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To My Fellow Hoosiers:
I would like to gauge the interest of reenactors in the state of Indiana in forming an authentic, campaign-oriented dual-impression (US & CS) company.
The basic question might be: "Why?"
Many reasons. Here's just a few...
(1) I have been finding an increasing number of guys looking for "something better" all over the Midwest, including within Indiana. I see many of these same faces at "EFUBU" events each year. Why not pitch in together!
(2) Lack of in-state living history opportunities with quality guys: With the 150th's approaching and the economy still sluggish, it would be nice to round-out the yearly calendar with events that are closer to home. These events also help with attendance... when guys don't need to take vacation, they're more likely to show up! Also, there is an opportunity to raise the awareness of the 150th's and Civil War history within our own state. Why not!
(3) Developing Depth of Experience: Officers and NCO's frequently serve on an event-by-event basis. While many experienced enactors are among these ranks, many still lack the opportunity develop deep experience in their roll, whether as an officer or NCO. Frequently, this barrier keeps NCO's from wearing their designated rank. While "commanders for life" and groups based on a cult of personality are undesirable, I think much can be gained from a stable organization.
(4) Develop Regional Relationships: As mentioned, there are a number of "unaffiliated" campaigners all across the Midwest and across the country. Our neighbors to the north in Michigan, for example, have a lot of campaigners, not to mention northern IL and southern Wisconsin. If we could coordinate with our neighbors, we might be able to develop a richer regional schedule.
(5) Event Recruiting: For event organizers, we hope a relationship with this company would be seen as a benefit. If we say we're coming, we're coming, and we'll be there in company-strength. No need to recruit every company... at least not where we're concerned.
Here are some of the basics under consideration:
- Membership would be made up of Indiana reenactors, primarily.
- Non-members could participate with the company at specific events.
- Event attendance: Members would be expected to attend company events and attend with the company.
- Event Selection: Specifics regarding the event schedule would be voted and accepted by the company. Voting would be open to all full-members, but would constitute an "intent to attend" an event. Whether the company would vote for a "heavy" schedule of events to attend "as the company", or a light company schedule, with a number of other events to attend as a group, would be up to the membership each year.
- "Reenactors of All-Ages" - People have been reenacting the Civil War practically since the war ended. The current "boom" in the hobby that we enjoy has its roots in the centennial of the Civil War and the "125th's" after that. As reenactors get older, or as health fails, or illness and injury keep them out of the field, their involvement in the hobby "dies". It seems to me a shame to lose the accumulated knowledge of those who've spent (in many cases) decades in the hobby. I would like to encourage for this company to enlist the help of non-active reenactors, whether for event research, scenario ideas, or any way in which their skills and experience can aid the company. There are many reenactors that are no longer active, but who's passion for the study of this era remains strong.
With this in mind, have a look at the poll.
I would like to gauge the interest of reenactors in the state of Indiana in forming an authentic, campaign-oriented dual-impression (US & CS) company.
The basic question might be: "Why?"
Many reasons. Here's just a few...
(1) I have been finding an increasing number of guys looking for "something better" all over the Midwest, including within Indiana. I see many of these same faces at "EFUBU" events each year. Why not pitch in together!
(2) Lack of in-state living history opportunities with quality guys: With the 150th's approaching and the economy still sluggish, it would be nice to round-out the yearly calendar with events that are closer to home. These events also help with attendance... when guys don't need to take vacation, they're more likely to show up! Also, there is an opportunity to raise the awareness of the 150th's and Civil War history within our own state. Why not!
(3) Developing Depth of Experience: Officers and NCO's frequently serve on an event-by-event basis. While many experienced enactors are among these ranks, many still lack the opportunity develop deep experience in their roll, whether as an officer or NCO. Frequently, this barrier keeps NCO's from wearing their designated rank. While "commanders for life" and groups based on a cult of personality are undesirable, I think much can be gained from a stable organization.
(4) Develop Regional Relationships: As mentioned, there are a number of "unaffiliated" campaigners all across the Midwest and across the country. Our neighbors to the north in Michigan, for example, have a lot of campaigners, not to mention northern IL and southern Wisconsin. If we could coordinate with our neighbors, we might be able to develop a richer regional schedule.
(5) Event Recruiting: For event organizers, we hope a relationship with this company would be seen as a benefit. If we say we're coming, we're coming, and we'll be there in company-strength. No need to recruit every company... at least not where we're concerned.
Here are some of the basics under consideration:
- Membership would be made up of Indiana reenactors, primarily.
- Non-members could participate with the company at specific events.
- Event attendance: Members would be expected to attend company events and attend with the company.
Yes, there would be an expectation of loyalty to the company! The hobby only functions when everyone pitches in. While the company would not discourage anyone from attending outside events, it would be an expectation that this would not interfere with the company's calendar. To the greatest extent possible, company members would attend outside events as a group, rather than as individuals.
- Event focus: We would focus on two types of events- EFUBU Events: Some number of stated events would be from the calendar of authentic events put on around the country each year. These events typically include a mix of NPS LH-style events, as well as "campaign-style events" (e.g. Picket Posts, Tacticals, and Marches).
- Local Living Histories: As Hoosiers, we would seek to provide living history and interpretive opportunities for members within the state. These may include local living histories that we organize ourselves or reenactments. In those circumstances where the company opts to attend an in-state reenactment (e.g. Conner Prairie), our objective would be to serve as an example for other reenactors in attendance, as well as to provide unique learning opportunities for the spectators and/or company members. In short: When we attend a mainstream event, or "game faces" will be on to the same extent that they are for an EFUBU event!
- Event Selection: Specifics regarding the event schedule would be voted and accepted by the company. Voting would be open to all full-members, but would constitute an "intent to attend" an event. Whether the company would vote for a "heavy" schedule of events to attend "as the company", or a light company schedule, with a number of other events to attend as a group, would be up to the membership each year.
- "Reenactors of All-Ages" - People have been reenacting the Civil War practically since the war ended. The current "boom" in the hobby that we enjoy has its roots in the centennial of the Civil War and the "125th's" after that. As reenactors get older, or as health fails, or illness and injury keep them out of the field, their involvement in the hobby "dies". It seems to me a shame to lose the accumulated knowledge of those who've spent (in many cases) decades in the hobby. I would like to encourage for this company to enlist the help of non-active reenactors, whether for event research, scenario ideas, or any way in which their skills and experience can aid the company. There are many reenactors that are no longer active, but who's passion for the study of this era remains strong.
With this in mind, have a look at the poll.
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