Here are some basic questions to consider asking yourself if you have never been a
Civil War reenactor before:
- Do you appreciate history?
- What intrigues you about the Civil War era?
- Are you interested in learning about infantry in the Civil War?
- Is there a particular regiment or state like Indiana that you would like to learn
more about?
- Are you interested in learning the duties of a Civil War soldier in the 19th Indiana
and the daily life of one?
- Are you interested in enjoying the outdoors, socializing and learning with
others who also enjoy Civil War History?
- Have you been to a Civil War Reenactment?
- Are you ready to be a soldier in the 19th Indiana Company A?
Chances are if you answered yes to a few of those questions or
have more questions you are definitely interested in becoming a
member of the 19th Indiana. We post our schedule on our site to
encourage people like yourself to come and visit our camp and to
ask questions. Everyone is always welcome in camp to visit! We
enjoy your company and like to answer your questions. Visiting a
reenactment, seeing and meeting members of the 19th Indiana will
give you an excellent feel for the hobby and if it would be of interest
to you.
While in camp feel free to ask as many questions as you can, arrive
early and stay late if you prefer to get a good understanding of the
hobby and to meet new people. Many times our recruiters or other
members will be in camp to answer questions in regards to starting,
equipment, camp life and where we will be reenacting or
participating in living history events through out the season.
One of the best things a person interested in the hobby
can do:
Visit a reenactment and ask questions!
Things to consider about reenacting is that it can very socially and
educationally rewarding. While learning and being apart of the
hobby you can meet new friends and become more educated about
the Civil War while enjoying the outdoors.
As with any hobby, there are things to consider or general
guidelines to be aware of first:
Buying equipment first is typically not recommended as the 19th
Indiana does have equipment such as coats, trousers, shoes,
muskets and other items needed for camp life available for people
that aren't sure or ready to become a full member of the 19th
Indiana. The Company Commander, recruiters or members will
have a list of items available as well as contacts for such items for
you.
We have many members of the 19th Indiana of all ages. Most units
will not allow anyone under the age of 18 into the battle lines due to
safety reasons. The 19th Indiana requires anyone under the age of
18 to have a parent or legal guardian attend with them be it camp or
in line. Physically one should be in good condition. Reenacting is a
strenuous physically active hobby that requires one to be in a
reasonable amount of shape before falling in.
Since our activities occur in the outdoors we are subject to variety
of weather conditions be it ninety degree temperatures with high
humidity or thirty degrees with freezing rain. Uniforms are made of
wool and typically a soldier will be carrying well over ten pounds of
equipment plus a eight to ten pound musket that can stress the
body during company drill, battle or while in camp.
If after participating in an event you decide to pursue membership
in the 19th Indiana, you will need to obtain a majority of your
equipment within the first year. Equipment is not inexpensive and
can be costly depending on quality and being more realistic to
period items used in the Civil War. It is not impossible to have a
new recruit outfit themselves with a cost up to $2,000 dollars to get
started. That is why we suggest loaning some equipment the first
year to lower expenses and to allow the new recruit reasonable time
to get fitted. Typically loaning equipment for a weekend will cost
$25 dollars. This is to cover wear and tear as well as cost for black
powder and time. The $25 dollars is much more affordable than
$2,000 if one decides the hobby is not for them.
The 19th Indiana has a probationary period for first year recruits.
This allows one to get acquainted with other members and the
hobby. After the first year, the company officers will decide to elect
the new recruit for full membership in the 19th Indiana. Ideally, a
new recruit should be able to demonstrate the basic school of the
soldier, to be able to follow safety rules set by the company and to
attend at least three maximum attendance events.
To receive more information about joining 19th Indiana Company A,
please contact our recruiter Pvt. Jon Fraley.
If you would like additional information about 19th Indiana Approved
Vendors of Equipment and where to purchase equipment, visit this
link to go to the Approved Vendors Page.
