Considering reenacting

[oreclan]

I have been reenacting almost fifty year, on and off, mostly off; but an active muzzleloader shooter most of those years. I have done mostly American Revolution and WW-II, as well as other periods.

So the first questions is what periods are you interested in, since you are here I am assuming most likely 18th and 19th Century America?
So with this broad swath of a time period your primary reenacting themes are French and Indian War, the American Revolution, War of 1812, Texas Independence, Civil War, Indian Wars, and Early and Late Frontier Fur Hunters/Trappers. To a lesser extent there are some European events of the Napoleonic or English Civil wars in America.

Regional location have a great influence on the type of period reenacting organizations and events that take place.

- French and Indian War: The Great Lakes, Canada, Upstate New York, Western Pennsylvania, the interior of Western MD, VA, WV, NC, SC, GA.
- American Revolution: IL, Great Lakes, Canada, and most of the East Coast from Maine to Georgia
- War of 1812: Canada, Northern New York, LA, Washington / Baltimore area
- Texas Independence: I know almost nothing about living history there, but every now and then I see a post about something in TX.
- Civil War: Do I need to say anything more, a pretty bid swath of the US, from the West to the East Coast
- Indian Wars, not only the Plain Indian battles of the second half of the 19th Century, but also the Indian Allies of the French and English during the 18th and first half of the 19th Centuries.
- Early and Late Frontier Fur Hunters/Trappers: More of the Rendezvous type events. See alot of these at the Fur Trade Forts across the Mid-west.

Second many periods have large umbrella organizations: For example the American Revolution:
- The British Brigade (The British Brigade)
- The Brigade of the American Revolution (Home | BAR)
- The Continental Line (The Continental Line – The Continental Line, Inc.)

I won't say much about these except, there are pro's and con's to each. The biggest thing they attempt to do is sponsor events and bridge the gap between sites, smaller groups of reenactors and the requirements of both logistically and legal to hold an events.

As for historical accuracy, it spans the range of almost fantasy to progressive. There are many different terms used to describe this.
- Farby, Mainstream, Campaigner, Progressive, Immersive and many other term.

On the low end of the historical accuracy would be a Farby, machine sewn clothing, of modern fabrics or colors, not historically accurate at all in their presentation of history.

Mainstream, would be machine sewn clothing, the inclusion of Cotton, which was not commonly seen in the 18th Century. An attempt to be historically accurate with more period correct firearms or camp equipment.

Campaigner is sort of more of a bridge between levels of historically accurate clothing and equipment. Balancing accurate materials and a mix of machine sewn, hand finished, and hand sewn clothing.

Progressive and Immersive strive for 100% accurate. Hand sewn everything. Minimalist camps, accurate food to be cooked.

I assume these definitions have similar delineations in the Rendezvous World.

Lastly, like ALL social clubs we have from softball leagues, Golf, Rod and Gun clubs, veterans organizations there are politics involved. If you can't stand politics don't play in reenacting. It is one of the reasons why I have been in and out of the hobby many times over the years. When I get fed up with the politics I take a break.

The other important thing to remember, this is a hobby. Family first, work second, and hobbies last. There are times over my life time where I could not afford my hobbies over my family, or work demands and career kept me from my hobbies. When my kids were small and in school, their lives and activities took precedence over hobbies.

Other posts have focused on how to find units/organizations, and events. All good advice. When something stops being fun I stop doing it.

I've been re-enacting since 1974.
I primarily do American Revolutionary War, French and Indian War, and American Frontier.
I have done the War of 1812, as well as the American Civil War.
I also belong to several historic sites as well as an S.A.R. Chapter color-guard unit.
I agree with the above post in all of Paul in Pa's main points.

 

[Pilgrim]

The French Broad Rifles has a range NE of Ashville that seems pretty nice from the pics on their website. I have not been there yet. They are primarily a shooting club, but have a rendezvous and shoot each year. That is the only thing I've found within a couple hour drive of Newport.

I'm an hour away from them myself but plan on visiting.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Go to a few events where reenactors are present and ask a few questions

Good advice. But I would say "ask a LOT of questions". Go to rondys you will really enjoy. And ask a lot of people, not just vendors. I doubt you will ever find a camp that does not welcome you to sit down and talk. If you do not have any period clothes, most events allow non-pc visitors on Saturdays. Of course, select the period and persona you want. Do check the on-line vendors. Even if you do not buy from them their offerings will show you what is what for your persona. Start slow, building a complete kit is pretty expensive, do not rob the piggy bank all at once. I would add, don't get discouraged. Reenacting and participating in events will soon become one of the most important and rewarding experiences of your life.

 

[Seamus]

You can find a list of events at Upcoming Events | Reenacting Schedule
Check out some of the events at Ft. Dobbs, that's not to far away from your county. If you look under "Reenactors" on their webpage you can find some good information for 1750s NC.

As has been said many times before, research your chosen area and time period and then decide how authentic you want to be. It can get expensive fast if you're buying linen clothing and braintan bucksins.

 

[Daniel Keller]

I have been corrected partially. There are a few shoots held but mostly middle tn area like Tullahoma and Franklin. Was informed of one put on by South Central Middle East Tn Longrifles but only info I can find is a contact number and a couple videos by blackpowder maniac. If I find anymore info I'll share it. Tennessee Longhunter is in Tullahoma I believe don't remember the one in Franklin.

 

[Cvkotvkse]

I ain't found nothing in TN been looking for a couple years as far as longhunter/fur trade Era events. Some forts and such have events but are mainly military reenactment for their time period. Seems to be alot of interest here in East TN but Noone has took the initiative to organize an event.

The Overmountain Men events around Elizabethton commemorating the leadup to Kings Mountain occur in September and October. These are "irregular militia" events with the clothing and weapons being much more based on longhunters than on anything remotely resembling military troops.

 

[GREENSWLDE]

Post about the Ball-S'up at the Museum.. One of a batch of photo's I took at a local gun club a long time ago in the early 1970's

20b ball(.620") Patch .010" Cotton from a 20b(.628") Deer rifle by Parkhouse of Taunton,Devon. Range 30Yds. Powder 40grns C&H No.2. Target-Old Pine fence post ,Sewn up and split after shot. SORRY about the Exotherm. Forgot about the heat from curing resin.. OLD DOG..

 

[PathfinderNC]

I have been reenacting almost fifty year, on and off, mostly off; but an active muzzleloader shooter most of those years. I have done mostly American Revolution and WW-II, as well as other periods.

So the first questions is what periods are you interested in, since you are here I am assuming most likely 18th and 19th Century America?
So with this broad swath of a time period your primary reenacting themes are French and Indian War, the American Revolution, War of 1812, Texas Independence, Civil War, Indian Wars, and Early and Late Frontier Fur Hunters/Trappers. To a lesser extent there are some European events of the Napoleonic or English Civil wars in America.

Regional location have a great influence on the type of period reenacting organizations and events that take place.

- French and Indian War: The Great Lakes, Canada, Upstate New York, Western Pennsylvania, the interior of Western MD, VA, WV, NC, SC, GA.
- American Revolution: IL, Great Lakes, Canada, and most of the East Coast from Maine to Georgia
- War of 1812: Canada, Northern New York, LA, Washington / Baltimore area
- Texas Independence: I know almost nothing about living history there, but every now and then I see a post about something in TX.
- Civil War: Do I need to say anything more, a pretty bid swath of the US, from the West to the East Coast
- Indian Wars, not only the Plain Indian battles of the second half of the 19th Century, but also the Indian Allies of the French and English during the 18th and first half of the 19th Centuries.
- Early and Late Frontier Fur Hunters/Trappers: More of the Rendezvous type events. See alot of these at the Fur Trade Forts across the Mid-west.

Second many periods have large umbrella organizations: For example the American Revolution:
- The British Brigade (The British Brigade)
- The Brigade of the American Revolution (Home | BAR)
- The Continental Line (The Continental Line – The Continental Line, Inc.)

I won't say much about these except, there are pro's and con's to each. The biggest thing they attempt to do is sponsor events and bridge the gap between sites, smaller groups of reenactors and the requirements of both logistically and legal to hold an events.

As for historical accuracy, it spans the range of almost fantasy to progressive. There are many different terms used to describe this.
- Farby, Mainstream, Campaigner, Progressive, Immersive and many other term.

On the low end of the historical accuracy would be a Farby, machine sewn clothing, of modern fabrics or colors, not historically accurate at all in their presentation of history.

Mainstream, would be machine sewn clothing, the inclusion of Cotton, which was not commonly seen in the 18th Century. An attempt to be historically accurate with more period correct firearms or camp equipment.

Campaigner is sort of more of a bridge between levels of historically accurate clothing and equipment. Balancing accurate materials and a mix of machine sewn, hand finished, and hand sewn clothing.

Progressive and Immersive strive for 100% accurate. Hand sewn everything. Minimalist camps, accurate food to be cooked.

I assume these definitions have similar delineations in the Rendezvous World.

Lastly, like ALL social clubs we have from softball leagues, Golf, Rod and Gun clubs, veterans organizations there are politics involved. If you can't stand politics don't play in reenacting. It is one of the reasons why I have been in and out of the hobby many times over the years. When I get fed up with the politics I take a break.

The other important thing to remember, this is a hobby. Family first, work second, and hobbies last. There are times over my life time where I could not afford my hobbies over my family, or work demands and career kept me from my hobbies. When my kids were small and in school, their lives and activities took precedence over hobbies.

Other posts have focused on how to find units/organizations, and events. All good advice. When something stops being fun I stop doing it.

This is good information.

 

[Pilgrim]

I have been reenacting almost fifty year, on and off, mostly off; but an active muzzleloader shooter most of those years. I have done mostly American Revolution and WW-II, as well as other periods.

So the first questions is what periods are you interested in, since you are here I am assuming most likely 18th and 19th Century America?
So with this broad swath of a time period your primary reenacting themes are French and Indian War, the American Revolution, War of 1812, Texas Independence, Civil War, Indian Wars, and Early and Late Frontier Fur Hunters/Trappers. To a lesser extent there are some European events of the Napoleonic or English Civil wars in America.

Regional location have a great influence on the type of period reenacting organizations and events that take place.

- French and Indian War: The Great Lakes, Canada, Upstate New York, Western Pennsylvania, the interior of Western MD, VA, WV, NC, SC, GA.
- American Revolution: IL, Great Lakes, Canada, and most of the East Coast from Maine to Georgia
- War of 1812: Canada, Northern New York, LA, Washington / Baltimore area
- Texas Independence: I know almost nothing about living history there, but every now and then I see a post about something in TX.
- Civil War: Do I need to say anything more, a pretty bid swath of the US, from the West to the East Coast
- Indian Wars, not only the Plain Indian battles of the second half of the 19th Century, but also the Indian Allies of the French and English during the 18th and first half of the 19th Centuries.
- Early and Late Frontier Fur Hunters/Trappers: More of the Rendezvous type events. See alot of these at the Fur Trade Forts across the Mid-west.

Second many periods have large umbrella organizations: For example the American Revolution:
- The British Brigade (The British Brigade)
- The Brigade of the American Revolution (Home | BAR)
- The Continental Line (The Continental Line – The Continental Line, Inc.)

I won't say much about these except, there are pro's and con's to each. The biggest thing they attempt to do is sponsor events and bridge the gap between sites, smaller groups of reenactors and the requirements of both logistically and legal to hold an events.

As for historical accuracy, it spans the range of almost fantasy to progressive. There are many different terms used to describe this.
- Farby, Mainstream, Campaigner, Progressive, Immersive and many other term.

On the low end of the historical accuracy would be a Farby, machine sewn clothing, of modern fabrics or colors, not historically accurate at all in their presentation of history.

Mainstream, would be machine sewn clothing, the inclusion of Cotton, which was not commonly seen in the 18th Century. An attempt to be historically accurate with more period correct firearms or camp equipment.

Campaigner is sort of more of a bridge between levels of historically accurate clothing and equipment. Balancing accurate materials and a mix of machine sewn, hand finished, and hand sewn clothing.

Progressive and Immersive strive for 100% accurate. Hand sewn everything. Minimalist camps, accurate food to be cooked.

I assume these definitions have similar delineations in the Rendezvous World.

Lastly, like ALL social clubs we have from softball leagues, Golf, Rod and Gun clubs, veterans organizations there are politics involved. If you can't stand politics don't play in reenacting. It is one of the reasons why I have been in and out of the hobby many times over the years. When I get fed up with the politics I take a break.

The other important thing to remember, this is a hobby. Family first, work second, and hobbies last. There are times over my life time where I could not afford my hobbies over my family, or work demands and career kept me from my hobbies. When my kids were small and in school, their lives and activities took precedence over hobbies.

Other posts have focused on how to find units/organizations, and events. All good advice. When something stops being fun I stop doing it.

Outstanding post. I'm interested in the Eastern frontier/long hunter period. Could be included in the F/I period but preceded this period and also extends beyond it into the revolutionary war period. I am studying to find my preferred time slot. Thank you for the impressive information.

 

[tenngun]

Keep in mind nobody is perfect. At some point every impression fails. I try to eat historic foods. Apples are my go to dessert. But I like Granny Smith apples, a breed yet to be invented.
You want salt pork or bacon? Good, except the breeds of pig we have now didn’t exist then.
I hand sew my clothing, good, but I also have too much cotton, bad.
Our tents are shaped right, but made from fire resistant cloth. Old canvas was linen or hemp. I’ve never seen a proper tent.
A frontiersman of old would often sleep in a shelter constructed on the spot. Something out of bounds in general today. And most places you camp with a group in would look askance at bathroom facilities of a real camp.
Are there Indians in the camp? Their ideas about nudity would be unacceptable today.
So
You’re in your hand sewn wool and linen, in a proper shaped tent even though it passes modren camp standards and about to have a proper eighteenth century meal. And you sit down with fork and spoon….. wrong. Most folks ate with a knife, and fingers and drank their soup from a cup.
Then there is our bodies.
People were climatized. Even in summer they tended to ware more clothing. Or less when the temp dips then we are comfortable with
All we can do is try. We have our sense of good manners, safety, depth of our pocket books ect.
You see far more candles burning today at a camp than you would have ever seen back then, even if all in proper lanterns.
Do your research
Try and be correct
Be reasonable and keep in mind this is all about fun.
Don’t kick your self in the pants, but try to do it right, but don’t let something minor stop you.

 

[BackDraft]

I have been reenacting almost fifty year, on and off, mostly off; but an active muzzleloader shooter most of those years. I have done mostly American Revolution and WW-II, as well as other periods.

So the first questions is what periods are you interested in, since you are here I am assuming most likely 18th and 19th Century America?
So with this broad swath of a time period your primary reenacting themes are French and Indian War, the American Revolution, War of 1812, Texas Independence, Civil War, Indian Wars, and Early and Late Frontier Fur Hunters/Trappers. To a lesser extent there are some European events of the Napoleonic or English Civil wars in America.

Regional location have a great influence on the type of period reenacting organizations and events that take place.

- French and Indian War: The Great Lakes, Canada, Upstate New York, Western Pennsylvania, the interior of Western MD, VA, WV, NC, SC, GA.
- American Revolution: IL, Great Lakes, Canada, and most of the East Coast from Maine to Georgia
- War of 1812: Canada, Northern New York, LA, Washington / Baltimore area
- Texas Independence: I know almost nothing about living history there, but every now and then I see a post about something in TX.
- Civil War: Do I need to say anything more, a pretty bid swath of the US, from the West to the East Coast
- Indian Wars, not only the Plain Indian battles of the second half of the 19th Century, but also the Indian Allies of the French and English during the 18th and first half of the 19th Centuries.
- Early and Late Frontier Fur Hunters/Trappers: More of the Rendezvous type events. See alot of these at the Fur Trade Forts across the Mid-west.

Second many periods have large umbrella organizations: For example the American Revolution:
- The British Brigade (The British Brigade)
- The Brigade of the American Revolution (Home | BAR)
- The Continental Line (The Continental Line – The Continental Line, Inc.)

I won't say much about these except, there are pro's and con's to each. The biggest thing they attempt to do is sponsor events and bridge the gap between sites, smaller groups of reenactors and the requirements of both logistically and legal to hold an events.

As for historical accuracy, it spans the range of almost fantasy to progressive. There are many different terms used to describe this.
- Farby, Mainstream, Campaigner, Progressive, Immersive and many other term.

On the low end of the historical accuracy would be a Farby, machine sewn clothing, of modern fabrics or colors, not historically accurate at all in their presentation of history.

Mainstream, would be machine sewn clothing, the inclusion of Cotton, which was not commonly seen in the 18th Century. An attempt to be historically accurate with more period correct firearms or camp equipment.

Campaigner is sort of more of a bridge between levels of historically accurate clothing and equipment. Balancing accurate materials and a mix of machine sewn, hand finished, and hand sewn clothing.

Progressive and Immersive strive for 100% accurate. Hand sewn everything. Minimalist camps, accurate food to be cooked.

I assume these definitions have similar delineations in the Rendezvous World.

Lastly, like ALL social clubs we have from softball leagues, Golf, Rod and Gun clubs, veterans organizations there are politics involved. If you can't stand politics don't play in reenacting. It is one of the reasons why I have been in and out of the hobby many times over the years. When I get fed up with the politics I take a break.

The other important thing to remember, this is a hobby. Family first, work second, and hobbies last. There are times over my life time where I could not afford my hobbies over my family, or work demands and career kept me from my hobbies. When my kids were small and in school, their lives and activities took precedence over hobbies.

Other posts have focused on how to find units/organizations, and events. All good advice. When something stops being fun I stop doing it.

As part of the ACW, there is the unique option of portraying a Camel Infantry Soldier…

 

[Loyalist Dave]

I'm thinking seriously about getting into reenacting. It will be a slow process. I'm not really sure how to begin though. Does anyone have recommendations or advice?

So what you want to do is GO to a reenactment, and talk to some of the units that are there. Find a unit that has loaner equipment, and try reenacting for a day, then try an overnight. You will see how the people get along, and how the unit does business. Units have a wide variation in how they do things. The other option is when there is a specific historic site..., how well does the site support the volunteers there, OR is there an organization that handles those that volunteer...aka a "Friends of Fort [fill in name here] "

Once you have found a group that you think you might wish to join, find out about the costs.

How many events does the unit do, and how many are you expected to attend? (travel costs time and money)
How soon are you expected to be outfitted?
What does all that cost?
How easy is it to sell the stuff off IF you change your mind or life changes your circumstances?
Does the unit hold social events such as a "sew-in" where folks get together and work on clothing and gear?

IF it's a military unit, does it allow women to portray male soldiers? Does the unit permit women in camp?
How does the unit treat children?
How does the unit handle ammunition? Does it issue powder or do you have to order it and make cartridges?
What is the unit's safety record?

Answer all of the above when seeking a unit for reenacting, be it F&I up through ACW

LD

 

[French Colonial]

So what you want to do is GO to a reenactment, and talk to some of the units that are there. Find a unit that has loaner equipment, and try reenacting for a day, then try an overnight. You will see how the people get along, and how the unit does business. Units have a wide variation in how they do things. The other option is when there is a specific historic site..., how well does the site support the volunteers there, OR is there an organization that handles those that volunteer...aka a "Friends of Fort [fill in name here] "

Once you have found a group that you think you might wish to join, find out about the costs.

How many events does the unit do, and how many are you expected to attend? (travel costs time and money)
How soon are you expected to be outfitted?
What does all that cost?
How easy is it to sell the stuff off IF you change your mind or life changes your circumstances?
Does the unit hold social events such as a "sew-in" where folks get together and work on clothing and gear?

IF it's a military unit, does it allow women to portray male soldiers? Does the unit permit women in camp?
How does the unit treat children?
How does the unit handle ammunition? Does it issue powder or do you have to order it and make cartridges?
What is the unit's safety record?

Answer all of the above when seeking a unit for reenacting, be it F&I up through ACW

LD

All very good info LD, and exactly why I never wanted to be in a military unit...

 

[Loyalist Dave]

All very good info LD, and exactly why I never wanted to be in a military unit...

Actually, you would be surprised at how "unmilitary" some units are when not on the field during a battle, AND the Military Units get better access to historic sites than any others. Oh sure, when a site has a "friends" group, they get the best access, but only for that specific site, and some of them are very hard to join. So if you wanted to see some stuff that the tourists don't... the best bet is normally some military unit.

LD

 

[French Colonial]

Actually, you would be surprised at how "unmilitary" some units are when not on the field during a battle, AND the Military Units get better access to historic sites than any others. Oh sure, when a site has a "friends" group, they get the best access, but only for that specific site, and some of them are very hard to join. So if you wanted to see some stuff that the tourists don't... the best bet is normally some military unit.

LD

I am lucky I guess, I was very good friends with the previous site manager at Fort de Chartres and remain friends with several of the current club presidents/members that shoot at the Fort. I have had access to their library, off limits areas and have spent hours there when no events were happening and exploring and visiting with friends of the Fort. But you are correct, for others a military unit may make sense.

 

[Daniel Keller]

The Overmountain Men events around Elizabethton commemorating the leadup to Kings Mountain occur in September and October. These are "irregular militia" events with the clothing and weapons being much more based on longhunters than on anything remotely resembling military troops.

Thank you for the information ill hafta look into those events. Can I find the information on the net

 

[Juice Jaws]

I'm thinking seriously about getting into reenacting. It will be a slow process. I'm not really sure how to begin though. Does anyone have recommendations or advice?

Reenacting is just another word for playing cowboys and indians like when we were kids.

 

[Pilgrim]

The Overmountain Men events around Elizabethton commemorating the leadup to Kings Mountain occur in September and October. These are "irregular militia" events with the clothing and weapons being much more based on longhunters than on anything remotely resembling military troops.

Following!

 

[Cvkotvkse]

Thank you for the information ill hafta look into those events. Can I find the information on the net

Here is the link for the sponsoring organization. They haven't posted the dates for this year yet, but their contact info is at bottom of page after the list of previous events.

Overmountain Victory Trail Association - Events

www.ovta.org

Evidently, my ancestors that were already west of the mountains by 1780 led some rather exciting lives...

 

[Pilgrim]

Here is the link for the sponsoring organization. They haven't posted the dates for this year yet, but their contact info is at bottom of page after the list of previous events.

Overmountain Victory Trail Association - Events

www.ovta.org

Evidently, my ancestors that were already west of the mountains by 1780 led some rather exciting lives...

Thanks