Back in May, after months of research and sewing, planning and organizing, dreaming and then finally doing... I attended my first Civil War reenactment. Not as a spectator, but as a reenactor. And then earlier this month, September 7th-8th I reenacted again, this time a little farther up North. Let me tell you.. it was exciting and fun; but, as with any grand adventure, there are a few things I wish I had known before taking part in it. So let's dive right in..
Things I Wish I Knew Before My First Reenactment as a Reenactor
You won't need all that food, but you will need more water.
I made the mistake of not bringing enough water for the May reenactment, but I didn't repeat myself again in Septmeber. I made sure to bring a 24-pack of water bottles, and then I filled my glass containers whenever I could. Instead of water, I brought meat-sticks and trail-mix, applesauce and vienna sausages, and much more, but no water. My second time around I brought half the amount of food, and twice the amount of water.
Walk around more, go sightseeing
I saw about 1% of the first reenactment, and I regret that. I thought I wouldn't need to, since I was a reenactor, not a spectator. But boy was I wrong. I made it a point to see as much as I could see the second time around. And because of that, I saw close to 90% of all there was to see. I still had a few more camps to see, and sutlers to "window shop" at, but I am very satisfied with all that I saw.
Don't worry about your impression
You don't need to be perfect. You don't have to have authentic, antique, or vintage pieces. It helps, but it isn't necessary for your first reenactment. Enjoy yourself, don't worry if your impression is incomplete. Chances are, everyone else was just as you are, it's called "being a beginner". If you don't have a "first-person" impression, don't worry about it.
For more information about impressions, read THIS
Take lots of pictures whenever you can
If you don't you'll regret it. But please! Try to be inconspicuous about it. Take them when there are no spectators around, or wait until you're not "in character".
The cannons and musket and rifles are LOUD!
Seriously, they are so loud! Louder than I expected. Bring earplugs or cotton to stuff in your ears. The cannons themselves boomed right through me.
Bring sunscreen and apply it regularly
Unless you want to look like a lobster or a tomato, then put sunscreen on. You're outside the whole day, even if you have a hat, or a bonnet, you will still get some sun.
Bring an extra pair of shoes, and extra socks
Just in case one your boots wears down on one side and leaves you with a sore leg from walking on the side of your foot without you knowing it. Also socks, for the same reason you'd take them on a hike.
And there you have it. It's not exactly a complete list, but it's what's on my mind right now. I might add more later, I might make another post entirely. I hope you enjoyed reading this, because I had fun making this!
Have an awesome weekend!
Abigail Joy
If you want to see some of my adventure in reenacting, then go to my Youtube channel which you can find
