






Interested in Civil War Reenacting? Want to join the 19th Indiana?
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 by email Pvt. Todd Newman.
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.
