A reenactor could choose that impression by joining a reenacting unit following those uniform guidelines. The 49th Indiana Volunteer Infantry is Indiana's oldest, largest and best drilled civil war unit. "Become a Member." There are three types of reenactors; mainstreamers who do not fit the Civil War image of young thin soldiers and bring extra gear for comfort, campaigners who pride themselves in living rough in the open and achieving authenticity and stitch counters who pay attention to details of the history of uniforms and equipment and who generally maneuver with either mainstreamers or campaigners. Your mentor can also assist you in finding used gear either from unit members or outside resources like eBay or Facebook. Living histories take place at the actual battlefield by invitation from the National Park Service. Powell, Kimberly. Reenacting events come in varying categories. If the unit is dedicated to historical accuracy, the accommodations will be meager. This Forum is for Posting Civil War Event Information. Alright, as a black man I have to say this: * ahem * IF. For official duties, these youngstersoften between 10 and 14were called on to fill supporting roles such as drummers, buglers, messengers, and field assistants. First-person - When a reenactor speaks to fellow reenactors and the public as a person during the 1860s. 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. Perry's Headquarters Flag, Authentic, Original, Antique Civil War Cavalry Boots, 1840-Civil War Authentic Mechanic/ Wheel Cap Campaigner Repro by Mike Anderson, A RARE AUTHENTIC ORIGINAL EARLY CIVIL WAR CAVALRY UNIFORM, Authentic General US Grant Civil War Currier and Ives Lithograph Original Frame. C.S. 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. With sound recordings, new generations could hear the Rebel yellyelped by 95-year-old men who still had the spunk to give it. 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. clear this with both units and dont just show up expecting to be ok. or C.S.A. Your email address will not be published. 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. In FULL SLAVE garb. The exhaustion felt at the end of that reenacting march brings home the realization that the soldiers of the Civil War were tough. During the Civil War Native Americans, Blacks, Asians, and Hispanics fought on both sides. 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. That is also the reason why most leather gear is black, the standard Union color. Children were active participants in the Civil War. Then again in 1938, those same veterans returned. The best first purchase you can make is a pair of well-built shoes, usually called brogans or bootees. If you asked to galvanize (switch sides) for a battle or event, dont complain. Typically, the age restriction for most events is 16 years old to carry a musket/rifle. California. If you have the time, it can even be fun to learn to make some of your clothing or items yourself, just as it was done in the past. 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. The derogatory term for this same person is stitch nazi.. Wearing historically accurate clothing is essential to your impression and attention to details is important, i.e. 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. Civilian A person, male or female, who reenacts any non-military impression during Reenactments. Did you have ancestors who participated in a particular war? Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852. 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. 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. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. You will need to visit a sutlery (supply store run by a civilian, a "sutler"), either online or in person, in order to get your basic gear, called a "kit". Camping with ones friends can be an attractive incentive to pack up the gear and drive away rather than staying home doing chores. If looking to dive into Vietnam reenacting, the number one piece of advice is to speak to a unit before making purchases. Most people take their roles seriously and pride themselves on representing history as accurately as possible. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Reenactors do not dwell on that terrible human cost. Aside from physical distance, a reenactor needs to take into consideration a few factors. 21st Virginia, F Company, inc., is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501 (c)3 , living history, educational and Civil War re-enactment organization. https://www.thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852 (accessed March 5, 2023). Most units have a list of acceptable gear and approved sutlers. olg pick 4 The website also lists a number of sutler websites. In summer, many men carry two. Being at that part of the line during the reenactment is special as it clearly reinforces the advantage the Union army had with repeating rifles. If you wear eyeglasses, consider purchasing period frames high on your shopping list as well. Most will sleep/camp at the reenactment event. In other words, you can try it out and see how you like it. Learn how your comment data is processed. Welcome! And, if one wants, one can carry original muskets if they are safe. . Some states require even single shot, reproduction muskets to be registered with the government. 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. First-person When a reenactor speaks to fellow reenactors and the public as a person during the 1860s. Civil War Reenactment is one of the fastest growing hobbies in the United States, and with good reason. Powell, Kimberly. This list is by no means complete. Eric Tetreault/Connecticut Renaissance Faire. As a spectator, you have a great opportunity to get a preview of what volunteering is like. While reenacting is fun, it is also a physically taxing hobby. Choose a Persona We do this by portraying soldiers and citizens at . Our way to offer tribute to these great men of the Civil War is to study as much as possible . 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. Mega-events also created problems for reenactors such as too little and too far away parking, too little drinking water, and too few port-a-johns. Immersion events are small reenactments where reenactors carry everything with them with no resupply from vehicles. Gear - How much a reenactor spends on their gear is a product of individual means, love for the hobby, and type of unit. Reenacting does require a commitment, however, in both time and resources. Reenacting remained a small hobby during the mid-1970s when events numbering several hundred reenactors were common. This manual includes such things as company tactics and firing details [source: Miller]. For further reading suggestions and links to many of these online resources, please see the Stonewall Brigades Recommended Reading list. Civil War soldiers or civilians didnt have digital watches or plastic frame eyeglasses. There's nothing volunteering in a historical reenactment to experience the sights, sounds and smells of history. Figure the cost of your accessories into your budget, too. 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). 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. By Robert Arvay. How do your feet feel after marching 22 miles in a single day in thin-soled brogans? It is common to find Black reenactors sprinkled in the Confederate ranks. 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. 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. Civilian - A person, male or female, who reenacts any non-military impression during Reenactments. Focused events try to recreate parts of battles. ThoughtCo, Aug. 26, 2020, thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852. Not all organizations allow family's along for the ride. And, they must already have relationships with the brigades and divisions they want to command. Following are some useful terms to acquaint you with Civil War Reenacting. While reenacting is a hobby, it has some of the trappings of operating in an actual army. How does a starving man march 20 miles then go into a three-hour battle? [1]. Larger regiments will combine those companies to form a state-wide organization. Any unit youre interested in joining should be eager to loan you a uniform and equipment for your first few events (if they are not or if youre pressured to purchase equipment right away, youre probably considering the wrong unit). A colonial shopkeeper will have a pretty simple costume compared to a Civil War general's uniform. 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. Hundreds of . Perhaps you have a deep interest in the Civil War and want to experience it and understand it in a way that books can never truly capture. 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. Reenactors put themselves in the shoes of those from an earlier time where food was scarce, disease was rampant, and a good nights sleep might mean sleeping in the mud. 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. Attend a few such reenactment events and talk to members of the involved groups to learn more about their reenactment focus and activities. Welcome to the home of the 52nd Tennessee Co. C. We are a group of living historians centered around the American Civil War. Children as young as 8 have been seen at many reenactments partaking in field music. We are active from Virginia to New England. The 150th Manassas, Virginia event was held when the temperature on the field was 114 degrees. Home Research Top Five Tips for Getting Started in Civil War Reenacting. How the Civilian Conservation Corps Worked, Historical Reenactment Costumes and Equipment, 2nd Rhode Island Regiment. They will take on the persona of one who is living through the period and will not speak in modern language. The stitch counters can belong in either the mainstream or the campaigner camp. Are you really excited about being a part of large battle reenactments? Although most common in the United States, there are also American Civil War reenactors in Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Italy, Denmark . There are Federal Zouave units who wear bright red pants, red trimmed jackets, and turbans. The largest event was likely the 135th Gettysburg reenactment where an estimated 15,000 attended. The English Civil War Society UK: English Civil War: 1642 AD 1651 AD Combat reenactment, living history, educational visits, film and TV work Ermine Street Guard UK: Roman army: 50 AD 200 AD Combat reenactment, living history, TV and film work, education work, research Historia Normannis UK France USA: Middle Ages: 1100 1215 Combat reenactment . 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. 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. The Centennial created some interest in Hollywood, resulting in some Civil War era television shows like The Gray Ghost (1957) and The Americans (1961), and movies like Shenandoah (1965).