Interested in Reenacting History: Here's What You Need to Do

Everyone has studied history one time or another in there life, whether it was in high school or on your own. You may have even thought, WOW! Those people had it rough back them. I wonder what it was like to live like that. Well you can find out. It's called reenacting. Historical reenacting gives you a chance to see for yourself.

Reenactors are people who recreate history by portraying the look, actions and lives of a person from a particular time period of history. Becoming a historical reenactor requires an unquenchable thirst and an abiding patience with uncomfortable accommodations and ridiculous outfits. Short of actually traveling back in time, however, there is no better way to learn about history than by living it first-hand as a reenactor.

Just about anyone with an interest in reenactment can become a reenactor. Even children can participate, although most reenactment groups have a minimum age, its usually 12 or 13 years old, for children to be allowed in most dangerous roles such as on a battlefield. Most reenactment organizations won't allow children under the age of 16 to bear arms.

If you choose an active reenactment role, you will need to be in good health. Be able to do the physical activities and bear the lack of everyday comforts that are inherent in reenacting. Most of your reenactors are your everyday people from all walks of life, with ages ranging from 16 to people in there sixties.

There are a lot of reenactors that take their role very seriously, but also have fun. They take pride in themselves on representing their role in history as accurately as possible. Some do take it to the extreme, but most groups welcome anyone with an interest. Reenacting does require a commitment in time and resources. Reproduction clothing can cost several hundred dollars, and reproduction period rifles as much as $1000.

Reenactment also called "living history," basically means, living under the same conditions encountered during the past. This can mean everything from layers of clothing, and bland food, to inclement weather and a hard ground to sleep on. Hard-core reenactors give up all amenities of modern life, from deodorant, wristwatches, and going days with out a bath.

Re-enactment also takes time. This can mean half a dozen weekend encampments to just 2-3 hour events once or twice a year. Most reenactment organizations vote on how many reenacting event they want to do a year.

If reenacting sound like fun to you but you're just not sure about committing yourself due to time, money, and the lack of know-how. Don't let that stop you! Most reenactment groups welcome new people, and will show you the ropes. Some will even outfit you until you can gradually acquire your own outfit and supplies. In other words, you can try it our and see how your like it.

If you are interested in becoming a reenactor, here are some basics for getting started.

Choose a Time Period and Location
What period of history are you interested in? Did you have ancestors that were in the Revolutionary War, Civil War, etc.? Do you have a passion for ancient Rome, medieval fashion, or Colonial America and the Salem Witch Trials?

Finding a Reenactment Group
Time and place work together, so while you're picking your time period, you will generally have a certain location in mind as well. Most people choose a reenactment group that is fairly close to home, at last within a day's drive.

Reenactment groups and societies can be found all over the world, although they are especially active in the U.S., U.K., Germany, Sweden, Australia, and Canada. Check your local newspaper or look for reenactment Web sites for listings of upcoming reenactment events in your area. Most large reenactment events take place outdoors, so spring through fall are very active times of the year for the majority of these groups. Attend a few such reenactment events and talk to members of the groups to learn more about their reenactment outline and activities.

Choosing a Person
In choosing a person is the character and role that you choose to portray to reenact. This person is sometimes referred to as an entertainer. Depending on your reenactment scenario, this may be a real individual, or a fictional one who could have lived during your time period of interest. Think about your life and translate that to an individual who lived during your time period of interest. The majority of reenactors choose to be soldiers, but even a military reenactment group there are other characters, such as wives, camp followers, surgeons, tinkers and merchants. The person you select should have some personal significance to you.

Research your Person
Once you have chosen a time period and character, you need to learn everything you can about that person - from the way they dressed and ate, to their manner of speech, cultural beliefs, and social interactions. Immerse yourself in the time period by reading books and primary source documents related to the area, and the type of person you've chosen to portray.

Assemble your Kit
Reenactors refer to their clothing and equipment as their kit. Whether you have chosen to be a soldier, fur trapper, or a medieval princess, the clothing and accessories you select for your kit should match your person. Don't purchase something fancy if you have chosen to be a poor farmer during the Civil War. This would of been impractical. Take the time to research fully, your character and time period. Consider where your person lived, his age, his occupation, and his social status, before you purchase items, which may or may not be authentic or appropriate.

Most reenactment groups have extra clothing, uniforms, costumes and props that they are willing to loan to newcomers. By joining, you will have the time to try out your person before committing to any major purchases for your own kit.