Civil War Reinactment Experiences

[Stoic]

Has anyone been involved in a civil war reinactment group or revolutionary war group?

What kind of effort does it take? Is it easy to get involved?

What kind of expenditures are required for the uniform, kit, weapons, etc? Do you have any suggestions for a beginner?

How is the subject of rank handled?

Are new people welcomed?

Thanks for any replies.

 

[cmore]

stoic, most groups are very friendly and will welcome new members. unless you are sure what you want to do, my advice is to attend several re enactments and talk to different people . there are infantry,artillery, cavalry, scout, communications, medical,and civilian re enactors.(and probably some i missed)!
somewhere in the neighborhood of 600 to 1000 dollars will get you outfitted to start with most groups. they try for authenticity and you can slip on a few things for a while, but if you stay , you'll spend a good deal more in time.
time commitment varies, but is usually several hours a month.(minimum)
thre are a number of publications that cater to re enactors.smoke and fire news, the camp follower's journal, north and south, blue and grey, civil war journal,etc.

rank is usually by election or appointment with group founders holding upper slots. (pretty muchlike it was then)
does this answer your questions?
cmore

 

[4V50 Gary]

For revolutionary war, if you live on the East Coast, contact the Brigade of the American Revolution. If in the midwest, then the North West Territory Alliance at http://www.nwta.com

Civil War you also have choices. The North South Skirmish Association ( http://www.n-ssa.org or their recruiter at nssa4914@aol.com) or the Civil War Skirmish Association (West Ccoast) at http://www.calweb.com/~arline for more info.

I know some reenactors (French Indian & Napleonic) and the task requires a lot of dedicated work and research for authenticity. By the way, for either war, get use to hardtack and don't forget to rap it smartly against the table to shake out the worms or weavils. While you won't face death , you don't get to pillage and burn either.


------------------
Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt