As with many hobbies, the cost and complexity faced by the perspective re-enactor can be daunting. A dizzying array of vendors hawk accouterments, uniforms and civilian garb from sutler's row, internet websites and magazines. Online discussions produce a hobby-specific lingo, dripping with neologisms and hotly debated specificity. Choosing the right unit is complicated enough, without even bringing the appropriate trappings of material culture in to the equation.

Such terminology goes far beyond a case of simple semantics. Terms such as immersion, farb, mainstream, family oriented, progressive, campaigner, authentic and hard-core range from the obvious to the esoteric. However, before one recoils in the fear that a hobby, devoted in essence to the past, has bought in to some mind numbing linguistic debate about specificity and the postmodern rejection of common sense, take a deep breath, and ask yourself a surprisingly simple question?

Why am I interested in doing this?

This question is ultimately at the core of the chat room arguments and web-borne debates so pervasive on the internet. Although the egocentrism and relativism of the late 20th and early 21st Centuries are among the things many of us seek to escape, the answer to the question above is primarily yours . . .

The eternal lament: if only I knew then what I know now! The following list of steps follows the progression that I may have taken, had I known years ago what I know now. There is no hard and fast order to many of these suggestions (Steps 1 and 2 are particularly interchangeable). Before you get started, read this article by Paul Calloway about moving in to the hobby.

Rationale

Reenactors commonly stress a reverence for the past as a primary motivation for braving the elements, sleeping on the ground and enduring a weekend spent downwind from the port a-potties. The depths of that conviction vary from individual to individual, and are readily apparent at many events.

An equally cited rationale is the need to educate a public that displays an often shocking ignorance of history. However, for all of the quips about the audience's inability to identify the colors worn by the combatants (or even the victorious side), some reenactors display a lackadaisical attitude toward maintaining an even rudimentary standard of authenticity.

The untrained eye can pick out a modern Igloo cooler yards away . . . modern food and beverage containers, cigarettes and beer cans all stand out as anachronisms. One could look at this as a joke, but the comments I've heard when spectators are passing out of (what they believe to be) earshot indicate that it's often hard to take history seriously when those trying to disseminate it don't take it seriously themselves.

This is not to say that one must get lice, freeze limbs or go to extreme lengths to pursue the hobby. There are units willing to accept just about anyone seeking any level of historical accuracy. In all honesty, sometimes that inaccurate, horribly anachronistic event can provide one with something of a guilty pleasure, even after an epiphany brought about by an authentic event.

Always question your motives . . . always ask Why am I doing this?

• To honor an ancestor?
• To educate the public?
• To raise awareness of lost and threatened battlefields?
• To spend time with like minded people?
• To relate to the experiences of the civilians and soldiers of an era in the most authentic manner I'm willing to allow?
• To expand my knowledge?
• To raise my children in an environment in which history is something to be honored, rather than disparaged?
• To advance my modern political agenda?
• To drink beer?
• To play with guns?
• To wear costumes?

Fashionable contemporary relativism aside (after all, we are talking about recreating an era with comparatively fixed mores), some motives are more noble than others. The final four on my list certainly qualify as poor reasons to take to the field. For better or for worse, you can rest assured that, no matter what your rationale for joining the hobby, you will find a group willing to accommodate your particular impression.

It is certainly true that re-enactors often enter the hobby for more than one reason. It is also often true that the goals and aims of an impression may change, even dramatically, based on experience. As a caveat, I have to state that, unlike most hobbies, reenacting is by nature something of a spectacle. We do have some ability to shape perceptions of the past; we can portray the hardships of the past in a new light, or we can do that much more to trivialize the past. Consider your motivations well before you join the hobby. There isn't any nice way of putting it: camaraderie is an excellent reason to join, but if you primary motivations to reenact involve guzzling brewskis, fondling a firearm and wearing outlandish outfits, you really should head over to the local bowling alley to vent your frustrations on an innocuous game of "deer hunter."

Not everyone reenactor has to have a Ph.D. in history; there is room for a full gamut of impressions. However, it today's politically charged and media fed atmosphere, it only takes the actions of one yahoo to ruin things for thousands. One need only look at the focus on an inarticulate, ill informed reenactor on the recent Graystone production, "The Unfinished Civil War," to see how one man's (or woman's) ignorance can potentially lead to the pigeonholing of thousands.

Step 1: Pick an impression.

A significant number of reenactors enter the hobby with some idea of what they intend to be, i.e. Union civilian or soldier, Confederate civilian or soldier, infantry, artillery, medical, etc. You might also want to fine tune your impression to include such specifics as region, year or unit, or you may want to create a generic impression. Those looking for an elevated sense of authenticity should look for a progressive, campaign-oriented group.

Step 2: Research, Research, Research!!!

Perspective reenactors have an incredible wealth of knowledge available at their fingertips. Once you have decided that the idea of wearing wool or corsets in sweltering heat is at least bearable, if not appealing, do yourself a favor: head over to The Authentic Campaigner and the Civil War Reenactors websites. The former has a wealth of articles aimed at perspective campaigners, links to authentic sutlers and units, and a discussion forum. The CWReenactors.com site has an enormous series of discussion forums covering the hobby in all its diversity. The Civil War Reenactors and The Authentic Campaigner mailing lists also can provide a considerable amount of guidance.

There is an inherent danger to relying on a single source as gospel, particularly web based sources. The two sites listed above are excellent, but they should not give you an excuse to seek out information on the web alone. Make a trip to the local library or bookstore, and get your hands on some good reference books. Ed Dwyer's Bookguy.com site has many of these books in stock, which is particularly handy if you don't have a well stocked source in town.

Some books I would recommend (see Resources below):

• The Columbia Rifles Research Compendium, Toby, O'Beirne et. al. This is an outstanding resource for perspective reenactors, as it gives details on a wide variety of topics and items.
• Echoes of Glory, by Time Life Books.
• Army Blue: The Uniforms of Uncle Sam's Regular's, by John Langellier
• Silas Casey's Infantry Tactics. You should probably hold off to see what kind of drill manual your unit suggests.
• Civil War Cartridge Boxes of the Union Infantryman, by Paul D. Johnson
• Civil War Firearms: Their Historical Background, Tactical Use and Modern Collecting and Shooting, by Joseph Bilby
• Who Wore What? Women's Wear, 1861-1865, by Juanita Leisch.
• The Federal Civil War Shelter Tent, by Frederick Gaede.

You would also be well advised to subscribe to the Camp Chase Gazette, The Civil War News and The Watchdog. Those of you seeking to enter the hobby as a civilian should also subscribe to The Citizen's Companion.

While you are conducting research for your impression, you should also use the time to "shop around" for a unit. The internet is an excellent source of information on local and national units. Incidentally, this hobby, like most, has a unique terminology. The table below has definitions of some of the more common terms heard within the hobby. Most terms are somewhat open to interpretation, but the general ideas are essentially there.

Farb: A disparaging term, commonly said to have evolved from the statement "Far be it for me to criticize, BUT . . ." Also possibly a derivative of farben (colorful). As with so many things, a farb is anyone who is less authentic than you are, and a raging fanatic is anyone who is more so. Needless to say, this word carries a stinging connotation when applied to an individual or group. Examples: Conspicuously placed Igloo coolers, combat boots, polyester clothing, zippers, yards of gold braid, blatantly anachronistic behavior or objects. A Farb Fest is an event laden with highly inauthentic elements.

Family Oriented: As the name implies, this is a unit which encourages family participation. The degree varies, and is constantly the source of debate around re-enactors campfires, real and virtual. Some unit's allow women into the ranks, others allow women on the company street. Family oriented units with a focus on authenticity might have distinct areas and roles open to its members.

Hard Core; Progressive, Campaigner, Authentic: Some will argue that these terms denote the same thing; others may claim that they denote subtle differences in impressions. A campaign oriented unit stresses a minimalistic approach, literally like those on campaign in the 1860's. Such units frequently have stringent rules regarding dress and behavior during an event. Hard Core, as one might expect, implies a unit with the most stringent approach to authenticity. The often pejorative term stitch counter and always pejorative phrase stitch nazi describe individuals whose obsession with historical accuracy becomes obnoxious to those around them. This is of course highly subjective.

Material Culture: Refers to the tangible aspects of and material goods associated with life in the 1860's.

Immersion: An effort to literally submerge one's self in the physical, social and psychological aspects of the Civil War era. An immersion event ideally will provide re-enactors with an opportunity to have an experience virtually devoid of anachronism.

Anachronistic: An element, object or behavior that simply doesn't belong to a particular time period. This might be appropriate for David Lynch movies, but it tends to weaken impressions. Examples: football discussions, modern politics, visible coolers, etc.

Seeing the Elephant: possibly another form of anachronism. This occurs when one becomes so caught up in the mood of an event that they simply forget, even for a moment, that they aren't in the 19th Century.

B.I.R.D. Because it's right, darn it! A principle motivating authentic reenactors

B.O.B. Better Off Bowling. A euphemistic means of attacking a farb. A bad impression.

EBUFU: Events by us, for us. A recently coined term to describe an alternate series of semi and full immersion events, with more exacting authenticity standards.

The cost of the equipment itself certainly should be a factor; you should see what equipment your group has on had when you join. Highly authentic equipment is quite pricey. However, before you fun to buy that $80 coat on sutler's row, consider this: you may save some money initially by purchasing less authentic clothes, and you'll fit right in with 90% of the units out there. However, when you start researching and exploring, you'll wind up realizing just how inaccurate your clothing and equipment really is. I started building my Federal impression in 1995, before I had easy access to a good deal of the books and online sources that are now so readily available. It is indeed ironic that a hobby so deeply rooted in the past may well be transformed, in a potentially positive way, by the wealth of good information available on a medium that practically didn't exists a decade ago.

My advice is head over to the cwreenactors forums and ask questions. Read the articles on The Authentic Campaigners website. Get The Watchdog. Buy the best equipment you can afford. In the long run, it could have saved me hundreds of dollars buy getting the right clothing and equipment in the first place. There are indications that the hobby as a whole is moving toward authenticity, much like it did in the mid eighties, when polyester uniforms generally became a thing of the past. If you're going to spend the money, why not buy equipment that will let you attend a hard-core authenticity march, as well as marching in that local parade?

A civilian reenactor should likewise see what clothing the unit might have for her to wear (there are relatively few male civilians involved in Civil War reenacting, so I'm going to mainly discuss female interpretations in this section). A woman of the period was often encased in a dizzying array of underpinnings before she ever donned her dress. There were also a variety of dress styles that she could consider, many of which varied widely in application and social status. While many of the women at a typical reenactment seem to glide around the grounds in their hoops, these outfits are an impediment at best, and a danger at worst around campfires. At the events where we choose to cook meals together, I often serve as the designated fire starter, while Traci uses a frying pan or Dutch oven to prepare our meals. A simple cotton camp dress is far less likely to catch fire in this situation, even if it denotes a woman with a working class background. I've posted some images that may be useful for civilians. You may access them on the Foote Southworth Album page.

Whether you join as a civilian or as a member of the military, you should plan on attending as many meetings and events as possible. Some groups make this mandatory, while other leave more flexibility. In either case, the tenor of the meetings might tell you a great deal about the nature of the group. Is preservation an important consideration for you? Many groups are actively involved with preservation efforts and activities, and this will become apparent at the meetings. You should also see what kind of events the unit plans to attend over the season. In all cases though, keep an open mind and a sharp pair of eyes.

Some groups tend to suffer from internal division, while others have may have a more casual approach to living history. Some are are willing to accept the new member from the start, while others might have long probationary periods before the recruit can become a full member. You can also tell a great deal about the nature of a unit based on its performance at an event, so don't base your impression solely on a fractious meeting. In many cases, the hostility present in the meeting(s) might not carry over into an event. However, disorganization can be a problem, especially if you wind up expecting to be pre registered at an event, only to get socked with a hefty walk-on fee when you show up. If a meeting reveals a group that is particularly divisive, disorganized or apathetic, and this carries over into the events themselves, you may wish to shop for another unit. Keep a close eye on the leadership. It has been my experience that groups led by people who don't reenact (or who seldom reenact) tend to have a lot of problems. You can't lead from behind, and people who either aren't at events, or who are unwilling to camp with the troop on a regular basis, often have agendas, while the living history aspect of the unit suffers. You have a choice here, and with some perseverance, you're bound to find a unit to match your personality and desire.

With the rapid rise of hobby's progressive wing, a family might find itself torn between the desire to do things together, and the push for greater authenticity. Many progressive reenactors belong to two or more units, mainstream as well as progressive. Some find this arrangement beneficial, as it allows them to camp with their husbands or wives at some events, while allowing them to attend immersion events. Others cleave to one extreme or another, and maintain that a middle ground is not only undesirable, but harmful to the hobby, as it saps energy away from a particular movement.

Traci and I initially scorned units and events that required us to camp separately. We've since grown much more accustomed to "separate spheres" at some events. If a unit provides civilians with real and meaningful activities, separate camps and/or settings simply won't matter. If the civilian's day involves sitting under a fly doing nothing . . . there will naturally be more of a need to be together. Event organizers can only do so much in this regard; if you plan on reenacting together, and you truly desire a more authentic experience, choose a group with a vital and active civilian organization. One of the benefits of the 63rd Pennsylvania is their emphasis on civilian activities separate from those of the military at many events. You will probably still attend some events where you can share your spouse's company, but you won't be so distraught if you find yourselves separated for a weekend as well.

The Gear

This is certainly the most financially daunting aspect of the hobby. Of course, rumors that Civil War reenacting is the second most expensive hobby around are apocryphal; I grew up with twin sisters who used to compete in horse shows, and my investment in the hobby is trivial by comparison.

A common complaint aimed at the progressive camp is that more authentic gear costs more. I thought that I would put this into perspective with a general comparison of typical "sutler's row" gear and high quality equipment. I'll break this down into "necessities" that you should try to pick up as soon as possible, and "luxuries" that can enhance (or detract from) your impression. Although I'm directing this toward a Federal impression, many of these items, in one way or another, correspond to many Confederate items as well. Note that these prices represent a typical range for new gear; used uniforms, etc. will obviously cost less. I will provide some comments below the table. I should also mention that I have posted reviews of many of these items on my Product Reviews page, along with scanned images.

Essentials

Sutler's Row	$ Range	Progressive	$ Range
Sack Coat (unlined): Heavy wool, all machine sewn, exaggerated features, blue-black dye fades to purple in sunlight. Wool has a fuzzy texture. Sizes range from 28-60	$60-80	Sack Coat (Lined and Unlined). Hand sewn button holes, logwood dyed thread may fade. Colors rage from a greenish blue to dark blue. Wool is light, with a cotton or wool flannel lining. Wool has distinctive "wale" to fabric. Degree of hand sewing dependent on contractor/maker. 4 original sizes.	$120-200
Trousers All machine sewn. Often unhemmed, wool tends to fray. An almost infinite number of sizes.	$60-80	Trousers Hand sewn button holes, tacking, various with contractor/maker. Tightly woven wool, visible "wale," 4 sizes.	$120-180
Cap Fuzzy, blue/purple wool. Visor often "rolled."	$20-35	Cap tightly woven dark blue wool. Contractors label.	$50-85
Musket	$380-500	Musket (defarbed) Same, with modern marks removed and proper stamps affixed.	$405-525
Boots: Single row of pegging, chunky toes. Plan on buying a new pair every two or three seasons.	$60-90	Boots Stitched or pegged (double row), patterned after originals, often remarkably durable.	$85-180
Blanket Fuzzy wool/synthetic blend, often too light or unbearably heavy/bulky. Stripes are sometimes painted on fabric.	$20-50	Blanket 4-5 pounds, visible twill pattern, woven strips, stitched US, warm.	$90-150
Cartridge Box and Belt Thin, brittle leather. Stitched at 3-5 per inch. Roughly resembles a late war pattern.	$50-70	Cartridge Box and Belt High quality leather. Stitched at 8-10 per inch. Maker's marks, if appropriate. Patterns vary by year, maker.	$90-150
Cap Pouch As Cartridge Box	$20-30	Cap Pouch As Cartridge Box	$45-60
Bayonet Scabbard My first "hit" led to the destruction of a cheap scabbard.	$20-30	Bayonet Scabbard Much more durable. Sewn, 2 or 7 rivet variants, with appropriate markings.	$35-45
Bayonet	$15-25	Bayonet "India" filed off. Italian and originals often used.	$15-140
Haversack Used to hold anything but food. Too large, poor finish.	$20-35	Haversack Good, often glossy finish. Hand sewn bag, used to hold 3 day's rations.	$40-70
Gum Blanket Often has large grommets	$30-40	Gum Blanket Lighter, smaller grommets.	$40
Shelter Tent (1) Heavy (4 pounds per half), brass grommets, no concern about pattern. Grommets have a tendency to pop off.	$35	Shelter Half (1) Light (1.5 pounds), hand sewn grommets, various styles based on contractors/ date of issue.	$60-120
Canteen Dark blue cover, often stainless steel. Chain and cork stopper.	$30-40	Canteen (with accurate cover and strap) Ideally hot dipped tin, jeancloth cover, leather strap for early war, chain only if from New York Depot	$40-60
Cup Often crimped like a soup can, or speckleware.	$4-15	Cup (hot dipped) Hot dipped tin ideal but fairly rare.	$15-20
Mess furniture	$10	Mess Furniture	$10
Shirt: Muslin "issue" shirts, red fireman's shirts, entirely machine sewn, with plastic buttons and modern fabrics.	$20-40	Shirt: Wool flannel issue or contract issue shirts, entirely hand sewn or machine sewn with hand sewn button holes. Civilian shirts with proper fabrics, collars, buttons.	$50-150
Socks: Regular athletic or "oatmeal" style wool.	$6-8	Socks: Cotton knit or hand knitted wool.	$6-40

So Far, the mainstream impression on the left looks pretty inexpensive, compared to the progressive on the right. Keep in mind that this is a general range, some vendors will cost more, others less. Of course, many progressives make their own uniform items, often for far less than the cheap, inaccurate material sold by most vendors.

Useful

Sutler/Mainstream	$ Range	Progressive	$ Range
Great Coat: Often lined with muslin; one example even had a burlap lining! This is one item where you want a heavy, high quality wool and good lining! Needless to say, the "finer" details are also lacking	$120-180	Great Coat: Need I even mention button holes? High quality wool with "twill" or "wale," good wool lining, proper details.	$180-360
Frock Coat: Poor quality wool often frays. Bad linings, etc.	$150-180	Frock Coat: Proper attention to details, multi layer lining in the chest (they didn't call them sweatboxes for nothing), hooks and eyes: a complicated garment.	$220-600
Folding Knife: Plastic handle, made who knows where. It looks fancy from a distance, though! The blade tends to close too readily!	$10	Folding Knife: Simple wooden handle, carbon steel blade is tough, but may rust (see the image map). Semi lockback design.	$10
Preexisting modern underwear: Pass the Gold Bond!		Drawers: Cotton or canton flannel, with partially to entirely hand sewn design.	$30-70
Pringles, Fritos, Pop Tarts for the weekend.	$10	Hardtack	$8-10 (box)
Extra Shelter Half (can't sleep without a tent!)	$35	The ground is free!
Shelter half ends (2): Little evidence to support their use.	$30-40	We seldom use tents!
Dinty Moore stew, restaurant runs, soda	$20-30	Slab bacon, a couple of potatoes and unground coffee: A weekend of such fare hasn't killed a progressive yet! Keep a little cheese handy for the bacon grease. Many progressives HAVE been known to cheat, from time to time though!	$8-10

This is being fairly honest here. Yes, campaigners sometimes cheat and sneak off to the local 7-11, and many mainstreamers attempt to cook "period" foods, but one sees some odd sites in the field. The difference is narrowing, though!

Now things just get downright ugly: What you'll see many MILITARY IMPRESSIONS lugging to events:

Mainstream	$ Range	Progressive	$ Range
6' Wedge ("A Frame")	$110-130
9' Wedge Tent	$130-180
Wall Tent	$200-300
Camp Cot	$20-50
Air Mattress	$15-40
Big Cooler	$10-40
Gun cleaning paraphernalia	$10-20	Wiper	$10-15
Colt or Remington revolver (for a Private!)	$140-300
Carpet	$10-30
Lumber for tent poles	$5-20
Coleman Stove and Propane	$30-50
Cast Iron Cook Ware	$100	Canteen Half	$8
Lantern, propane or tin	$15-45	Beeswax Candle	$2
Sleeping Bag: Support Coleman!	$30-100

Last but not least, $25-30,000 for the Mini Van/SUV you'll need to carry all of your gear!!!

Set up/tear down is often a two hour affair for some of these people!

For a fixed camp, some of these items may be appropriate, and sometimes it is nice to be able to cook a meal in a decent fashion, but at an event where soldiers are supposed to be on campaign? I made a couple of mistakes by getting some of these things when I got back into the hobby! They did have cast iron cookware back then, and I've seen some excellent demonstrations in civilian camps (which are generally billed as "non military." That small, local event may not allow for separate civilian and military camps, but don't sell this as real "history!" If a soldier craves a good "home cooked" meal, let him head over to a civilian camp, where he can cook using a grill or have a meal prepared for him (men, you had better learn how to cook!).

There is some debate over the "appropriate" role civilians play at events. I believe that civilian demonstrations are important, and tend to see civilian camps as "approximations" of small, local towns. Military types are often a bit too quick to dismiss civilians at events, when in fact they contribute significantly to the overall picture of the 1860's. This does not mean that civilians should have carte blanche, but everyday activities (including cooking, sewing, manufacturing, politics, etc.) are all legitimate activities, and perhaps far more appropriate for an overall representation of the times than the battles, which were relatively infrequent events in the lives of soldiers. Many spectators are drawn in more by aspects of civilian life than they are by the military, and at least some "hard-core" reenactors are coming to appreciate the contributions high quality civilians make at events. For cooking demonstrations, some more leeway may be (and usually is) allowed; not all civilians were refugees!

This does not change the fact that soldiers on campaign didn't carry Dutch ovens. A glance at an event such as Gettysburg reveals enough canvas to propel several substantial frigates, enough iron to armor several City class gunboats, and enough coolers to chill thousands of beer cans. A moderately knowledgeable spectator can see right through this: save yourself the embarrassment and added expense of buying better gear: get the right equipment in the first place!

I'm amazed at the number of people who complain about the cost of good uniforms, etc., as they sit beneath the tent flies set up in front of their mammoth tents, polishing one of their three rifles while sucking down a beer from their cooler. The money they could have saved by NOT buying an extra musket and the tent could easily have purchased an outstanding impression!

As more and more events raise their authenticity standards, a good kit is actually a pragmatic investment. Few events are going to throw you out because you have good gear, so why not go with the best (don't go to an inauthentic event to show off your good gear though; you'll probably find yourself blacklisted by both mainstream AND progressive units).

The Events

What many reenactors live for. There are a wide variety of events and activities for reenactors, all of which offer a variety of options and experiences.

The Mega-Event are relatively rare, but they can be amazing simply for their vastness. Mega events can have over 8,000 reenactors, and tens of thousands of spectators. One can head toward a camp and see an ocean of canvas, hundreds of troops performing battalion drill, and women in multihued dresses wandering about the field. In the distance, sutlers ply their trade, while the curious public bombards you with questions. On the battlefield, the opposing forces can sometimes attain a size unseen since the War Between the States. If the event is well organized, and the sponsors focus on the event rather than protecting their own interests, these events can be surprisingly personal. As with anything this large, there are likely to be glitches, but take these in stride, and you should have a good time. These events can attract people from all over the country, and even the world, so the potential to meet new and interesting folks is high.

These events are often described (derisively) as turbo or turbomega farbfests by more authentic reenactors, due to the preponderance of odd, inaccurate impressions. Recently, more authentic units attend these events as campaigner battalions, staging a sort of "event within an event." This allows for a far more authentic presence on the field, and a surprising number of spectators can see the difference between progressives and mainstream reenactors. It also allows mainstream reenactors to get a peek into the growing move toward authenticity.

The Large Event can attract people from across the country, but are more likely to have participants from the surrounding states. One might not see the same sea of tents, but there are still enough reenactors to make things hot on the field. As they are somewhat smaller than the mega-events, large events are often easier to manage.

Midsize events, around 500-1000 reenactors, are often good places to meet reenactors without the bustle of the larger events. My first real introduction to reenacting came at one of these events. They still tend to draw enough troops for impressive battles and enough civilians for male and female noncombatants to mingle, but they can also offer a sense of intimacy simply not possible at larger reenactments.

Small Events may not have the numbers to allow for unit commanders to attempt more intricate maneuvers, but they still can provide reenactors with a chance to meet members from other units. If staged as an event unto itself, or as a focal point for a larger community event, small reenactments can really showcase reenactors in a way larger events simply can't.

Living Histories might be a part of a larger event, or they might involve a dozen or so reenactors at a historical site. Traci and I had some great times with members from our unit at a couple of living history events last summer and fall. These events often take place at small historical sites locally, although some can get quite large. They enable a particularly intimate sense of connection between reenactors and the public. This is the place where your knowledge of history and materials can truly enhance your impression.

Campaigns are rigorous events in which participants usually carry virtually all of their equipment with them (food is sometimes provided by the sponsors or units, but coolers, A frame tents and other "luxuries" enjoyed by reenactors at stationary events are forbidden). It's not at all unusual for campaigners to march a dozen miles a day with 40 pounds of gear in just about any weather condition imaginable. Not for the faint-of-heart . . . Campaigners may attend a large event, but they often have their own camps, complete with shebangs (crude, hastily constructed shelters), bivouacs or other signs of life on the march. Some such events stress an immersion atmosphere, encouraging 24 hour first person scenarios.

There is currently a heated debate concerning progressives attending mainstream events. One of the chief concerns revolves around the fact that some progressives tend to lapse into inappropriate behavior. This may be due to the "influence" of less accurate reenactors, or it may, as I believe, have to do with the fact that progressive reenactors frequently take the event lightly, and lapse into consistently incorrect behavior. The obvious problem with this is that the reenactor with the better gear merely becomes another inaccurate impression, albeit one with cool clothing. I've been guilty of this recently as well, although I usually will wait until the event closes to the public before I partake of anachronistic behavior. I'm trying to go even further than that.

I see potential in every event, perhaps in conjunction with my focus as an educationalist (another category altogether). I enjoy wading into crowds and interacting with spectators directly. As I've developed this philosophy over the past year, the standard battle scenarios increasingly lose their appeal, to the point where I frequently "take hits" in the opening part of the battle. Others may find the battle to be the most appealing aspect of an event, but I frequently find myself questioning the motives of those who get upset over a "bad" battle or poor meals by the event hosts. It seems to me that there is little sense in driving 4-6 hours to an event to fight in a couple of 1 hour battles and perhaps a tactical, knowing full well that a similar 4-6 hour drive awaits them on Sunday. A good group of people who are willing to add in more creative scenarios will be more entertaining (and accurate); one can only hit so many sutlers at an event, or spend so many hours under the tent fly. My experience with progressive units thus far has been limited, but from what I've seen, they allow some free time (lest you think they sound like every waking hour is planned out), while providing numerous activities above and beyond the battle--first person, drill, inspection, issuing rations, medical demonstrations, etc.

Traci and I can find ways of keeping ourselves busy at virtually any event, but it's much easier when you have an event (and a unit) that is willing to vary activities. Of course, many reenactors seem to find happiness in simply attending events where they can avoid drill, burn powder and chat all day. This may be your proverbial cup of tea, but I'm willing to say that if you have ANY curiosity or sincere interest in research about the Civil War, you'll find yourself seeking something more, whether it be at the local event or a large national reenactment.

For those of you with an especially educational bent, you may wish to consider approaching a local school district as a means of augmenting their history curriculum. Fourteen years ago, I was asked by a former elementary school teacher to talk to her 5th grade class on the life of a Civil War soldier. Although I lacked the knowledge and experience I have today, it was a rewarding experience.

Safety

No matter which event you choose to attend, there are certain, common sense precautions one should take. Although we have the luxury of returning to our Twentieth Century lives at the end of an event, the fact remains that reenacting can be a physically demanding activity. Ticks have been known to invade our tiny canvas domains, and there are seldom any modern amenities to allow for a proper cleaning. Traci and I used bring antibacterial towlets with us, allowing us to get our hands reasonably clean when it comes time to put the contact lenses in. We've switched over to small bottles of easily hidden waterless soap. However, the most difficult aspect of reenacting comes in the form of weather. Women wear half a dozen layers of clothes, and the correct wool flannel sack coat, although lighter than the 18-21 ounce wool uniforms currently being phased out, remains unbearably hot during the summer.

Although excessive heat may not be an issue in the fall, dog tents and a-frames won't provide much of a shelter from the Autumn chills. There was a 70 degree range in temperature at the events we attended in 1999, from the steamy mornings and 98 degree battles at Gettysburg I to the thick frost resulting from the 28 degree morning at Cedar Creek in October. Bring blankets (make sure that you use layers to provide heat, as its counterproductive and dangerous to get too warm in frigid weather), and by all means, fall out if you start feeling sick during a drill or battle.

Food

Events typically have vendors. Traci and I opt to cook much of our own food at events, particularly those where we can camp together. As a result, we often used to carry a large number of cooking implements with us, which we stowed away in Traci's tent (dog tents are much too small for this sort of thing, and it was unlikely that troops in the field carried much more than tin plates and sheet-iron frying pans. I also tend not to use a tent in the field anymore in the first place). We've recently begun to carry fewer items into the field, particularly at events stressing authenticity. Some units agree to purchase food in bulk to feed everyone for a small fee. Others have company cooks, who buy food with money drawn from dues. When a unit has a good cook (or you are accustomed to cooking over a fire), you may find yourself eating exceptionally well.

There are several drawbacks to the practice of lugging large quantities of food to an event. While one can certainly through together a decent meal in the field, the weight and bulk of ironware leads to more trips to and from the car, more gear and less authenticity, unless a garrison camp is the goal of the event--;and even then, ironware is inappropriate. Civilian camps may allow for more appropriate demonstrations, but one might not always make it over to camp. This brings up the issue of eating field rations. It is possible to make it through the weekend with some slab bacon, rice and/or beans and hardtack in the haversack. One can supplement these meager rations with some fresh, in season vegetables. This may not lead to the grand meals seen at some camps, but a little ingenuity can go a long way.

Campaigners tend to eschew such tempting repast, preferring instead to emulate the daily meals of hardtack and salt meat described above. I baked hardtack in 1999, and the resulting crackers were as hard and inedible as their predecessors. Commercially made hardtack might be a better option, as it conforms to the original size, shape and cooking methods employed nearly 140 years ago.

There are a number of sources for period food (hardtack, bacon, cured meats), and it is quite an experience to head off to the field with a full weekend's rations in your haversack (I would however recommend bringing some farm cheese, as the fat from all of the bacon or salt pork can make one a little queasy after a while. For some reason, cheese seems to alleviate bacon overdose).

Things to Ponder

While you may enter reenacting as a mainstreamer or a campaigner, as a civilian or artillery man, for preservation of simply escapism, there are some things to ponder as you enter the hobby. Your impression can do wonders for the hobby, or it can turn history into a joke. You need to be willing to accept responsibility for learning a great deal about the lives of the people you wish to portray. You should learn their mannerisms, their dialect if possible, their faith (one of the most irritating things about Dr. Quinn was the show's insistence in imposing 21st century judgments on a 19th century populace). At the same time, you must be aware of the fact that as hot, cold, wet and uncomfortable we may be at times, we can never truly experience what it was like to suffer the many hardships in the fields, towns and cities of the 1860's. Few of us desire to have our bones shattered by minié balls or our bodies dehydrated by dysentery. This was their reality, and we must be cognizant of this even as we attempt to understand a culture long since vanished from our country.

A reenactor can be an interpreter for a culture very different than our own, and we do ourselves, the hobby and those who came before us an injustice by taking things too seriously or lightly. The overly serious living historian might try to ignore or deny his or her modern personae and claim an authentic experience that is simply impossible to attain, while the reenactor who takes matters too lightly discredits us and cheapens the hobby; a knowledgeable spectator can see right through a bad impression (and often, many good ones). Ideally, we should strike a balance between the sheer joy of experiencing the reenactment and the responsibility of trying to portray history as accurately as possible. We are not, by and large, professional historians, but our efforts nonetheless reach a very large audience, and they may color people's perceptions of the past (at the very least, poorly behaved reenactors color people's perceptions of the rest of us). We are not necessarily the caretakers of history, but we contribute to preservation, and perhaps we can serve, albeit in a capacity much reduced by the chasm of 140 years, as interpreters to a culture vastly different from our own.

There is enough misinformation and reductionistic thinking out there as it is without us contributing to some cheap, MTVesque means of distributing lies and half-truths. We have our schools for that job. There are few things to parallel the experience of stepping out of a tent at 6 in the morning into the smoke scented air, to see the mist enshrouding the tents, and for an instant, feel as if you belonged in that distant vein of memory that runs through the land. The camaraderie you develop with your comrades, the connection with the beauty of the land, the sense that you are contributing to preserving history in an era of mini-malls all combine to make this a remarkably fulfilling pastime. When we put aside the invocations of honoring our ancestors, saving history or educating the public (all of which are of course rewarding and important aspects of the hobby), the core reason for participating is that each reenactor finds something enjoyable and rewarding in the hobby, and this, finally, is the reason we do it.

Politics

Soldiers on both sides of the battle lines were well read and generally quite active politically. It would not be at all inaccurate for a reenactor to study some of the many issues of the day. However, most reenactors tend to eschew these kinds of discussions at events, and with good reason. This can be a controversial aspect of the hobby, particularly when individuals fail to look over primary or respectable secondary sources. Most of us are there to have a good time, not to fight a war with words, and the vast majority of reenactors we've met are extremely polite and congenial. Debates in the name of authenticity should be encouraged. It could probably be said that many reenactors go too far out of the way to study the issues of the period (heated letters to the editors of a number of Civil War journals notwithstanding).

Debates concerning 1860s politics and contemporary issues however are best left alone, unless they involve a civil, intellectual exchange of ideas (or if they are a part of a first person impression. Soldiers frequently hashed it out around the campfire). A heated exchange, particularly one that involves ill-informed parties, is not only unpleasant and pointless, it can drive perspective reenactors out of the hobby, and even cast a shadow on reenacting as a whole (remember, the press gravitates to crackpots and blowhards, and when it can't find those, they distort the context of a conversation beyond all recognition). Most debates of this kind occur on the internet or in Journals and periodicals.

Resources

There are a number of excellent sources for reenactors available in bookstores, on the web, and of course, at events. The brief source list below is far from definitive, as I'm limiting my list to sources I've had a chance to review. Rather than relying on any single source, it's best to diversify. Look at period photos and newspaper illustrations. Read accounts of battles, journals and letters. Talk with other reenactors. Search websites online. Keep an open mind and pay close attention to details, and the process of creating an impression can become almost as rewarding as the reenactments themselves.

Periodicals for Reenactors

The Camp Chase Gazette (P.O. Box 707, Marietta, OH 45750: $24.00) is a magazine published 10 times a year. A source of lively debate on the hobby, the Gazette often has detailed articles on improving one's impression. Each issue contains a detailed list of upcoming events.

The Civil War News (Route 1, Box 36, Turnbridge, VT 05077: $27), a newspaper published 11 times a year, provides information on events, preservation efforts and regular columns on black powder shooting. Like the Gazette, the News contains detailed event listings.

I subscribe to both of these periodicals, and find both of them to be well written and highly useful, as each seems to compliment the other.

The Citizen's Companion (P.O. Box 707, Marletta, OH 45750: $20) is published 6 times a year by the same people who give us the Camp Chase Gazette. While the military impressions often dominate Civil War reenacting, publications like the Companion provide vital information on the lives of the civilians who were so often affected by the war. This publication contains articles covering a range of topics from recipes and means of improving one's impressions to biographical information. Like the Gazette, the Companion has a detailed list of events.

Civil War Lady (622 3rd Ave, S.W., Pipestone, MN 56164: $21). Issued six times a year, this journal caters specifically to women (obviously) through articles on clothing, apparel, social issues of the period, and information on contemporary conferences and seminars for women.

Books for reenactors

Civil War Firearms: Their Historical Background, Tactical Use and Modern Collecting and Shooting by Joseph Bilby (Pennsylvania: Combined Books, 1996: $34.95). Joseph Bilby, one of the regular columnists for the Civil War News, has written an interesting and useful book on Civil War small arms. Not only does he give the history of virtually all major types of small arms, he also describes their limitations or advantages (historians who readily attribute the WBTS high casualty rate to the improved range of rifle-muskets may wish to read his chapter on smoothbore weapons). The book also contains useful advice pertaining to live firing and reenacting.

Echoes of Glory: Illustrated History of the Civil War. (Ed. Henry Woodhead. Alexandria, Virginia: Time Life Books, 1998). Originally published as a set of three books (Arms and Equipment of the Union, Arms and Equipment of the Confederacy and the Illustrated Atlas of the Civil War), the cost of these books vary widely, depending where you purchase them, in what form (hardcover or paperback) or individually or as a set. I was fortunate enough to pick up the soft cover set at Walden Books for $19.95. If you browse discussions of period uniforms and accurate reproductions, you're likely to see this series mentioned. These books contain some excellent photographs of firearms, accouterments and uniforms from both sides. This series is best used as a visual reference.

Army Blue: The Uniforms of Uncle Sam's Regulars, 1848-1873. By John Langellier (Atglen, PA: Schiffer Publishing, 1998:$79.95). Pricey and marred by a number of typos, this is still a good resource for those Yankees seeking to improve the accuracy of their uniform. Army Blue contains the Federal uniform guidelines for the Civil War period, which are particularly interesting given the uniforms most of us wear in the field. One might wonder why it took over 30 years for uniform manufacturers to realize that sack coats were to be made of wool flannel, with liners. As it stands today, most of our sack coats are made of heavy, unlined wool. There is some indication that this is changing, but one wonders why such change, especially in the face of improved research, is so slow in coming.

Civil War Cartridge Boxes of the Union Infantryman. By Paul Johnson. (Lincoln, RI: Andrew Mowbray Publishers, 1999: $45.00). One of those works destined to become a watershed in the field. Cartridge boxes were obviously invaluable to their users, and a good reproduction cartridge box can substantially augment one's impression. This work contains hundreds of illustrations, and chronicles the often tortuous path of evolving patterns, political influence, and frequently less than scrupulous contractors. An outstanding addition to the reenactor's reference library.

Infantry Tactics, Volume I. Silas Casey, 1862 (reprinted by Crescent City Sutler, Evansville, IN). Sometimes hard to follow, the Casey's manual is nevertheless the foundation for many Union drills and maneuvers. Volume I covers the schools of the soldier and company, as well as "Instruction for Skirmishers." Given the frustrating inconsistencies in drill at most events, a decent knowledge of the manuals themselves would go far toward improving our impressions and image with the spectators. It might also phase out some of the incorrect commands (reenactorisms) that currently plague the hobby.

Who Wore What? Women's Wear, 1861-1865. By Juanita Leisch. (Gettysburg: Thomas Publications, 1995: $29.95). This book is to female civilians what Echoes of Glory is to military reenactors. This is an extensive study of the styles, literally from the head down, worn in the WBTS period. Leisch's study incorporates textual descriptions with numerous photographs to give the reader a good idea of what was worn, how and even why. An appendix contains a brief "primer" for reenactors.

Contact Information: Andy Metheny 367 Burroughs Road Boxborough, Massachusetts 01719 (978) 263-1753 e-mail: aimetheny@aol.com

The Columbia Rifles Research Compendium. Ed. John Toby and Kevin O'Beirne, 2001: $20.00, $25.00 by mail order. Contact aimetheny@aol.com. A collection of 51 original articles, the CRRC has taken the progressive wing of the hobby by storm in recent months. Nearly 300 pages of information on everything from forage caps to profanity, and a great deal of information in between. This is an outstanding general resource, broad enough in scope to provide the newcomer with enough information to avoid bad gear, yet specific enough to interest and inform a well researched reenactor. The Compendium comes as a three ring binder, with photocopied pages. Some of the photographs naturally suffer from this process, but the pages are quite readable, the photos are good enough to get the point across, and the CAD generated line drawings are excellent. Will this work replace focused research on given topics? Absolutely not, nor was it intended to. The loose-leaf format allows authors to augment and correct information, and the bulk of the articles show solid research. Many of the facts in the articles are garnered from original items, documents or other primary sources. I have few criticisms thus far. The English Major within found some typos, and the consistent misplacement of commas outside any quotation marks drew my attention, but these are minor complaints, and easily overlooked. Five dollars from every Compendium sold will be donated to Civil War preservation projects, with money from the 1st Edition going toward New York's Civil War Battle Flags. This is an inexpensive way to get good information without spending a small fortune on specialized books. As stated above, it will not replace such resources, but it is an excellent starting point.

The Federal Civil War Shelter Tent. By Frederick C. Gaede. (Alexandria, Virginia: O'Donnell Publications. 2001: $19.95). The tent is one of the most visible and visibly incorrect items on the field at a typical reenactment. This work should go far in advancing the cause of authenticity among vendors and reenactors alike. Gaede utilizes a variety of sources to inform his monograph, including the examination of extant examples, official records and first hand descriptions of tents in the field. He identifies and discusses some relatively obscure types, describes the development of various tent types, and gives a detailed description of contractor varieties and output. Given the remarkable amount of information present in this monograph, the incorrectly produced, brass grommeted hybrids of days gone by should fade into the past. However, old habits and bad equipment die hard, and I have little doubt that many reenactors and producers won't allow themselves to be confused by the facts.

Although I have mentioned these sites before, The Authentic Campaigner and the CWreenactors web sites are remarkable resources. In addition, the Rowdy Pards, Columbia Rifles, Rockport Mess, Calico Boys and 33rd Wisconsin sites all contain dozens of articles, links to high quality merchants, and a wealth of general information. One might also wish to join the authentics list serve, available on the The Authentic Campaigner website.

Original photos/albums. Traci and I recently discovered two old photo albums at my parent's house. The ages of my ancestors (not to mention the image of Lincoln and his first vice president) confirmed that the albums was indeed from the 1860s. Old photos can provide a vital and fascinating link to the past, and they might even call into question an accepted "truth."