Period clothing and accessories can be very expensive -- depending on the period and figure you're portraying. 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. That means most Union forces on Southern battlefields likely talk with Southern accents even though they are in blue. Vietnam War Reenactors - Milsurpia.com While there are several models such as an early war smoothbore musket, or a mid-war rifle musket, there are really only two brand choices for infantry. All races and ethnicities can reenact. Only a handful of men will make generals and they must know how to command at that level. 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. Check with your reenacting unit before buying any gun. Our editors update and regularly refine this enormous body of information to bring you reliable information. Youre obviously interested in the Civil War, otherwise you wont be considering reenacting. 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. 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. Help/Ideas for Organizing a Reenactment - American Civil War Forums This Forum is for Posting Civil War Event Information. There are alternative ways to get your history education. The Texas Rifles - Civil War Reenacting - Reenacting Once you've chosen a time period and character, you need to learn everything you can,from the way they dressed and ate, to their manner of speech, cultural beliefs, and social interactions. Reenacting units keep a list of approved sutlers that have proven to stock authentic and well-made goods. And that's not including weaponry: An M1 Garand will put you out $700 to $900, while other period guns cost less than $100. How Civil Wars Start - Foreign Policy The N word season pass premium + membership is in full effect for the day. While some of the research is now a bit dated, there is no better place to start than Bell Wileys classicsThe Life of Johnny Reb: The Common Soldier of the Confederacyand The Life of Billy Yank: The Common Soldier of the Union. Military reenactors will choose infantry, artillery, cavalry or medical (and a few others such as engineers or sharpshooters) and many will choose a civilian impression. Reenactor A person, male or female, dedicated to recreating the War Between the States or 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. How do war reenactments work? If you have an interest in our American History during the period of 1861-1865, we invite you to join our ranks. 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. Event Dues - This can really depend on the event and what is provided with the fee. The important thing to remember is the child still needs adult supervision. I show up. 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. While Confederate regulations called for a kepi, most men opted for a slouch hat, a broad-brimmed hat of varying styles. olg pick 4 The dues are an important aspect of keeping reenactment groups operating. Once you invest time and money into historical volunteerism, you'll likely find great reward from all your efforts. That part of history cannot be changed. Living history events include encampments, parades, and school enrichment programs. The Texas Rifles are seeking men and women of valor to join us and thousands of other history-minded hobbyists to experience, first hand, one of the country's fastest-growing, most unique recreational activities. 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. Most people take their roles seriously and pride themselves on representing history as accurately as possible. Immersion events are small reenactments that attract campaigners. Brush up on your geography and finally learn what countries are in Eastern Europe with our maps. The most famous reenactment of the 1960s was the July 1961 Battle of First Manassas or Bull Run, held on the Manassas National Battlefield. These organizations will often have a camp life where young ones can partake in 1860's life styles. 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. Berdans Sharpshooters were a Federal unit of sharpshooters who wore dark green uniforms as an early form of camouflage. Reenactors often do more interacting with the visiting public such as performing drill and firing demonstrations, and giving flag and equipment talks. that appeal to campaigners. And, if one wants, one can carry original muskets if they are safe. Subscribe to our newsletter * indicates required. While it is rare, people have died from the exertion. They are designed to save you money, help you avoid some of the most common mistakes first time reenactors make, and give you the best chance at enjoying the hobby over the long-term. You'll have the Web at your fingertips to research an object's authenticity -- and to compare prices from multiple vendors. Your mentor can also assist you in finding used gear either from unit members or outside resources like eBay or Facebook. Now that the sesquicentennial is over, the future of reenacting is being debated. Larger regiments will combine those companies to form a state-wide organization. The age restriction on handling firearms does not prevent one from taking part in the hobby. Impression Many reenactors will choose an impression during a reenactment. If you're interested in volunteering as a Civil War reenactor, the entire kit (including uniform, canteen, weapon and leatherwear) will cost about $850 to $1,500 [source: Miller]. Rivers might be crossed. The granddaddy of all Civil War sutlers started outfitting reenactors in the mid-1970s. After all, every one of the reenactors at an event arrived in a 21st century vehicle of some kind. Winter reenactors will want heavy overcoats which can cost upwards of $300. After a near disaster where one reenactor was hit by a Mini ball fragment left in a musket that had been live fired before the event, the National Park Service thereafter banned reenactments from being held on its battlefields. The basic costs of outfitting an infantryman will run between $1,500 and $2,000 with the bulk of the cost being in the $800 musket. 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. Uniforms are all wool for Federal portrayals, and a wool and cotton blend for Confederates. 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. A Captivating Reenactment Of The Civil War Skirmish in Aiken - YouTube To take part in high quality reenactments a reenactor should expect to drive at least a day for quality events. Colorado Connecticut. The atmosphere is relaxed, allowing reenactors to recruit new members. Keep attending reenactments until you find a period that suits your specific interests and talents. 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. Here are the facts and trivia that people are buzzing about. BOOK TIP: "The Illustrated Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era". Reenactors sacrifice immense amounts of time, effort, and money to recreate history. They'll have fun watching the excitement, and you'll get to teach them about history. "How to Get Started With Historical Reenacting." And, they must already have relationships with the brigades and divisions they want to command. Instead they staged brigade-sized snowball fights. This manual includes such things as company tactics and firing details [source: Miller]. John Miller, a veteran reenactor who specializes in the Civil War, warns prospective volunteers that the hobby can get dangerous [source: Miller]. Do you have a passion for Ancient Rome, medieval fashion, or Colonial America, and the Salem Witch Trials? Sutlers set up large tents at reenactments and also sell on-line. As they learn how to be a soldier, they take tests and advance through the non-commissioned ranks to corporals and sergeants. Reenacting units are organized in companies and regiments by reenactors from the same geographic area, much as Civil War companies and regiments were organized. "How to Volunteer in Historical Reenactments" Mountains might be climbed. Civil War News is a monthly newspaper that covers news about battlefield preservation, and reenacting. Oftentimes, a young person will find themselves interested in living history but struggle to get involved. Our way to offer tribute to these great men of the Civil War is to study as much as possible . Don't buy a uniform or other equipment until you've joined a unit, which might have its own particular rules for attire. 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. Learn fife or drum. Reenactors need a shirt, coat, pants, wool socks, and a hat. Civil War Re-enactment Group - North Florida Artillery Historical Should I join a Civil War reenactment group? Is it fun? - Quora Threadcounter A reenactor who insists on a historically accurate impression, down to fabric and buttonholes having the same threadcount typical of the time. Reenactments in Maine? | Reenactors Forum - American Civil War Forums Cavalry and artillery reenactors have the added burden of worrying about their horses and mules stepping into holes on the field. Extreme Points of the United States (States & Territories), Federal issue forage cap (dark or indigo blue), State issue forage cap with McDowell visor (dark or indigo blue), Federal fatigue blouse ("sack coat," dark or indigo blue) with four brass buttons, Federal trousers, foot pattern (sky blue), Issue muslin shirt (or other period pattern), USM1855 cartridge box, .58 caliber, mid-war model (black leather), USM1855 bayonet scabbard (black leather, one-piece Springfield style), M1853 three-band .577 caliber Enfield rifle musket and bayonet, Musket sling for M1853 Enfield (untreated leather), Haversack, U.S. regulation wartime issue (black tarred canvas), USM1858 smooth side canteen (jean cloth or dark blue wool cover) with strap (leather preferred over cotton drill or linen). Any unit you contact should be extremely welcoming and do everything they can to have you join their ranks. By Robert Arvay. Are you really excited about being a part of large battle reenactments? For the Bray family in Brunswick, American Civil War reenactment is more than just a historical hobby it's a family affair. 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. That is what reenacting is all about; trying to live for a weekend like a Civil War soldier or civilian to figure out how they did it. The dues are an important aspect of keeping reenactment groups operating. Welcome to the home of the 52nd Tennessee Co. C. We are a group of living historians centered around the American Civil War. 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 . Check your laws! or C.S.A. American Civil War reenactment - Wikipedia Many units have loaner gear or special requirements. Whether you've chosen to be a fur trapper, a soldier or a medieval princess, this clothing and accessories you select for your kit should match your persona. What period of history most grabs your interest? Figure the cost of your accessories into your budget, too. Powell, Kimberly. 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. 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. The unit you ultimately join should be in a position to provide the elements that you want to get out of reenacting. An Authentic Civil War Living History Association, Top Five Tips for Getting Started in Civil War Reenacting. WELCOME TO THE 49TH INDIANA CO.F. As a spectator, you have a great opportunity to get a preview of what volunteering is like. Each reenactor has a specific role to play, so volunteers are expected to have extensive knowledge of the historical event as well as the time period in which it occurs. Units of mainstreamers may number from 20 to 100. Cavalry reenactors have uniforms that are patterned after original cavalry uniforms. Infoplease is part of the Sandbox Learning family of educational and reference sites for parents, teachers and students. Three factors come into play, and the United States demonstrates all of them. 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. 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. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852. That will mean pushing long hair under a hat, taking off ear rings, and doing their best to hide the evidence of being female. While the vast majority of reenactors are standard uniformed Confederate and Union soldiers, there are some small numbers who wear unique uniforms. Before you purchase a musket and show up to your first event, you may find the following tips useful.