Conference smurf::civil_war

    I'm a new re-enactor; my first event was the end of July.  My unit
    is the 14th Louisiana Vol. Inf.  I'd be glad to answer any questions
    I can.
    
    Mark Stull

    RE .0:
    
    	There used to be a few experienced reenactors around, but they have
    now left the Company.  A couple might have left addresses in this file,
    and you could try getting in touch with them.
    
    	One way to get a feel for what goes on in the hobby is to subscribe
    to the Camp Chase Gazette, a monthly magazine devoted to reenacting. 
    It has schedules of events nationwide, articles on aspects of the
    hobby, and editorial/opinion discussions about a wide variety of
    subjects.  If you are interested, I can post the address.  I think it
    costs $24 a year.
    
    	I did do some investigation of my own, so I can share some second-
    hand impressions.  As with any hobby that involves working with people,
    the experience will be good or bad to the extent that you find a
    congenial group to work with.  In reenacting, one of the distinguishing
    features of various units is the degree to which they push
    "authenticity".  (Another is how unit politics work, and how much they
    impact the unit, but you can only find _that_ out by visiting a unit
    for awhile, and talking to the members.)
    
    	"Authenticity" can range from individuals who insist that the
    stitching on their clothing be done in the correct period manner (and
    who may wear period underwear), who eat only period food, and who
    research the backgrounds of the particular historical figures they
    "portray", through an infinite variety of combinations of "period",
    "looks right", and "don't care" in each and every aspect of unit
    activity, to the extreme of folks who dress up in whatever takes their
    fancy, have beer coolers in camp, and have a good time shooting blank
    charges.  _Most_ units and people in the hobby seem to try for a
    reasonably authentic appearance without getting to the stitch-counting
    stage, but the extremes are there, and in some cases folks can get
    vocal about those who do things differently.
    
    	So, a key bit of advice is to think seriously about what _you_ want
    out of the hobby - and remember that it will take a reasonable
    investment of time and money - and then look for a unit that feels
    congenial and fits with your goals.  As I recall, you can expect to
    spend something like $1,000.00 for a reasonably authentic uniform and
    weapon, but the cost can go higher, depending on whether you portray a
    Yank (usually more gear, more standardized) or a Reb (or both).  Also,
    while most units are infantry, there are artillery and cavalry (both
    mounted and dismounted) units around if your taste runs that way.
    
    	I have observed that lots of people really enjoy reenacting, so try
    going to some events, talk to lots of folks, and see if it attracts
    you.
    
    MikeR
    

    RE: .2  by NEMAIL::RASKOB 
    
    >There used to be a few experienced reenactors around, but they have
    >now left the Company.  A couple might have left addresses in this file,
    >and you could try getting in touch with them.
    
    One who did not get a chance to leave his address in this file is Tom
    Reilley of the 5th New Hampshire.  I had lunch with him at MRO the
    other day and he said to post his address in this note for him.  Tom
    can be reached at:
    
    		US1RMC::"treilley@iii.net"
    		  ^
    Substitute n  |  as appropriate to your locale.
    

    
    	The 28th Massachusetts Infantry re-enactment unit will be
    encamped this Saturday, the 18th of November on the grounds of
    the Millbury Town Library, 508-865-1181, 128 Elm St, Millbury,
    Ma. from 10AM-5PM. 
    	Millbury is just south of Worcester, Exit 11 off the Mass Pike
    BillM