- "A Union Civil War Living History and Reenacting organization located in the greater Connecticut area. Do not buy from sutlers on-line then select which unit you want to join. For the Bray family in Brunswick, American Civil War reenactment is more than just a historical hobby it's a family affair. These events help reenactors immerse themselves in the reenacting experience, gaining first-hand knowledge of war, battle strategy, and the hardships of combat. The 49th Indiana Volunteer Infantry is Indiana's oldest, largest and best drilled civil war unit. Rivers might be crossed. At some late-war battles such as Bentonville, North Carolina and Saylers Creek, Virginia, Federal units armed with repeating rifles chewed into Confederate ranks. Wearing historically accurate clothing is essential to your impression and attention to details is important, i.e. 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. Special Thanks https://28thmass.orgLately I've noticed quite a few of you showing more interest in Civil War reenacting specifically. The physically disabled cannot take the field as soldiers, but the impression of a wounded soldier in a period wheel chair being pushed by a civilian in period clothes is welcome. Units of mainstreamers may number from 20 to 100. The persona is sometimes referred to as an impression. While the majority of soldiers were in the 1840 age range, in many enlistment cases birth years were overlooked, or were fabricated. Most people choose a reenactment group that operates fairly close to home - at least within a day's drive. Immersion events are small reenactments where reenactors carry everything with them with no resupply from vehicles. How did my ancestors survive battles, diseases, and prison camps on far away battlefields then return home to produce me? How to join a unit, where and how to k. The Event Wire - Information. Most reenactment groups have extra clothing, uniforms,costumes, and props that they are willing to loan to newcomers. 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). 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. In 2014 the name was changed to North Florida Artillery Historical Foundation, Inc. was established as a non profit/IRS organization. A police officer grips a corner of a torn U.S. flag at a memorial ceremony in New York on Sept. 11, 2004. Our principal reason for existence is to promote an authentic portrayal of Civil War history to the . Cavalry and artillery reenactors have the added burden of worrying about their horses and mules stepping into holes on the field. Just as in the 1860s, some reenacting gear can be shoddy (a Civil War era word), so taking knowledgeable advice from other veteran reenactors in ones unit makes sure newcomers do not buy the wrong gear. The main thing one has to learn is the infantry drill, and to follow orders to execute maneuvers. Once you do, it's time to create your own historical persona. It might be a good idea to spring for the unit's annual fee for insurance coverage in case of an injury. Keep attending reenactments until you find a period that suits your specific interests and talents. 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. Members may portray either a military impression, or one of many civilian roles which are appropriate to the Civil War period. You'll have the Web at your fingertips to research an object's authenticity -- and to compare prices from multiple vendors. And that's not including weaponry: An M1 Garand will put you out $700 to $900, while other period guns cost less than $100. Period clothing and accessories can be very expensive -- depending on the period and figure you're portraying. Nothing spoils the look of a rank of men in a battle line then seeing someone wearing modern day glasses or ear rings. By Robert Arvay. Reenacting units are organized in companies and regiments by reenactors from the same geographic area, much as Civil War companies and regiments were organized. Although most common in the United States, there are also American Civil War reenactors in Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Italy, Denmark . 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. 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. Children were active participants in the Civil War. Aside from physical distance, a reenactor needs to take into consideration a few factors. To take part in high quality reenactments a reenactor should expect to drive at least a day for quality events. Invitation events are smaller events where organizers limit the number of participants in order to better manage the scale. One asked the obvious question to a man who had written more than 3,000 pages seemingly covering every aspect of a war that stretched from New Mexico to New York: Is there anything about the War that you dont know?, Footes response was immediate: I still dont know how they did it. 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. Reenactors who claim: My ancestors would roll over in their graves if I portrayed the other side are frowned upon. Event Dues - This can really depend on the event and what is provided with the fee. 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. 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. Most reenactors join the infantry, which is followed in popularity by the artillery, then the cavalry and there are a few naval interpreters. 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. Check your local newspaper or reenactment Web sites for listings of upcoming reenactment events in your area. For instance, the 26th Regiment of North Carolina Troops also portrays the 24th Michigan of The Iron Brigade when it reenacts as Federals. If looking to dive into Vietnam reenacting, the number one piece of advice is to speak to a unit before making purchases. 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. or C.S.A. Reenactors take their jobs very seriously. That is my indication and EXPRESSED consent to be treated like a slave by all participating confederate soldiers. Kimberly Powell is a professional genealogist and the author of The Everything Guide to Online Genealogy. First-person When a reenactor speaks to fellow reenactors and the public as a person during the 1860s. American Civil War Society. 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. These groups often focus on reenactment of wars, offering members (and sometimes the public) a glimpse of what life was like during the conflicts that shaped history. The United States Marines wear distinctive crossed white belts. Civil War soldiers or civilians didnt have digital watches or plastic frame eyeglasses. 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. Not all organizations allow family's along for the ride. 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. Cavalry reenactors have uniforms that are patterned after original cavalry uniforms. 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 ]. Too far forward, and the percussion cap is exploding in his ear. While these stories may transport you to Elizabethan England or ancient Rome, they're still fiction, after all, and don't always provide authentic history lessons. 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. Reenacting is at a cross-roads. Once the basics are purchased, reenactors move on to acquire other gear like a canvas dog tent, or a larger A-frame tent, a gum or rubber blanket/poncho for putting down on the ground or wearing as rain gear, and cooking gear like tin frying pans and cooking grates. Reenacting units staged living histories to explain weapons and uniforms at venues like schools and public parks to recruit new hobbyists. Most reenactment organizations also won't allow children under 16 to bear arms. Unit Dues - Unit dues are typically the cheapest of all expenses. Most reenacting units are equipped to act as either Federal or Confederate troops in order to be able to balance numbers at reenacting events. "How to Become a Re-Enactor." While the three-banded musket is standard, there might be the occasional chance to carry something else. Also: Post Your Event Photos, Reviews, & Wrap-Ups. Most reenacting units have both a website and a Facebook page, making it easier for people to find local units. A plastic mug would be farby as would a polyester uniform since they didnt have polyester in 1861. In 1913 elderly Union and Confederate veterans met at the 50th anniversary of Gettysburg and put themselves through their pacesbut without the muskets they had used against each other. Check out our article How to Join a Reenactment Group. They'll have fun watching the excitement, and you'll get to teach them about history. Reenactors refer to their clothing and equipment as theirkit. and then went into battle to save Lees army, but until one has marched that same route, it is all theory. Learn fife or drum. Between a quarter and a third of the Union army was made up of European immigrants so real or imitation Irish and eastern European accents are welcome. Welcome! Now i ma Women reenactors portraying soldiers are not uncommon, just as there were women in ranks during the Civil War. While the uniforms are generallywelluniform, hats (at least for Confederate portrayals) can be a matter of personal choice. While reenactors do like authenticity, they draw the line at paying upwards of $30 for registration fees, but finding over-flowing port-a-johns by Sunday morning. "I decided to join the Civil War reenacting group that helped to make the movie." .
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