Introduction to Reenacting

Introduction to Reenacting

This is just a comic starting point to get the class rolling. Talk about some of the things mentioned in the cartoon.

2OverviewIntroductionsWhat is reenacting?HistoryJargonTypes of reenactmentsWhat it takes to attend reenactmentsStarting points in reenactment research

Read each piece we will be going over in class3Introductions

Introductory background of instructor and what the interests of the participants are

Give a brief bio of yourselfAsk the students what interests do they have based on time period and what made them decide to look into reenacting4What is Reenacting?ReenactorWho can become a reenactorWhat to expect

Reenactors recreate history by portraying the look, actions and lives of a person from a particular time period of history.

Who Can Become a Reenactor?Just about anyone with an interest in reenactment can become a reenactor. Children can usually even participate, although most reenactment groups have a minimum age (military participation: 12 or 13 is common for drummers, 16 for battle participation) for children to be allowed in more dangerous roles - such as on the battlefield. Most reenactment organizations also won't allow children under 16 to bear arms. If you choose an active reenactment role, you'll need to be in good health - capable of the physical activity and lack of everyday comforts that are inherent in reenacting. Most reenactors are everyday people from all walks of life, with ages ranging from 16 to people in their sixties.

What to Expect From ReenactingReenacting for many is a serious, but fun, event. Most people take their roles seriously, and pride themselves on representing history as accurately as possible. Some people do take the "authenticity" to an extreme, but most groups welcome anyone with an interest. Reenacting does require a commitment, however, in both time and resources. Reproduction clothing can cost several hundred dollars or more depending on the person you are portraying, and reproduction period weaponry as much as $1000 (cannons can cost in the tens of thousands). Reenactment, appropriately called "living history," also means living under the same conditions encountered during the past. This can mean everything from uncomfortable clothes and terrible food (though some cooking on an open fire is very good), to inclement weather and a poor excuse for a bed. Hard-core reenactors give up all amenities of modern life, from deodorant to modern wristwatches or phones. Participating in reenactments also takes time - but this can be as little as a 2-3 hour event once or twice a year, to a half-dozen three-day weekend encampments to a full week encampment.

Reference: http://genealogy.about.com/od/wars/a/reenacting.htm5HistoryRomans staged mock battles of previous triumphsMiddle Ages tournaments reenacted historical themes from Rome or elsewhere19th century popular in many countries such as BritainTwentieth Century Russia reenacting previous 19th century battlesUnited States: American Revolutionary War reenactments started in the 1960s often using original weaponryPageants to commemorate civic events

Activities related to "reenactment" have a long history. The Romans staged recreations of famous battles within their amphitheaters as a form of public spectacle. In the Middle Ages, tournaments often reenacted historical themes from Ancient Rome or elsewhere. In the nineteenth century, reenactments were popular in a number of countries, e.g. the Eglinton Tournament of 1839 in Britain. During the early twentieth century they were popular in Russia with re-enactments of the Siege of Sevastopol (18541855) (1906), the Battle of Borodino (1812) in St Petersburg and the Taking of Azov (1696) in Voronezh in 1918. In 1920, there was a reenactment of the 1917 Storming of the Winter Palace on the third anniversary of the event. It was this reenactment which provided the inspiration for the scenes in Sergei Eisenstein's film October: Ten Days That Shook the World.Likewise, mass pageants were used to commemorate civic events like 150th anniversary of the founding of St Louis, held in 1914.[

6JargonLiving HistoryHistorical ReenactmentBattle ReenactmentCombat DemonstrationRendezvousAuthenticity NaziFarbRendezvousFirst personFlat LanderWeekend WarriorSutler or traderUnitMuster

Living history - describes attempts to bring history to life for the general public in a manner that in most cases is not following a planed script. Such events do not necessarily have a mock battle but instead are aimed at portraying the life, and more importantly the lifestyle, of people of the period. This often includes both military, civilian and native impressions. Occasionally, storytelling or acting sketches take place to involve or explain the everyday life or military activity to the viewing public. More common are craft and cooking demonstrations, song and leisure activities, and lectures. Combat training or duels can also be encountered even when larger combat demonstrations are not present.Historical reenactment is a scripted educational activity in which participants follow a prearranged plan to recreate some aspects of a historical event or periodBattle Reenactment - Scripted battles are reenactment in the strictest sense; the battles are planned out beforehand so that the companies and regiments make the same actions that were taken in the original battles.They are often fought at or near the original battle ground or at a place very similar to the original. These demonstrations vary widely in size from a few hundred fighters to several thousand, as do the arenas used (getting the right balance can often make or break the spectacle for the public).Combat demonstration - Combat demonstrations are mock battles put on by reenacting organizations and/or private parties primarily to show the public what combat in the period might have been like. Combat demonstrations are only loosely based on actual battles, if at all, and may simply consist of demonstrations of basic tactics and maneuvering techniques.Farbs or Farby or polyester soldiers re-enactors who spend little time or money maintaining authenticity. Not typical of the periodAuthenticity Nazi or stitch (thread) counter these are hard core authentic reenactors usually portraying military unit soldiers. A reenactor who insists on a historically accurate impression, down to fabric and buttonholes having the same threadcount typical of the time. The derogatory term for this same person is stitch nazi. Rendezvous gathering based on the fur trade era. A Pre 1840 Rendezvous, is when mountain men come down to meet with flat landers (city folks) and sold or traded their hides for supplies. Rendezvous began about 1825 and ended in 1840.First-person impression Approaching the study of the Past from the perspective of someone actually living in it. When talking, references are to "I am" or "I hunt" or "I do this." A "persona." Flat Lander city folk; anyone not in period clothes (spectator)Weekend Warrior a reenactor that only attends events every once in a while. Their clothing is clean and not torn. Their shoes and belts are spit shined and polished. There brasses are shinedSutler a merchant of a particular time period. They usually would follow the military and sell items to the soldiers that were not provided by their military unit. The sutlers can attend all of the different types of reenactment events.Trader a person who trades their wares. This could be a person selling what they have made, a trapper, or a merchant. http://borderlessnorth.org/videos/meet-the-war-of-1812-sutler-reenactorsUnit group of reenactors who participate together as a unit who fought in a particular warMuster A gathering, especially of troops, for service, inspection, review or roll call

7Types of ReenactmentsMilitary reenactmentsNative encampmentCivilian encampmentsTrade fair indoor and outdoorTimeline events

Military reenactments portray the life and times of a soldier based on a certain time period. The camp is set up where the opposing forces each have a camp area which is usually as period correct as possible. Battle reenactments are staged some are historical (ex. The Battle of Bunker Hill, Gettysburg, Battle of Guilfords Courthouse, etc) and some just reflect combat tactics showing a mock battle not relating to any historical encounter. Note the inscriptions on the tents of the military reenactors. You will see their regiment and unit information. Part of the event could also include water engagements on tall ships.

Native encampment these portray native american life as it was based on a certain time period. This encampment can be associated with a military reenactment, a trade fair, or a civilian encampment. This encampment is usually in the woods away from the military or civilian camp

Civilian encampments: (rendezvous, mountain man, attached with military, fur trade, trade fair, etc). These are encampments where reenactors get together to have shooting contests, tomahawk throws, skillet toss, and other contests. Merchants might set up at these events depending on the size of the encampment.

Trade fairs recreate a market days based on a certain time period. This event includes merchants selling their wares and cheap entertainment plus lots of food. Some of the trade fairs also have battle reenactments plus living history displays.

Time line events depict military through the ages.

Need to name some of the events based on category

http://www.living-history.net/LHHistoricalFortsAndSites.htm

http://www.thebuckskinners.com/

Go a bit more indepth here talk about the different military units, the civilians, the buckskinners, mountain man, voyageurs, fur traders, craftsman, artisans, merchants, natives, etc

8What it takes to attend a reenactmentDetermine time periodDetermine type of person to portrayResearch reenactment groupsAcquire clothing, equipment, tent, camp gearVehicle/trailer Lots of travelingMoneyPlace to store everything

Determine the time period and the type of person you want to portrayCivilian (camp follower, artisan, or just camping) versus military (soldier or officer) or native Lower/middle class or upper classDetermine how authentic you wish to beDo you buy period correct material to make your clothing? Will someone make the clothing for you? Will it be purchased?Will your camp set up be based on the persona you are portraying?Will you hand stitch your clothing or use a sewing machine? How do you learn to do the correct stitching?Will you buy period glasses and have your prescription inserted?Will you use only period correct food stuffs to cook with?Will you need to purchase a weapon? Accoutrements? Research gun lawsDoes your persona require animals, equipment, or a wagon? How will you transport?How do you clothe your children?Research the reenactment groups that pursue the time period you want to portray; join the groupMoney clothing and equipment costs, travel costs, food costsAcquire clothing and equipment, tent, camp gear Learn how to set up your camp (military, native, and civilian are different)A vehicle/trailer to transport your gear and clothing, animals, equipment, etcPlace to store everything when at homeLots of traveling9Starting Points in Reenactment ResearchSmoke n Fire News - http://www.smoke-fire.com/National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association (NMLRA) -http://www.nmlra.org/Rendezvous Ohio - http://www.rendezvousohio.com/Historical Trekking: http://www.historicaltrekking.com/

Smoke n Fire News: http://www.smoke-fire.com/ they are an online store plus they have a newspaper based on many re-enactor time periods (with lots of good unit listings and organizations). Mostly 18th century 19th century purchase a newspaper from them to get a starting list of not only events that are in your area but also some of the groups that are associated with a particular time period.

National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association (NMLRA) based out of Friendship, INThis group concentrates on black power weapons and the correct way to fire the weapon plus take care of it. It is included here as an additional option. The NMLRA has annual shoots and Pre-1840 encampments at Friendship, IN

Rendezvous Ohio - http://www.rendezvousohio.com/ Associated with pre-1840 civilian rendezvous events. There are some good event listings here

10Starting Points in Reenactment ResearchTypeTime periodGroupMilitaryFrench & Indian WarForces of Montcalm & WolfFrench and Indian War 250, IncAmerican RevolutionBrigade of American Revolution Eastern Department Northwest Department North West Territory AllianceBritish BrigadeContinental LineNorthern BrigadeWar of 1812Old Northwest Military History AssociationNorth American British Brigade US Marine Corp of 1812NapoleonicNapoleonic Association British BrigadeBrigade NapoleonWorld Wide Highland BrigadeCivil War Individual unitMain military groupsBAR (eastern and Northwest departments) french, british, american, german, nativeNWTA same as BARBritish Brigade some units belong to more than one groupContinental Line some units belong to more than one groupF & I groups french, british, nativeCivil War War of 1812

Can also include militia, celtic, scottish, pirates

Certain units are attached to each group would need to contact to determine which side to portrayCivilians can be camp followers. Civilians, artisans, tradesman, merchants, musiciansThe civilians can be based on a particular class low/middle to upper class

Can also have timeline events like military through the ages11Starting Points in Reenactment ResearchTypeTime periodGroupCivilian18th century 17541763French, British, Scottish, American (trekker, city dweller, frontier) 17751783French, British, Scottish, Irish, German, American (trekker, city dweller, frontier)19th century 1810-1815English, Scottish, American, French, CanadianExample: the society of gentleman of the new republic International association of field musicians 1825 1840Rendezvous, fur trade, mountain man 18611865North, SouthMale or Female

Civilians city folk, frontiersmen, trekker, musician, tradesman, craftsman, merchantLow/middle class upper class

Might belong to a military association or just attend individual events

18th century 19th century 1810 1815 the society of gentleman of the new republic international association of field musicians Rendezvous/fur trade 1825 1840 known as early american events Civil War 1861 1865

Research civilian clothing of the time period

Male

female12NativeEastern Woodland IndianNative page on historical trekking forum: http://historicaltrekking.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=10Woodland womans page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/401206749932116/?fref=ts

Student Check1. Select one of the following that is not a reenactment type:A. Military reenactment B. Civilian encampment C. Trade Fair D. Combat Demonstration

2. Select the correct category (History, Attend Event, or Jargon) the statement best fits:A. Need to research reenactment groupsB. Tournaments reenacted historical themes from Roman timesC. Flat Landers are city folkAnswer is D Combat DemonstrationA Attend Event, B History, C - Jargon14Student CheckTrue or False. 1. A Authenticity Nazi is a hard core reenactor. 2. A Historical Reenactment is a Living History event3. A Rendezvous can also include sutlers4. Combat Demonstrations are scripted battles5. Flat Lander and Farb refer to the same type of person1. T, 2. T, 3. T, 4. F, 5. F15SummaryIntroductionsWhat is Reenacting?HistoryJargonTypes of reenactmentsWhat it takes to attend reenactmentsStarting points in reenactment research

16Questions/Comments

Ask if there are any questionsThank the students for attending and encourage them to sign-up for other classes.17