Reenacting 101

Need help finding a unit or organization? Recently received another e-mail regarding how to find a living history or reenacting unit in a particular region of the U.S.A or part of the World.  Considering I live in the east coast of the U.S.A I don’t know much what is happening in other parts of the world.  Here is some advice to those of you who are doing the same research as every new recruit finds themselves at one point or another.  The easy part is doing the research the most difficult part of reenacting is finding a unit or organization especially when the closest historic landmark is between 2 to 5 hours away.  So what can you do if you’re in this particular situation?  Here are steps and if all else fails go straight to the final step.

Before you do anything:

- Research on your state’s or country’s history:  if you are looking for a history that did not exist than 9 out of 10 there won’t be a reenacting unit who portrays that period.

- Have an open mind: most of the information I found on reenacting has been found in places I thought I would not find information on it.

- Research on the time period you are interested in.  Even if you’re are living in a state like Texas who wasn’t originally part of the original 15 colonies doesn’t mean that there are others in your state that are not interested in the American Revolution.  Chances are you will have to spend more money going to events than someone who lives in Virginia.

- Never Give Up: those who give up won’t succeed in the task or the hobby.  This hobby is for those who want to learn about history and who want to dedicate a lot of time learning about the people and places.

Step One:  Visitor Center’s Online

- Online Catalogs:  I know it maybe hard to believe but many welcome centers around the world do have a list of historic landmarks and events listed within there website.  While there look through the calendar to find any events you maybe interested in going to and look to see what attractions (historical landmarks) are listed within the website.  Click here! to find a welcome center near your.  It lists all welcome centers around the world.

“You will be closer to finding a living history or reenacting unit than you think”.

Step Two: Historical Landmarks

- Plan to visit: Many of these landmarks whether it be a castle, fort, battlefield, plantation, house or museum do have a website.  Many of them have a list of events and how to become a volunteer.  If they don’t have any events listed contact there director to find any additional information on the place and possible events.

- Become a Volunteer: Once you’ve found landmarks in your area plan to visit them during one of there events or better yet become one of there volunteers.  When you are part of something you are more than likely to know the goings on before the public hears about it.

Step Three: Go to Events

- Reenactments: If you are very lucky to live in a state or country where many of the battles took place only 2 to 3 hours away from your house than there is no reason why you shouldn’t make it your once or twice a year goal to go to a reenactment.  Reenactments cost between 10 to 30 U.S dollars but there is a less expensive event known as Living History that anyone can go to.

- Living History: Many reenacting units participate in living history events because it allows people to ask questions and find more information on there unit.  Also it is a way for units to train and invite new recruits in a less stressful environment.  Reenactments don’t really occur to often depending on your time period interest.  As well as they cost the reenactors to even participate in them.

*Make it your goal to at least talk to 2 to 5 people during these type of events because you might be  introduced to the right person who can give you all the information you are looking for.

Step Four: If all else fails

- Ask Me: I continue to get e-mails from people who want more information.  I am happy to research and give people information about the hobby and ways to find a unit in there area.

Good luck on your journey and hope that the above advice is helpful to all of you new recruits. Help keep the history alive!