Looking for opportunities to reenact

[DyingArtillery1862]

So I reenact, I love my unit but I would like to try other things than the artillery way of life. I'm sure you guys and gals know artillery is kinda I guess laid back isn't the right word but we don't run around as much as say infantry does. I'd like to give running around a try too. What do those of you with more experience recommend. Also I'm black not to get into politics but this rules out confederate units not because I have any issue with reenacting confederate and there has to be some amount of suspension of disbelief when your doing this but I would think that would just be a step beyond that lol. So what do you think

 

[3rd North Carolina]

to me i would pick a unit that would let you do one event w/ them to see how you guys get along. Now i am in a Confederate infantry unit and we dont talk politics at all but we joke around and have a good time together. Now we dont allow drinking in our camps and we are very respectful of others. I know of some units that dont allow women to fight, or couples to sleep in the same tent together or all the women do the cooking. But all of that is different in the unit that i am in.

 

[SgtDarby8OVI]

Find a unit nearby so you can ride pool and attend local drill events. Be prepared to purchase or procure the correct equipment for an infantry impression. Some units might have stuff to lend (up to and including a musket), but don't expect to wear your artillery shell jacket with an infantry unit. Be prepared to learn the drill--you don't want to be in the field and not know basic infantry tactics, terminology, and protocol. As @drjekyll76 noted, be sure you find out the group's socializing, authenticity, drinking, and politics rules. They differ from unit to unit. Whoever you fall in with, you need to earn their trust, show up on time, listen, and obey all the safety rules. You work the cannons so you clearly know the hazards of black powder; they are the same in the infantry except guys are right next to you. And by the way, I have been in the infantry 35 years and it is anything but "running around." You march, keep formation, maintain spacing, and behave in the way a disciplined regiment of volunteers would have conducted themselves in the field. If you want to "run around" join a dismounted cavalry unit.

 

[captaindrew]

Go to the New England Brigade's website and they have a link to all the Federal units in the area. I know guys in both the 15th Mass and 2nd RI Co. B and they are both good groups and very nice folks. Their contacts are on that page. And as I've already mentioned you're always welcome to come hang with us Rebs but I fully understand your hesitation to do so but do come by and say hi next time we're at the same event. I also know there's some guys in the 54th Mass in New England if that might interest you. I'm not sure how to get a hold of them but I bet if you contacted someone on the New England Brigade staff I bet they'd know.

 

[OhioBlue16]

As others have said, research units in your area and find one that has similar goals as you. I would also take the time to learn some basic drill. Lionheart Films has some great videos on Manual of Arms and loading in 9 times. You could also pick up the Hardee and Casey manuals. There is actually a book that has both of them and the Manual on how to properly clean a Springfield. The book is called Manual of Arms and will only run you about $15 on Amazon. After that there is no better way to learn than by doing. I assume you don't have a musket but you could use a broomstick or make a wooden musket (or one of those toy muskets you see at sutlers some times) and practice the Manual of arms. Once you join a unit hopefully they have a drill weekend or two before you "see the elephant" as an Infantryman. Good luck!

 

[DyingArtillery1862]

Lol I only say running around in a Colloquial sense by the by my unit is already part of the 16th Mass we are company I Corbins battery. I don't want anyone to get me wrong I don't have any issues with confederate units whatsoever just there are no black confederates you can kinda stretch it in a federal unit lol.

 

[PrivateBrooke]

There were...a few black Confederates. Maybe. As a Confederate reenactor, personally, I wouldn't care one bit, as long as you fit in with the unit, you could fall in next to me any day at any event. But I know not everyone is like that.

 

[Albert Sailhorst]

First of all, what units are in your area?......Start with them and make your inquiries in order to find out your range of travel vs. events that are within your range, their philosophy on history and their friendliness (i.e. are they compatible with things you are comfortable with.....drinking, cooking, style of camping, etc).
I am with a Confederate Artillery unit, and you would certainly be welcomed with us!
Good luck in your journey, Pard!

 

[DyingArtillery1862]

First of all, what units are in your area?......Start with them and make your inquiries in order to find out your range of travel vs. events that are within your range, their philosophy on history and their friendliness (i.e. are they compatible with things you are comfortable with.....drinking, cooking, style of camping, etc).
I am with a Confederate Artillery unit, and you would certainly be welcomed with us!
Good luck in your journey, Pard!

What type of gun do you guys have. I'm and artillery guy myself

 

[3rd North Carolina]

I know the Confederate infantry unit that i am would allow all colors and genders it don't really matter to him. But i would start with what groups is in your area and give them a trail run. There are units out there that are so political, way too many rules or just the personality of the members may not fit how you want it to be.

 

[Albert Sailhorst]

What type of gun do you guys have. I'm and artillery guy myself

A replica 10 lb Parrot, full scale, and an original 3 inch Ordnance.

 

[1950lemans]

You love Civil War "stuff", you're black, you're an artilleryman, that means you're tailor made for an howitzer crewman in a US Navy landing party. Ta-da!!!
www.usnlp.org

 

[CaptBluker]

So I reenact, I love my unit but I would like to try other things than the artillery way of life. I'm sure you guys and gals know artillery is kinda I guess laid back isn't the right word but we don't run around as much as say infantry does. I'd like to give running around a try too. What do those of you with more experience recommend. Also I'm black not to get into politics but this rules out confederate units not because I have any issue with reenacting confederate and there has to be some amount of suspension of disbelief when your doing this but I would think that would just be a step beyond that lol. So what do you think

Good morning!
1st off where are you located? Secondly, depending on the unit they may or may not "allow" an African American in their ranks due to "Authenticity Standards & their by-laws" etc. I can say regarding MY organization that we do NOT have those specific standards and anyone is welcome to come out, burn powder & have fun. 3rd, do you have any infantry kit? Any unit worth it's salt will have loaner gear for you. We do!! If you ever want to join us, let me know, you're more than welcome to come out & "get your exercise".

Cheers,
Capt Bluker