First reenactment

[Union_Buff]

Hey all

This is another thread for the CWT reenactors. When you attended your first reenactment, were you nervous that you would stuff something up, get an order wrong, etc, etc? This basically for my own knowledge, so I know what to expect when I attend my first reenactment in a few years.

 

[Oxkern]

When you attended your first reenactment, were you nervous that you would stuff something up, get an order wrong, etc, etc?

The short answer is yes.

But I found that everyone was willing to help, and would happily answer any questions or volunteer advice themselves. Of course, I've later learnt that even experienced members get things wrong too.


Just approach your first day with an eagerness to learn and you'll enjoy yourself.

 

[Union_Buff]

The short answer is yes.

But I found that everyone was willing to help, and would happily answer any questions or volunteer advice themselves. Of course, I've later learnt that even experienced members get things wrong too.


Just approach your first day with an eagerness to learn and you'll enjoy yourself.

Thanks Ox

I'm just worried that spectators might think I'm talking BS when I tell them about the New Zealanders who fought in the American Civil War.

 

[Buffalo-Guard]

1st re-enactment

Was not nervious but started with a ****. YUCK. Carhardts, Zippers, Dingo boots, etc...well you get the picture.

As I grew I tried to teach him the real history but he was an IDIOT. He was an officer and wanted me out of the unit when spectators came to me to ask questions and would not talk to him.

John

 

[RebelCaptainDave]

In my years in this hobby we all make mistakes, but that was how it was even back then. The armies were trained so fast that they really didn't know all the commands and had to follow the more experienced soldiers in their ranks.

So being somewhat auckward is just how it was back in the war.
The audience doesn't have any idea what is right or what is wrong.
Just do your part and it will be just fine, plus have fun!

Captain Dave

 

[Union_Buff]

In my years in this hobby we all make mistakes, but that was how it was even back then. The armies were trained so fast that they really didn't know all the commands and had to follow the more experienced soldiers in their ranks.

So being somewhat auckward is just how it was back in the war.
The audience doesn't have any idea what is right or what is wrong.
Just do your part and it will be just fine, plus have fun!

Captain Dave

Thanks for that Dave - I'm not feeling as nervous now

 

[thrashassault]

I never felt nervous when I reenacted. I only reenacted at small events though around Ohio. If I was at some big event I'm sure I would be nervous a little. But I think once things got rolling I would feel comfortable at what was going on.

 

[AtkinsInfantry]

I was invited by a friend who has been an officer in our unit for about five years and most of our friends in high school were in this unit so the only part I had to get down was the drill but everyone wants you to look your best

 

[sf46]

If you get with a good unit that is willing to teach, you should have nothing to worry about.

 

[bushwacker]

I was a little nervous, but like others have said, the other members of my unit were more than helpful.
They helped me with drill, clothes, accoutrements, the works. Now that I am in my second year and I have
the gear that I need, I am in a position to help new members. I see it as paying it foward to those that helped me.

 

[revbucky]

I have attended several reenactments as a spectator. I think I'm going to try and be a part of one before the end of the year (2010). Thanks for the inspiration.

 

[wilber6150]

I learned from my first reenactment never to **** off a wasp while your wearing a kilt.. OUCH

 

[wilber6150]

I have attended several reenactments as a spectator. I think I'm going to try and be a part of one before the end of the year (2010). Thanks for the inspiration.

You should, you will never find a nicer set of people then you will meet within the hobby..

 

[Craig L Barry]

Tell us some more about Kiwis in the US Civil War. The website has quite a few
names listed: www.acwv.info/

 

[25thVA-coB]

I was a little nervous before my first reenactment. It was a small-town battle, but I'm with a great group of guys (25th Virginia, Co. B. from the WV Reenactors Assoc.), and they are very willing to help out a newcomer. You should have no problems, as it seems like everyone in the hobby are really great people!

 

[IronBrigade'63]

I was a bit nervous, yeah. But you know what? I learned pretty quickly that this was nothing to be so worried about after all.

I was fortunate enough to fall in with a GREAT unit, I mean, these guys are fantastic. They were very welcoming and very knowledgeable about giving me advice as to my uniform and that sort of thing so I knew I was pretty prepared on that count. What worried me was knowledge and actually being in the skirmishes themselves. I did a little extra reading up on the unit and, honestly, that did me JUST fine. I have to say that interacting with genuinely-interested spectators is one of my favorite things about the hobby. As to being under fire, I was definitely nervous for that too, but it ended up being loads of fun. You just have to be aware of safety procedures and maybe bring along some cotton for your ears.

The time I've spent at events comprise some of the best in my life, no joking on that account, because you'll never find a finer body of people anywhere. Good luck to you and, if you have any questions, feel free to send them my way!

Regards,
-IronBrigade'63

 

[wilber6150]

I have to second that, you will never find a more friendly and accepting group of people then you will meet at reenactments. They will very quickly turn into family and you will be counting the days until the next event where you can meet up with them again..

 

[kslocki]

You will have a blast if you just remember that you are there to have fun and spend time with other history buffs. I started in the hobby when I was 15. They taught me everything I needed to know. It isn't any different then in the army today. They train us but there is no way you can know everything there is to know. Just learn from the guys that have been there for a while and keep in mind that there are some things that just come with experience. That is the fun of it. If you knew everything from the start it would get boring.

Good luck and welcome aboard.

 

[firefite44]

I would agree if you are with a good group of guys then the first reenactment is much easier. I am doing my first year of reenacting after years of "living history". I was drilling with our group and another dismounted cav group who was with us as we were doing skirmish drills. They asked me how long I had been doing this and they were shocked to find out it was my first time. I guess I was doing it right. LOL

I would say that doing smaller events makes it less nervous and less worries about screwing it up.

 

[Brent]

I wouldn't say I was really nervous, but very excited to be there. My group is very good about helping out new people and making sure you are comfortable. Everyone makes mistakes, but that's part of reality of that time. You'll have a great time!