"So how on earth does this re-enacting thing work, anyway?" Topic

Apologies in advance if this is too off-topic for these boards; my only other message board is about B-movies, so I figured this was the closest of the two in terms of being able to help me out.

Here's the deal. I've been reading about the Civil War a lot recently (thanks in large part to some excellent suggestions from TMP posters), which has awakened a latent sense of pro-Union pride and a desire to every now and then show a flag that isn't the Union Jack.

I also keep hearing intermittent references to re-enactors, have seen Gettysburg, Glory, and (gag) Gods and Generals. It seems kind of cool. On one hand, it appeals to my love of fancy dress. On the other, it also appeals to my desire to brandish a sabre or possibly a revolver. A fondness for history goes in here somewhere, too. I am even in reasonably good shape, as wargamers go, being young enough that I have not yet assumed the "gentleman penguin" shape that is practically the defining feature of my forbears.

So this sounds cool. But it seems that re-enacting, as is the case with every hobby from wargaming to macrame, rife with differing opinions, intrigue, and such things. I have no idea how it works; my impression is that I would have to probably find one of these groups around where I live (slightly north of Chicago, not eactly a locale rich in historic Civil War hattle sites), and then…what? Does one have to join as a common soldier? I mean, presumably, you can't just swan in, knowing nothing about infantry tactics of the Civil War, wearing a splendid 2nd Lieutenant's uniform, and get to play at being an officer, however historically accurate one's ignorance might be. Which seems fair, but still frustrating to me, because I feel like I'd look pretty dashing as an officer.

Are there tests? Are large men going to subject me to long lectures on the wickedness of my Abolitionist forebears and State's Rights until I contemplate bayoneting my own wrists? How does this work? I am adrift in a sea of uncertainty!

First, find a good reenacting group in your GENERAL area. Doesn't necessarily have to be too close… the guys all travel to events anyway.

You need to have gear; a uniform, gun, accoutrements, etc.

You would in all likelyhood join as a private. Most groups have no tests, but you do need to commit to a certain number of events and there are fees (for insurance and other stuff.)

Then you would go to certain reenactment events with your group.

Fairly simple! But not cheap. If you are lucky someone can lend you gear for a short time, but you will need to invest on your own.

It is a lot of fun; appeals to the military side of people, appeals to the uniforms side of people, and greatly appeals to people who, at the end of a long day, like to sit in front of a fire with not a single reminder of the modern day around and drink homemade booze. Great fun.

Muzik212 is a reenactor, as is Scott Washburn and a few others here… they can give you more info.

Oh, and kudos on not being shaped like a penguin; nothing is more irritating than fat reenactors. Really ruins the image.

Provided this is a serious question, you need to google up some units near you and look at their websites. Units will vary in their level of authenticity and seriousness from "good ol' boys shootin' muskets yee-haw" to stitch-counters who starve themselves for the authentic "gaunt" ACW look. Talk to some of the members by email and phone to determine which might be a good fit in terms of North/South, type of unit, and attitude. Also ask about loaner kit because you woulldn't want to invest $1K+ in uniform, weapon and gear only to find it's not for you. Most units will have loaner stuff for you to try at an event or two until you decide if the hobby's for you. Then hook up with a unit and go an event or three.

And no, you can be fairly certain that any established unit will NOT let a total noob swan in as an officer. Reenacting tends to be way too officer-heavy as it is, and it is the guys who have been in the longest (and who know what they're doing) who get to play as the boss.

Good luck, and have fun.

w.

ps although I don't reenact ACW I have done War of 1812 and WW2.
pps why don't you go into your profile and get access to some more boards?

Yeah, check out this board:

TMP link

Generally, you'd find yourself a unit to join and attend events with them. It is not strictly required to be part of a unit, but it sure helps. Most reenactors start out as common troopers, as portraying an officer on the field generally requires a decent working knowledge of period drill. That isn't to say that you couldn't put on an officer's uniform and wander around an event playing an aide off on some errand or another, but the higher the rank you put on the more scrutiny you'll be under from other reenactors. Honestly, a lot depends upon the unit involved. My recommendation would be to find an event or two to attend as a spectator and talk to the reenactors, ask questions and shop around for a unit you think you'd be comfortable with. Since you're in the Chicago area, there is an event scheduled for May 17th and 18th at the Naper Settlement in Naperville, IL. that you might want to check out.

You're right – your best bet is to find a unit nearby and check them out. Go to a meeting, ask them questions, etc.

Generally, you'll start as a common soldier. I've seen some guys buy officer's uniforms, go to events and hang around. Of course, most re-enactors will snicker at these folks.

link

Try this link for some local units,

And good luck.

My brother reenacts big-time, at least a dozen times a year. I've marched with him three times in the past six years. You can gain a LOT of insights into the real event through reenacting.

a small point.. most units will play both blue or gray, depending on the needs of the event..

And don't limit yourself to the ACW.

I just started ACW reenacting myself back in November. I received a lot of good advice from the reenacting board here(thanks guys). There are a number of good ACW reenacting websites online that you can get a lot of good info from.

authentic-campaigner.com These guys are rather hardcore.

cwreenactors.com/index.php These guys are not so much.

One thing I would add to the execllent tips here, whatever you do, don't buy any gear until you have visited with the unit you plan on joining. Many units have particualr equipment guidelines for their unit. Also many units have equipment you can purchase from them that will meet their equipment guidelines.

You should assume you'll be a private for quite some time and… enjoy the experience. I have been a private, NCO and officer and my best memories are as a private. They have the most fun and you truly doscover what the CW was all about. All the things you've read in books will come alive.

There are all sorts of events that you'll do with most groups. Some are better than others but for different reasons! The sort of events are: parades/dedication events, school programs, living history programs, reenactments, tacticals and pick posts.

When I first started all I wanted to do was 'burn powder'. After a few years of it these reenactments became all the same, rather too commerical and almost out of control. I hardly go any more. Now the best events are school programs, living history and picket posts. I love doing first-person impressions now and like to stay in character to teach. In our group we like to portray one real member from our unit. We do lots of research and it is a gazillion times more rewarding.

My advice is to pick a unit that best suits what you are looking for and what level you want to immerse yourself into. Do you want to burn powder, sit around camp or travel back to the 1860's?

I reenact the French and Indian War at Fort Des Chartres, near ST. Louis, Missouri. I have not joined a unit because of time constraints. Twice per year they have a Rendezvous that allows reenactors dressed as if between the years 1700 and 1840. I get to carry around my flintlock, go back in time and slow down for a couple of weekends.

I do not have the discipline of a unit but still the history.

I just thought I would throw this in. If you love is ACW, your search will land you a unit to join and have fun with. Friends of mine were in ACW units for years and loved it.

Try the 104th Illinois. They were part of the Black Hat Brigade and also fall in with the Iron Brigade. I was in the Belle City Rifles, Co, F 2nd Wisconsin Infantry. Rick Keating is a nice guy once you get to know him. They're from your area.
/www.104thillinois.com

Trust me…you don't want to be an officer…be a private..it's more fun…and less expensive and stressful.

I was with an artillery unit in the chicago area during my college days. It was a blast! (pun and gun intendend) met some wonderful people and had a great time.

A search on the web should yield plenty of groups in the area.

best of luck!

Just remember that you'll sweat your behind off in the summer and freeze it off in the winter. And maybe wake up with snakes in your blankets with you. Sounds like such fun!

During the 130th ann. of Wilderness/Spotsylvannia reenactment I pick up a bug. I don't know how. I had the Virginia Quickstep _REAL_ bad and had trouble on BOTH flanks. Imagine being 6 hours from home, sleeping in a Dogtent, in the middle of no-where and about 200 yards from the 'Thunder huts'. Between our company street and the Thunder huts was at least 4 other company streets and belt of woods. That weekend was the most miserable I have had in my life. Saturday night was the worst of it. At one point I hurled on the passing soldiers during the changing of the guard posts. Looking back now my pards get a huge chuckle over this 'experience' of mine. It was kinda funny looking back now.

I don't know whether anyone mentioned this but: DON'T BUY ANYTHING YET! Make contact with a decent unit first, see what their standards are and they'll tell you where to get your gear. There's nothing more frustrating for a new reenactor than to set down money for say, a Kentucky long rifle (seen that one) and find out it's completely worthless for ACW reenacting.

Lord Bluebottle is correct. Research the groups near you and find what fits your interest level. I have been in the hobby for 20 years and participated at all levels from private to brigade command. Here is a link to my home organization we are dual impression.

chesapeakevolunteerguard.org

I see you are from Illinois. Yopu may want to google a man by the name of Paul Calloway or a group called the tarwater mess.

Take care,
Sean