Conference smurf::civil_war

    RE .0:
    
    	First, where is your "local area"?
    
    	Second, there are reenactment groups scattered all over the
    country, and most areas will have both Union and Confederate groups
    somewhere around (if they have any groups at all, of course).  However,
    since groups tend to pick a specific unit to represent, you may be
    limited as to type - Artillery, Infantry, or Cavalry.  Infantry is by
    far the most common, since cannon and horses are expensive!  :^)
    
    	A word of caution - some units will probably not take people under
    18 as weapon-carrying members, but there are other possibilities.
    
    	The unit you decide to work with can help you with the uniforms and
    equipment you will need.  Don't buy anything first, because units vary
    widely as to their requirements, and not all products you see meet
    authenticity standards.  It will cost you some money; an infantry rifle
    might be $300 or more.  (You might find a bargain, but again, check
    with someone experienced before buying.  Black powder is dangerous
    stuff.)
    
    	Most reenactment activity takes place not during the winter, but it
    depends on the unit and where you live (it is essentially an _outdoor_
    hobby).
    
    	The best thing to do is find a local unit (or more than one), talk
    to folks, visit some of their activities, and see if they are a
    congenial group for you.
    
    MikeR
    

Mike,

Thanks for the quick response.  We live in Stow, Mass (near Maynard).  Are you 
familiar with the groups in this area?

    Doug

    
    How about the 36th Alabama Inf.?
    
    Its a regiment of about 40 guns from al over the New Engeland States.
    Its central adress is with Ken Ricker (the Alabama Slammer for the old
    guys in this here notes file) , 154 Ashburnhamstreet, Fitchburg Mass.
    You can always call him for information and I'm sure they're happy with
    a new member. They have a few enlisted men under 18 so that won't be a 
    problem. 
    I'll look over his phone number and if you want, give it to you
    tomorrow.
    
    I'm sure your son likes them, I've joined them this summer and never
    met such great guys! They gave me the time of my live.
    
    Let me know if you want to know more of them,
    
                    Greetings    Jean-Gerard Fifis
                                 Netherlands.
     

    RE .2:
    
    	There are several units, both Union and Confederate, around
    "eastern New England".  However, as .3 has indicated, Ken would be a
    better source of information than I am, since he is active in the
    hobby.  If he can't give you names from some other units in the area, I
    might be able to help - but the best way to find out is to go to a
    local event and talk to folks from various units.
    
    	MikeR
    

    And if you don't want to join the Reb's then there's the 28th
    Mass (Irish Brigade). Local Recruiter is Guy Morin, 181 South
    Street, Auburn, Mass.  01501   (508) 832-3175. I believe another
    member of the Recruiting Committee (John Balco) lives in Bolton,
    Mass. 
    
    Since your son is interested in the Confederate side then
    Ken Ricker (the Alabama Slammer) is a good source, although
    I believe he's no longer with DEC.
    
    All groups do have representatives, (Infantry, Artillary and
    Cavalry) although the Mounted folks are fewer and further
    between. Several dismounted Cav units are done (somewhat silly
    but hey if that's what you want that's what you want).
    
    Investment - figure around $900-1100. to get fulled equipted 
    in the long run, initial costs will be around 2/3 of that. Once
    fielding, for the 28th anyway, costs run in the nature of ammo,
    and food at events. Most folks car pool to the events anyways.
    By the way Dad, there's room for Father/Son Combo's in most units
    as well (figure if they talk to your son they're going to try and
    recruit you as well!)!!!
    
    Each unit has it's own set of uniform requirements, the 28th
    for instance portrays it as it would've appeared at the battle
    of Gettysburg.
    
    Re-Enacting in the field ususally begins around mid-late April
    and will run into mid-late October or early November. The
    Re-Enactments themselves take place all over, several are held
    each year in the New England area and Hudson River Valley. 
    
    Re-Enacting can be an awful lot of fun, the important thing is
    to remember that it is re-enacting and to always keep safety in
    mind (those are real weapons and whether they have a ball in them
    or not they must be treated with lots of respect). Whether your
    son goes Federal or Confederate, I'd certainly encourage him to
    do one or the other. I've been in the re-created 28th since the
    day it was started up and have enjoyed it tremendously. 
    
    Best of luck, 
     Jon
    

    Any of you reenactors ever hear of a Rev war unit called "The Colonial
    Navy of Massachusetts"? 

    Are there any Civil War "Navy" reenactors?  I never heard of any but
    you never can tell.

    Joe 

    I don't know where the Colonial Navy of Mass is from
    but do recall seeing a couple of guys who turn out
    as such at Rev-War Re-Enactments (which is a litle
    silly as those are always Land Battles). There used
    to be both Continental and Royal Marine Units though.
    The Royal Marines were headed up by a Don Daley, think
    he was from somewhere down around Boston. The Cont.
    Marines were out of Rhode Island someplace.
    
    I've never heard of, or seen any Civil War Navy
    types other than again, a couple of Marine
    Officer's who 'observe'.
    
    J
    

    
    A couple of guys from my 5th New Hampshire regiment have also
    been doing some Civil War Union Navy things the past 3-4 years
    including some stuff with the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and
    Strawberry Banke in Portsmouth. Contacts would be Dave Nelson
    in Wilton, NH and Bob Kilham in Auburn, NH. Drop me a note
    if you want their addresses, etc.
    
    Tom
    

Re .0

	Check out a book called the Civil War Source Book.  I saw a copy
at the Barnes and Nobles in Auburn.  It tells about who all does reenactments
in each state - Mass. included.

Bob King