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The ones below have been in business for years and may be considered the mainstays of the hobby. Just how much does it cost to be a Civil War reenactor? I show up. 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. Thanks for reaching out John we just got in touch to provide you some additional information. Finding a reenactment unit has gone 21st century. Otherwise, the 60 grains of powder and a piece of paper wadding for each charge is authentic. Each unit has a different function and will provide a much different experience. Horses, though trained to expect loud noises from cannons, rifles, pistols and clanging sabers, sometimes throw their riders to the ground. Be prepared to be footsore! 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. Which branch reenactors join is up to their interest in each branchand their financial resources. Reenacting units organized around a specific regiment with a general type of uniform will not allow a Berdan sharpshooter or a Louisiana Tiger in the ranks. These would be reproduction arms originally manufactured by Springfield and copied by the Confederates, or Enfield, which was an English import used by both sides. 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. We are a Civil War reenactment group based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee that portrays the 9th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry (US). Perhaps you have a friend in the hobby who has encouraged you to give it a try. Learn more about the world with our collection of regional and country maps. 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. 21st Virginia, F Company, inc., is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501 (c)3 , living history, educational and Civil War re-enactment organization. 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. 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. (May 8, 2009) http://www.salary.com/personal/layoutscripts/psnl_articles.asp?tab=psn&cat=cat011&ser=ser032, Miller, John. 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. 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. One can read the history of how Confederate Major General Ambrose Powell Hills Light Division marched 22 miles from Harpers Ferry, Virginia to Sharpsburg, Maryland. - Confederate States or Confederate States Army. Attend a few such reenactment events and talk to members of the involved groups to learn more about their reenactment focus and activities. While this material is of interest to reenactors, our hobby requires a detailed knowledge of the daily experience of individual soldiers. Mega-events, reenactments where reenactors number several thousand, are likely gone forever now that the 150th anniversary events ended in 2015. These events help reenactors immerse themselves in the reenacting experience, gaining first-hand knowledge of war, battle strategy, and the hardships of combat. By now you are probably wondering, "how much is all of this going to cost me? Mainstreamers cheerfully accept the nickname TBG- which stands for Tubby Bearded Guys. A reenactor could choose that impression by joining a reenacting unit following those uniform guidelines. 3 rd Florida Volunteer Infantry, Co. 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. In many war reenactments, there aren't roles for women on the battlefield, but some events have side attractions geared toward women, such as tea parties, craft activities and quilt shows. "Become a Member." It is one of the rich ironies of reenacting that Black Confederates march side by side with white Confederate reenactors, while Black Union troops usually only participate in battles where the USCTs were present such as New Market Heights, Virginia., and Olustee, Florida. Florida. Home Research Top Five Tips for Getting Started in Civil War Reenacting. 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. Nearly all of the muskets available today are made in Italy, but some used ones manufactured back in the 1970s and 1980s are available from Japan and England. Required fields are marked *. Youre obviously interested in the Civil War, otherwise you wont be considering reenacting. Germany . Instead they staged brigade-sized snowball fights. 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. During the Civil War Native Americans, Blacks, Asians, and Hispanics fought on both sides. That part of history cannot be changed. Mountains might be climbed. 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. Welcome to the home of the 52nd Tennessee Co. C. We are a group of living historians centered around the American Civil War. BOOK TIP: "The Illustrated Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era". Post Advance Schedules Up to 1 Year in Advance. Becoming a historical re-enactor requires an unquenchable thirst for history and abiding patience with uncomfortable accommodations and ridiculous outfits. 4) Read As Much As You Can: The best way to start your career in reenacting out right is to read extensively. The organization has grown to include dozens of civil war reenactors and their families. By joining such a society, you'll have time to try out your persona before committing to any major purchases for your own kit. and then went into battle to save Lees army, but until one has marched that same route, it is all theory. Our editors update and regularly refine this enormous body of information to bring you reliable information. 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. Infoplease is a reference and learning site, combining the contents of an encyclopedia, a dictionary, an atlas and several almanacs loaded with facts. Also, merchants who set up during reenactments and sell period-style goods to reenactors and the public. Reenacting remained a small hobby during the mid-1970s when events numbering several hundred reenactors were common. How the Civilian Conservation Corps Worked, Historical Reenactment Costumes and Equipment, 2nd Rhode Island Regiment. 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) How to join a unit, where and how to k. Living Histories at original battlefields are by invitation by the National Park Service or the states that also maintain battlefields. 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. Colorado Connecticut. 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. But if you're more interested in other wars or time periods, don't despair. Just as in the Civil War armies, men who take on the rank must be able to perform at that rank. The 49th Indiana, Company F is Indiana's oldest and largest nonprofit organization devoted to portraying life during the American Civil War. If you can find material written by men from the unit you portray, even better. Some units focus on the military side of reenacting, preferring to keep civilian women in a separate camp while other units allow children to run around the military camp. Perhaps you have a friend in the hobby who has encouraged you to give it a try. This video brings you to the historic battlefields of Aike. 2) Consider What You Want Out of Reenacting: Spend some time thinking about what aspects of reenacting interest you. Their website is: http://www.citizenscompanion.com/. Reenactors do not dwell on that terrible human cost. 4. Being a Civil War reenactor is about stepping back in time to create believable characterpersonaor what reenactors call an impression. Here are the facts and trivia that people are buzzing about. The North Florida Artillery was incorporated as a non-profit organization in the state of Florida in March 2007. Children were active participants in the Civil War. Following are some useful terms to acquaint you with Civil War Reenacting. Check out our article How to Join a Reenactment Group. 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. 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. 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. 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. I. Delaware. If the unit is a horse-drawn battery, the reenactors are expected to help groom, water, and feed the horses. With sound recordings, new generations could hear the Rebel yellyelped by 95-year-old men who still had the spunk to give it. While reenacting is fun, it is also a physically taxing hobby. Since the war took place in the South, it is more difficult for Yankees in Northern states to make the events in the Southern states. Load more. Marches can range from a mile or so from camp to the battlefield to more than 20 miles at special events. Reenactors recreate history by portraying the look, actions, and lives of a person from a particular time period of history. Impression Many reenactors will choose an impression during a reenactment. 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. Check with your reenacting unit before buying any gun. Civil War soldiers or civilians didnt have digital watches or plastic frame eyeglasses. There are essentially three types of reenactors; mainstream, campaigners, and stitch counters. 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. The state of Pennsylvania hosted thousands of former Union and Confederate soldiers during the weeklong event. Reenactors adopt what they call impressions based on the type of person they want to portray. Reenactors sacrifice immense amounts of time, effort, and money to recreate history. Reenacting can be a family hobby with Dad, Mom, and the kids all portraying 19th century roles. . A haversack, a kind of handbag worn over the left shoulder, is generally black. Other less expensive options are impressions of a civilian water boy, drummer boy, messenger, or just a regular kidthey were certainly, if unfortunately, caught up in the war. The 26th North Carolina Troops and the 24th Michigan ran head-on into each other on the first day of Gettysburg in McPhersons Woods. But if you want to portray a German soldier from World War II, the uniforms are pricier -- typically $300 to $400 [source: Miller]. Powell, Kimberly. An Authentic Civil War Living History Association, Top Five Tips for Getting Started in Civil War Reenacting. 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". Any unit you contact should be extremely welcoming and do everything they can to have you join their ranks. Before showtime, pots and pans are some of the tools reenactor Tanya Haessly makes the most use of as a camp cook, feeding families and individuals taking part in a Civil War reenactment in Janney . Besides the weather elements, there may be holes in the field that twist ankles, yellow jacket nests that are disturbed, and poison ivy and poison oak lurking in the woods. While Confederate regulations called for a kepi, most men opted for a slouch hat, a broad-brimmed hat of varying styles. On the downside in terms of authenticity, they operate in much smaller groups that sometimes preclude them from being able to do the complicated drills that Civil War regiments would have done, and which the mainstreamers relentlessly practice. Do you have a passion for Ancient Rome, medieval fashion, or Colonial America, and the Salem Witch Trials? If you are up to the task, here's some information to get you started. Reenacting units are organized in companies and regiments by reenactors from the same geographic area, much as Civil War companies and regiments were organized. A love of history of all time periods is common though reenactors focus on the 19th century. Local living histories at venues such as historically themed parks are where many potential reenactors see their first living historians. Alright, as a black man I have to say this: * ahem * IF. 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. 5) Purchase Slowly and Strategically: When you are ready to start purchasing gear, take your time and make your purchases strategic. In addition to having to wear hot, uncomfortable clothing, participants can forget about sleeping in comfortable beds, eating decent food and taking hot showers. Brush up on your geography and finally learn what countries are in Eastern Europe with our maps. Nothing spoils the look of a rank of men in a battle line then seeing someone wearing modern day glasses or ear rings. If youre interested in an immersive, authentic experience, joining a mainstream unit will be a poor fit. 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. Check your local newspaper or search the Internet to find a reenactment near you. While it is rare, people have died from the exertion. They are also made from a relatively standardized style, so they can be used across a wide variety of impressions should you ultimately decide to join another unit or develop a different impression. 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. Reenactments vary greatly in size, with events in New England typically showcasing 100500 infantry, while the 150th anniversary of Gettysburg in 2013 is expected to field more than 15,000 reenactors, plus thousands of civilian interpreters, 400 horses, and 100 cannon. Check ourencyclopedia for a gloss on thousands of topics from biographies to the table of elements. 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]. Their website is: www.campchase.com), The Citizens Companion focuses on civilian reenacting and is also published by the same company that publishes Camp Chase Gazette. 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. Subscribe to our newsletter * indicates required. Two TV mini-series, Blue & Gray (1982), and North & South (1985) drove interest in reenacting in the early 1980s. 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. But if you've got the mettle and undying enthusiasm for history, we'll walk you through the basics of how to get involved. If you asked to galvanize (switch sides) for a battle or event, dont complain. Hundreds of . Rivers might be crossed. Many reenactors are completely outfitted with clothing, packs, gear, and vehicles their typical persona would carry. 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. Welcome! If looking to dive into Vietnam reenacting, the number one piece of advice is to speak to a unit before making purchases. WELCOME TO THE 49TH INDIANA CO.F. They are wondering if sleeping on the ground is as much fun as it was when they were young. Learning an instrument is typically the easiest way for children to get involved. For the Bray family in Brunswick, American Civil War reenactment is more than just a historical hobby it's a family affair. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. 4 June 2009. These can range anywhere from $5 a month to $25 a month.