What I Wish I Had Known Before My First Reenactment

Back in May 2019, 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 on September 7th-8th of 2019, I reenacted again, this time a little farther up North, and on November 9th and 10th of the same year, I went to Alabama for the first time for yet another reenactment. Let me tell you.. they were ALL 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. 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 (there was still too much.). I think I finally figured it out in Alabama, when I brought almost the perfect amount.  

Walk around more, go sightseeing!

I saw about 1% of the first battle 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! 

If you want to see some of my adventure in reenacting, then go to my Youtube channel which you can find 

HERE