Our way to offer tribute to these great men of the Civil War is to study as much as possible . An Authentic Civil War Living History Association, Top Five Tips for Getting Started in Civil War Reenacting. 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. Local video entrepreneurs filmed those 125th anniversary reenactments on VHS tapes, selling them to the reenactors who hoped to see themselves acting as Civil War soldiers. There is no age requirement for being a Civil War reenactor, but, of course, minors will need to have their parents approval and support. Confederate reenactors armed with single shot muskets have no choice but to fall or withdraw in the face of men using rifles that could carry upwards of 13 rounds that could be fired in a matter of seconds. The only difference between the Civil War and the reenacting firing is that no Mini ball is rammed down the barrel. 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. 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. A typical period correct firearm will cost upwards of $1000. Most organization will not watch your 10 year old kid all day. Perhaps you have a friend in the hobby who has encouraged you to give it a try. Typically, the age restriction for most events is 16 years old to carry a musket/rifle. 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 . Reenacting gear includes the uniform, accoutrements, a musket, shoes, hat and more, all purchased from sutlers, merchants specializing in reproduction products for reenactors. She teaches at the Genealogical Institute of Pittsburgh and the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. In addition to special uniforms, some reenactors will be tempted to get special firearms. Each unit has a different function and will provide a much different experience. 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. Salary.com. The youngest vet eran was 61 and the oldest was 112. The state of Pennsylvania hosted thousands of former Union and Confederate soldiers during the weeklong event. clear this with both units and dont just show up expecting to be ok. While reenacting is a hobby, it has some of the trappings of operating in an actual army. 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. What period of history most grabs your interest? Take your hits (deaths) If you wish to fight in a different unit that a family member fought in during the civil war. 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. Fit for Effective Service: Virginia Arms Her Stonewall Brigade, Its Ancient Reputation: The Stonewall Brigade at Cedar Mountain, The Stonewall Brigade at Gettysburg Part Four: The Fate of the Flags, How to Adapt a Confederate ANV Impression by Time Period, Top Tips for Transitioning From Mainstream to Authentic Reenacting. 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. Children as young as 8 have been seen at many reenactments partaking in field music. By now you are probably wondering, "how much is all of this going to cost me? 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. It might be a good idea to spring for the unit's annual fee for insurance coverage in case of an injury. 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 . Civil War Traveler lists a variety of events, including reenactments, searchable by state so newcomers can see some reenactments in person and talk to unit members. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links at no additional cost to you. In historical reenactments, people from all walks of life gather together, dressed head-to-toe in period clothing. Reenactors adopt what they call impressions based on the type of person they want to portray. 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. They'll have fun watching the excitement, and you'll get to teach them about history. 3 rd Florida Volunteer Infantry, Co. 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. They will take on the persona of one who is living through the period and will not speak in modern language. 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. Powell, Kimberly. 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. 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. Winter reenactors will want heavy overcoats which can cost upwards of $300. Not all reenactment groups will offer the same experiences. 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. California. Nothing spoils the look of a rank of men in a battle line then seeing someone wearing modern day glasses or ear rings. Post Advance Schedules Up to 1 Year in Advance. "How to Get Started With Historical Reenacting." Check out our article How to Join a Reenactment Group. Reenactors often do more interacting with the visiting public such as performing drill and firing demonstrations, and giving flag and equipment talks. 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. How do war reenactments work? A plastic mug would be farby as would a polyester uniform since they didnt have polyester in 1861. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. If you have an interest in our American History during the period of 1861-1865, we invite you to join our ranks. That could be in California, Wisconsin, or even Russia. Once you do, it's time to create your own historical persona. People come to Civil War reenacting in a myriad of ways. There is nothing inherently better or worse about any of these clusters they are each different ways of experiencing the hobby and it is important that you pick the one that most closely matches what interests you. Required fields are marked *. 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. The largest event was the 135th Gettysburg reenactment which involved 15,000 reenactors. Powell, Kimberly. Before you start investing cash in reenacting, attend enough events to ensure that its a hobby that you truly enjoy and want to purse. Most reenacting units are equipped to act as either Federal or Confederate troops in order to be able to balance numbers at reenacting events. Some states require even single shot, reproduction muskets to be registered with the government. Shopping online is a good alternative to making purchases at a reenactment. Experience being part of bringing our nation's most turbulent and tragic era to life. 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. How to Get Started With Historical Reenacting. 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. No one in the 21st century really knows what it was like in the 19th century, but one can develop an idea from reading about the time period and convert that idea into a reenacting reality. The same uniforms worn in the summer are worn in the winter. They like to bring tents, camp chairs, hidden ice chests, and other gear that the original army would never have had. Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era is a Pulitzer Prize-winning work on the American Civil War. 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. This manual includes such things as company tactics and firing details [source: Miller]. While this material is of interest to reenactors, our hobby requires a detailed knowledge of the daily experience of individual soldiers. Some civilian reenactors may choose to portray professions such as mortician or battlefield surgeon with some women roaming the field as nurses. Event Dues - This can really depend on the event and what is provided with the fee. 5) Purchase Slowly and Strategically: When you are ready to start purchasing gear, take your time and make your purchases strategic. 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. Mainstreamers cheerfully accept the nickname TBG- which stands for Tubby Bearded Guys. Stan Honda . Find WW1 Reenactment groups to join now! Historical reenactors are known for being sticklers for accuracy. So, many die-hard history-lovers volunteer in historical reenactments for an action-packed and enlightening experience. By the time Ken Burns PBS special The Civil War debuted in 1990 interest in the War was on an upswing. The unit you ultimately join should be in a position to provide the elements that you want to get out of reenacting. Take the time to fully research your character and period, considering where yourpersonalives, his age, hisoccupation, and his social status, before purchasing items which may or may not be authentic or appropriate. With the exception of events where rains flood the battlefield, reenactments are rarely cancelled for heat or cold. A love of history of all time periods is common though reenactors focus on the 19th century. 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. We do this by portraying soldiers and citizens at . The most famous reenactment of the 1960s was the July 1961 Battle of First Manassas or Bull Run, held on the Manassas National Battlefield. Following are some useful terms to acquaint you with Civil War Reenacting. There are scores of sutlers who operate regionally and nationally. While the three-banded musket is standard, there might be the occasional chance to carry something else. Almost every reenactor can tell you stories about uniforms or equipment they rushed to purchase when they first started out and later regretted after they learned it was of poor quality or didnt fit the impression they ultimately pursued. While Confederate regulations called for a kepi, most men opted for a slouch hat, a broad-brimmed hat of varying styles. As a spectator, you have a great opportunity to get a preview of what volunteering is like. 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. Reenactment also takes time, but this can be as little as a 2-3 hour event once or twice a year, to a half-dozen three-day weekend encampments. Horses, though trained to expect loud noises from cannons, rifles, pistols and clanging sabers, sometimes throw their riders to the ground. First-person When a reenactor speaks to fellow reenactors and the public as a person during the 1860s. This can mean everything from uncomfortable clothes and terrible food to inclement weather and a poor excuse for a bed. Larger regiments will combine those companies to form a state-wide organization. WW1 Reenactment Groups. There is at least one Civil War era brass band using period instruments and playing period music. 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. Young Civil War Reenactor (photo by D. Farr). American Civil War Society. Reenactor A person, male or female, dedicated to recreating the War Between the States or Civil War. For the sake of authenticity, women do not bear arms. R. Lee Hadden. The weapons that reenactors carry are real -- and loaded. Depending upon your reenactment scenario, this may be a real individual or a fictional one who could have lived during your time period of interest. Before you purchase a musket and show up to your first event, you may find the following tips useful. 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. What's more, you could get hurt. New reenactors start as privates and promotion to non commissioned officer or officer status depends on passing tests and demonstrating an ability to command larger bodies of men in maneuvers on the field. Modern day work boots are not acceptable. Learn more about the world with our collection of regional and country maps. To a CIVIL WAR reenactment. Living histories take place at the actual battlefield by invitation from the National Park Service. "How to Become a Re-Enactor." Most units require members to be at least 16 years old before they can fall into ranks with a musket because of the maturity necessary to handle a firearm. Typical costs for reenacting might include the following. How did my ancestors survive battles, diseases, and prison camps on far away battlefields then return home to produce me? 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.