What Reenactors Do:
Civil War living historians, or “reenactors”, engage in a variety of activities.
Examples include:
· Participation in battle reenactments, with up to 10,000 or more participants on the field. These are national events.
· Enjoy camaraderie of friends around the campfire, on the battle line and at various events.
· Provide educational presentations.
· Participate in “living history” demonstrations.
· Attend period “balls” and socials.
Why Be a Reenactor?
Living history reenacting is a hobby with countless facets and people become reenactors for many reasons. All experience and enjoy reliving aspects of the American Civil War while in the company of new friends. Civil War reenacting helps to perpetuate the memory of the common people who did so much to shape our nation during the 1860’s. While working to achieve this goal, reenactors learn more about this period of our history through firsthand experience.
Who Becomes A Reenactor?
People from all walks of life and of all ages become involved as reenactors. The 61st Ohio Infantry includes men, women, children and families. Active members are as young as 12 (16 to carry a weapon) and as old as 80. We include soldiers, field music (fifers, drummers, and buglers), medical corps, “civilian” ladies and gentlemen and other impressions. The hobby of reenacting has a role for nearly everyone.
In general, reenactors are people with a special interest in the Civil War. As reenactors, our goal is to provide an accurate representation of a Civil War soldier or civilian, to the public, your fellow living historian, and yourself.
Where Do Reenactments Take Place?
The 61st Ohio Infantry participates in numerous local events around the Northeast Ohio – Western Pennsylvania region. We also may take part in some large reenactments in Kentucky or Virginia every year. Some events are “Maximum Effort” events where the entire unit is encouraged to attend. Attendance at all reenactments is not compulsory, however certain minimal attendance requirements are included as part of your membership.
Your Civil War Portrayal.
Most reenactors assume a role, or “first person impression”, as a 19th century individual. What portrayal is best for you? Roles for most members of the military portion of the 61st Ohio Infantry are varied. Most male members aged 16 and above portray soldiers of Company “D” of the 61st and fight in the battles at reenactments. These soldiers are led by officers, sergeants and corporals who are selected and promoted based on knowledge of tactics and period military impressions. The military portion of the Regiment also includes medical impressions and Field Music.
What about Civilian Impressions? Is There A Role For The Family?
Non-military members include ladies and gentlemen who choose to portray civilians of the period. These roles afford an almost infinite number of opportunities, including Ladies Aid Society and laundress impressions, newspapermen, civilian businessmen, 1860’s craftsmen, etc. Civilian reenactors are limited only by their imagination and those occupations which are accurate to the Civil War period.
How Do I Get Started?
The 61st Ohio Infantry reenactment regiment has programs in place to assist the new recruit or civilian reenactor. New members are shown the ropes by more experienced reenactors who teach practical aspects of reenacting, equipment procurement, and the organizations authenticity standards. Many experienced “sutlers” can provide new recruits with a “starter” package to get them on the field. During the “off season” regimental meetings and drills are scheduled to keep recruits and experienced alike up to standards.
Civil War living historians, or “reenactors”, engage in a variety of activities.
Examples include:
· Participation in battle reenactments, with up to 10,000 or more participants on the field. These are national events.
· Enjoy camaraderie of friends around the campfire, on the battle line and at various events.
· Provide educational presentations.
· Participate in “living history” demonstrations.
· Attend period “balls” and socials.
Why Be a Reenactor?
Living history reenacting is a hobby with countless facets and people become reenactors for many reasons. All experience and enjoy reliving aspects of the American Civil War while in the company of new friends. Civil War reenacting helps to perpetuate the memory of the common people who did so much to shape our nation during the 1860’s. While working to achieve this goal, reenactors learn more about this period of our history through firsthand experience.
Who Becomes A Reenactor?
People from all walks of life and of all ages become involved as reenactors. The 61st Ohio Infantry includes men, women, children and families. Active members are as young as 12 (16 to carry a weapon) and as old as 80. We include soldiers, field music (fifers, drummers, and buglers), medical corps, “civilian” ladies and gentlemen and other impressions. The hobby of reenacting has a role for nearly everyone.
In general, reenactors are people with a special interest in the Civil War. As reenactors, our goal is to provide an accurate representation of a Civil War soldier or civilian, to the public, your fellow living historian, and yourself.
Where Do Reenactments Take Place?
The 61st Ohio Infantry participates in numerous local events around the Northeast Ohio – Western Pennsylvania region. We also may take part in some large reenactments in Kentucky or Virginia every year. Some events are “Maximum Effort” events where the entire unit is encouraged to attend. Attendance at all reenactments is not compulsory, however certain minimal attendance requirements are included as part of your membership.
Your Civil War Portrayal.
Most reenactors assume a role, or “first person impression”, as a 19th century individual. What portrayal is best for you? Roles for most members of the military portion of the 61st Ohio Infantry are varied. Most male members aged 16 and above portray soldiers of Company “D” of the 61st and fight in the battles at reenactments. These soldiers are led by officers, sergeants and corporals who are selected and promoted based on knowledge of tactics and period military impressions. The military portion of the Regiment also includes medical impressions and Field Music.
What about Civilian Impressions? Is There A Role For The Family?
Non-military members include ladies and gentlemen who choose to portray civilians of the period. These roles afford an almost infinite number of opportunities, including Ladies Aid Society and laundress impressions, newspapermen, civilian businessmen, 1860’s craftsmen, etc. Civilian reenactors are limited only by their imagination and those occupations which are accurate to the Civil War period.
How Do I Get Started?
The 61st Ohio Infantry reenactment regiment has programs in place to assist the new recruit or civilian reenactor. New members are shown the ropes by more experienced reenactors who teach practical aspects of reenacting, equipment procurement, and the organizations authenticity standards. Many experienced “sutlers” can provide new recruits with a “starter” package to get them on the field. During the “off season” regimental meetings and drills are scheduled to keep recruits and experienced alike up to standards.