Impressions how do i switch to civil war??

[krysknits241]

Hello all!! My ex boy friend was a rev war reinactor and got me involved a little. I was developing a life as a mid wife/medical. And really enjoyed it. When we broke it off I stopped because any event I would go to be would be there.

A few weeks ago a family friend and I were talking and he saw all my stuff boxed up in a building and we got to talking about some of his friends who do civil war. I have been told females are not welcome at events but in my research I've found that not as true.

How would I "switch sides" but still be involved in medicine. I love medicine. And it's history. I was going to school to be a nurse till a medical condition Dr railed that.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated

 

[MRB1863]

Hello and welcome from 35 miles north of Gettysburg! Try checking with some re-enacting groups near your area. Try an internet search to include near your zip code. Some may have need for female roles, or know of a group that is actively looking. In any event, there are plenty of opportunities available for a female to portray living history. Good luck in your quest.

 

[dlavin]

welcome to the board. I am not a re-enactor, but have been to several and women always seem to be welcome. Just my personal take. I would imagine finding a local group and asking questions would be a start to see if you fit in.

 

[Yulie]

Hello all!! My ex boy friend was a rev war reinactor and got me involved a little. I was developing a life as a mid wife/medical. And really enjoyed it. When we broke it off I stopped because any event I would go to be would be there.

A few weeks ago a family friend and I were talking and he saw all my stuff boxed up in a building and we got to talking about some of his friends who do civil war. I have been told females are not welcome at events but in my research I've found that not as true.

How would I "switch sides" but still be involved in medicine. I love medicine. And it's history. I was going to school to be a nurse till a medical condition Dr railed that.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated

Hello.

You'll do fine if your interpretation compliments the military scenarios. Just like RevWar, Civil War has its levels of authenticity and inclusion (or lack thereof....) Standards vary and the inclusion of women connected with military units varies. There are solo civilians groups that be broad or focused on one aspect of the war. Walking around a battle asking soldiers if they want a cookie from your basket will cause your downfall. First of all, research, research and research the historical significance of women in the Civil War.

Your interpretation should always be driven by the research you do. You should be able to apply that research to developing a scenario. However, you should be willing to adjust your scenario to reflect the history of the historical site or the historical significant of the event. Having a tent and fly and the gobbledygook in full battle scenarios might not be a good fit 100 percent of the time. Also, realize that there are several home front interpretations you can develop especially if it involves garrisoned troops. The United States Sanitary Commission was actively involved in health issues. In some regions, women were allowed to inspect the camps or forts and help improvement to soldiers' living conditions. The USCC also held lyceums for the public focusing on caring for wounded soldiers once they returned home. In areas where battles took place, women functioned as "nurses aids" and did all sorts of things from helping stewards, feeding soldiers, caring for wounds, etc. Dorothea Dix was prominent in setting up hospitals and recruiting nurses.

I always encourage people to start off doing living history by taking their modern gifts and talent and research them in a historical context. You have done that as you have an interest in medicine. I encourage you to move along that path and continue to do your research in Civil War reenacting / living history. You'll eventually find your niche.

Best Regards,
Yulie

 

[ErnieMac]

Welcome from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I'm not a re-enactor, but think the ideas submitted so far look good. I think you'll be able to find a compatible group.

 

[civilwarincolor]

I have seen medical reenactments at several CW reenactments that I have attended. They (as far as I know) were not attached to a particular unit, but doing demonstrations independently. Often this included Dr's & nurses with a medical tent discussing CW medicine and then when a battle reenactment took place you would see them on the field tending to the wounded.

Sometimes they had an ambulance to go on the field, sometimes they had stretcher bearers taking individuals off the field, but there has also been nurses directly on the battlefield treating to the fallen away from the front line. I don't know how historically accurate that is, but there is examples of it happening at recent reenactments so it is acceptable to at least some events.

I would encourage you to reach out to an event that you would like to participate in and ask the organizers if they have a medical staff display and put you in contact with them. If not then offer to take on that role and come up with something for your presentation.

Best of luck and let us know how it goes.

 

[Frederick14Va]

@Yulie gave excellent advice above... Civilian impressions and opportunities have expanded and grown considerably in the last decade. Many will develop a host of different impressions and fortes... Utilizing one that may fit best into whatever program or event at hand. Quality of events also are wide ranged.... from funnel cake themed camping circus... to authentic immersion events.... and lots and lots in between... Most events will have a civilian contingency of some degree...

Depending on your region of the country (?)... go to events and see for yourself... shop around... see who is doing what... as well as how well they are doing it.... Victorian era social structures are a bit different than Rev war era... but if your already experienced in living history of any degree, it should be an easy transition... quite a few folks in Civil War reenacting that do other time periods as well... Good luck....

 

[James N.]

Welcome to the forums! I've done a little medical reenacting, usually as assistant surgeon to a friend of mine who was a real-life paramedic for over 20 years, but is now unfortunately crippled by diabetes. The last event we attended was Shiloh back in 2012, so unfortunately I can't tell you about current conditions but encourage your interest anyway.

 

[Bryan_C]

There is an event coming up June 10-12 advertised through Facebook you might want to consider.

 

[jekct1212]

What part of the country do you live in?

 

[7th Mississippi Infantry]

Welcome.

You've received some good advice.

 

[CMWinkler]

Welcome.

 

[civilken]

Good luck to you find a roundtable group in your area Civil War Roundtable.

 

[krysknits241]

I'm in nc. About an hour South east of Charlotte. I love history and had a lot of fun researching and becoming my rev war "self" in not looking to participate in an event next week or anything. But would love to down the road later this year or early next. I have a large wall rent and fly. Oddly the company I purchased my rev rent through sent me the wrong one and didn't want to pay to ship it back so I have both lol. As a civilian would I be with a group or alone? Thank you all for the help you have already given and for any more you can share

 

[Frederick14Va]

You have a lot of choices in NC... lots of reenactment groups there to consider. Majority of them communicate on facebook these days for both their respective units and events.. a bit of surfing on there and should easily find many things to go check out...

 

[civilken]

I'm sure you can find a group that will suit your good luck and if nothing else you found the forum.

 

[Jeremy G. Richardson]

Welcome from Southron Illinois! Since you have an interest in history might I suggest some research for you on Dr. Mary Walker. I don't know much about her, but I do know she received the Medal of Honor for her service in the Civil War.