Kingdom,. The USCTs fought as all Black units commanded by white officers. 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. Once you do, it's time to create your own historical persona. While family involvement may be the goal of some reenactors, others enjoy the freedom of being away from the family on the weekend. "How to Get Started With Historical Reenacting." Its educational and, finally, its a great way to escape the worries of today and pretend in the great outdoors. Infantry is the easiest branch to learn and to finance. The 49th Indiana Volunteer Infantry is Indiana's oldest, largest and best drilled civil war unit. As a spectator, you have a great opportunity to get a preview of what volunteering is like. 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. Reenactors refer to their clothing and equipment as theirkit. How the Civilian Conservation Corps Worked, Historical Reenactment Costumes and Equipment, 2nd Rhode Island Regiment. There are essentially three types of reenactors; mainstream, campaigners, and stitch counters. While reenacting is a hobby, it has some of the trappings of operating in an actual army. 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 . 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. 4) Read As Much As You Can: The best way to start your career in reenacting out right is to read extensively. The same uniforms worn in the summer are worn in the winter. 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. CIVIL WAR REENACTING | How to Join a Unit 9,438 views Premiered Mar 6, 2019 405 Dislike Share Save Studio T Reenacting 3.33K subscribers https://28thmass.org Lately I've noticed quite a. Reenactment, appropriately called "living history," also means living under the same conditions encountered during the past. Reenactors who claim: My ancestors would roll over in their graves if I portrayed the other side are frowned upon. Most reenacting units require members to own dual impressions; both Union and Confederate. olg pick 4 Learn more about the world with our collection of regional and country maps. 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. Nothing spoils the look of a rank of men in a battle line then seeing someone wearing modern day glasses or ear rings. With the exception of events where rains flood the battlefield, reenactments are rarely cancelled for heat or cold. Being a Civil War reenactor is about stepping back in time to create believable characterpersonaor what reenactors call an impression. The largest event was likely the 135th Gettysburg reenactment where an estimated 15,000 attended. Kimberly Powell is a professional genealogist and the author of The Everything Guide to Online Genealogy. Spectators wont see much action, but the reenactors will see only other reenactors and no more bleachers. They like to bring tents, camp chairs, hidden ice chests, and other gear that the original army would never have had. This list is by no means complete. Invitation events are smaller with limited numbers of participants making them easier to manage. 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. C.S. Some units are thinking of staging parts of battles as authentically as possible, complete with the scaled down, but statistically correct numbers of casualties, and the maneuvers mentioned in survivor accounts. Living history events include encampments, parades, and school enrichment programs. The soldier in the rear rank must always keep his three-banded muskets middle band at the ear of the file partner in the front rank. Salary.com. Now i ma Only a handful of men will make generals and they must know how to command at that level. Please Keep Reenactment Discussions in Proper Forum! In particular, take notice of the grisly conditions a reenactor has to deal with -- especially in battle reenactments. Both shows used reenactors for the first time, a revelation for Hollywood directors who suddenly realized that their extras knew how to act like Civil War soldiers. Find WW1 Reenactment groups to join now! While two-banded muskets were very common in ranks during the War, reenactors should not use them because of safety concerns with respect to the length of the barrel. What's more, you could get hurt. Check out our article How to Join a Reenactment Group. Most reenacting units have both a website and a Facebook page, making it easier for people to find local units. The hobby of Civil War reenacting continues to attract participants and spectators who care about Civil War history and the 19th century people who lived it. 4. And that's not including weaponry: An M1 Garand will put you out $700 to $900, while other period guns cost less than $100. American Civil War Society. Most units will be eager to help you select gear that fits with their authenticity standards and will offer up the unit commander, a non-commissioned officer, or another senior member to mentor you through your initial purchases. Mega-events made it hard to lose ones self in the moment when a narrator was giving blow-by-blow accounts of the battle over loud speakers. Speculation among reenactors is that smaller, focused events is where the hobby is headed. If you wear eyeglasses, consider purchasing period frames high on your shopping list as well. Brogans are broad-soled half boots with leather soles worn by the common foot soldier. Young Civil War Reenactor (photo by D. Farr). Company B, the reenacting group, is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer . That inattention to historical details led to groan-inducing scenes (for reenactors anyway) in Shenandoah where Jimmy Stewarts teenaged son grabs a Trapdoor Springfield and starts fighting. But if you want to portray a German soldier from World War II, the uniforms are pricier -- typically $300 to $400 [source: Miller]. Check your laws! Reenactor A person, male or female, dedicated to recreating the War Between the States or Civil War. Powell, Kimberly. Perhaps you have a friend in the hobby who has encouraged you to give it a try. Units portraying the Vietnam War aren't nearly as prolific as World War 2 or Civil War impressions. By joining such a society, you'll have time to try out your persona before committing to any major purchases for your own kit. How do war reenactments work? 4 June 2009. The easiest way for children to get involved in reenacting is to do it as a family. 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. Arch supports were not invented in the 1860s, but feel free to put anything inside that helps you march.