Reenaction Question For All Eras

[musketman]

How would you go about setting up a reenacting group from scratch, what's first, picking an era and battle or funding the effort?

Let's say that you want to reenact the Battle of Hobkirks Hill (just for the sake of an example), other than learning all you can about it, what next?

Who should be in charge of the historic accuracy?

If history sets the standard as to what is needed and who does what, all that is left is to decide who gets what rank, right?

Everyone should strive to do it the way it was, or the whole point of reenacting is lost...

When should you try to reenact, before, as you go, or after all the details are studied?

What rewards does reenacting have?

 

[2172]

Musketman, a buddy of mine drifted through several eras...he was in a Confederate artillery battery, a Revolutionary war Infantry unit, and was one of Roger's Rangers...his wife was finally exasperated at the expense of each new period's clothing and equipment and said, "pick a war you like and stick with it"...so I would suspect that picking the time period would make the most sense...Hank

 

[Ron LaClair]

"pick a war you like and stick with it"

Wives can be so practical sometimes. :crackup:

 

[musketman]

How do you go about setting up the chain of command?

Are the founders of the newly formed group the generals?

 

Again thank's for the help yesterday. I need to do an intro to the forum, but I'll share what I know. Sounds a bit hokey, but back in 1974 before the Bi-Centennial. I helped to start the 2nd. Pa. regiment, a Rev War Rifle Regiment. It was Rev. War specific. Like any group/club, wehad an elected structure, and researched our group, History, rifles clothing, campaigns participated in, and so forth. We also joined a national group, as at that time they were recreation the events of two-hundred years in the past. The battles of Cowpens, Brandywine, Saratoga, and so on, and reinacted them to the day, which was pretty cool. Basically if you start a group, you can be anything you want. I'd do some internet research for period associations of the ere you're interested in. I later joined a group whichwas called Company Campeau, Milice de Detroit. a French militia group, which had the flexibility to portray a number of periods, from about the 1750's til about 1830. With small changes in some of our equipment, we were able participate in F&I, Rev war, and even early fur trade. And being French, we were very good at switching sides, breaking and running and surrendering. All in all it was a great time in the seventies and early eighties. One important thing though is keep the family involved. The militia Had a woman commander, one year, and we had great fun with that, at places like Vincennes, Ind, and Fort Niagra Ont.So after you decide what you want to be when you DON'T grow up. Check to see if they're some larger groups out there, as they will probably have a structure, and guidelines setup.

 

[davidthered]

How cool, I know some of the current members of the 2nd. Pa. regiment, neat to know a founding member!!
I got started re-enacting when acting as a chaperone for my twin Daughters' Living History Club. Took 'em all the way the hell to Vincennes!! See you've been there too!

Their teacher also wants to join Company Campeau, Milice de Detroit. They re-enact as French Militia. I've also been to Fort Niagra, don't those redoubts get cold in early spring?

BTW, my RevWar unit is having an event (1700-1812) up in St. Ignace in Sept... interested???

:redthumb:

 

[2172]

recently read of some re-enactment group, War Between the States that was having some kind of military ball...the news article said that all members were made "honorary officers" for the night of the ball, so they could wear fancier uniforms....Hank

 

[Henry]

Obviously it is better to choose a period
carefully , something that fits your interest not
only in military aspect but also in food music
transportation etc. Life is easier if the period
fits the history of your area . Do you think of joining
other people in bigger encampement or to trek in
small party ? There are other e-groups where you can
find informations about a definite period.

Once started it is still possible to modify
your kit to do other period , my group is in F&I
but recently interested in earlier 1700 period .

First tip for the beginner , do not buy in haste
most of us have shelves full of useless junk that
we spent good money for . Wait until you are certain
that such an objet is usefull to your caracter .

Most unit elect their officers , in mine the
captain leaving choose his successor , there are no
hard rules . It may be usefull to register as a
non profit corporation , your mileage may vary.

The whole thing is supposed to be FUN !