The End of Reenacting is Near!!!

[Justin C.]

Re: The End of Reenacting is Near!!!

Den, you mentioned my biggest complaint about reenactors: Farb put downs.

Some groups are a shadows of their former numbers, and should be grateful people want to participate in the first place.

I have been in a couple of different hobbies, and organized leadership with good, helpful attitudes by members makes a successful group

[Sheafferhistorian]

Re: The End of Reenacting is Near!!!

After 20+ years of living history in the East, I thought I knew Farb.... then I attended this year's Picacho Peak event in Arizona. Farbapolooza. It could not even qualify as mainstream. AC could definitely make an impact in the Copper State.

[NMVolunteer]

Re: The End of Reenacting is Near!!!

Ouch. I did not go to it, but I know some of the people involved in that event. But then again, that could probably be said about the events in New Mexico.

[Dale Beasley]

Re: The End of Reenacting is Near!!!

Over....for mainstream events....probably a downward slope in attendance....Authentic Events like Wet-hatchaie....probably getting larger by the year...As long as my old Army Knees can do it...I'm coming.

[RW0369]

Re: The End of Reenacting is Near!!!

I think Ken is spot on. It seems that most of us who are actively recruiting people from the public are getting people straight into this end of the hobby.
In my opinion, that's part of the problem though. How many of us go to local events, knowing that they're going to be powder burning circus atmosphere with the intent to recruit? I'm not so much interested in the hobby as a whole, but simply fleshing out our groups as a whole.

I also think it may be worthwhile to consider form in units from messes(or a collection of 2 or mores messes if they are located close enough to support eachother). Recruiting to unit seems easier than a mess because it provides a more relatable identity, especially for people coming right off the street.

[fifth zouave]

Re: The End of Reenacting is Near!!!

reenacting is not shrinking, its refining... like smelting out impurities for the pure gold.

[The Chesterfield Rifleman]

Re: The End of Reenacting is Near!!!

I'll echo Mr. Beasly's assessment. Large event like Cedar Creek or Gettysburg are waning in popularity, and big organizations are either stagnant or shrinking. What I see now are a lot of informal groups that get together and fall in with whoever. But as far as the hobby dying, I don't see it going away in the near future. What I do see disappearing, however, are the massive events that were popular early on, which is a loss in and of itself.

[civwarhistory]

Re: The End of Reenacting is Near!!!

I started reenacting in 1993, left ACW for a few years to do other time periods and active duty. Returned about 2007.
The biggest difference is the quantity and quality. Communication in 1993 was by word of mouth or mailers. Communication today is instantaneous with text, email, facebook, and forums like this.

Local events in 1993 had streets of sutlers selling domestically reproduced goods, there were many ma & pa basement operations. Authenticity was sometimes (if not commonly) questionable. . .

I have to agree with Den's post. As someone who has worked in academic history for several years, I find my involvement in the hobby is an extension of my professional work. I find that my academic experience allows me to have a greater confidence when dealing with the public.

I will also state that we all have to start somewhere and many are on a budget, which prevents us from being able to dive right in with getting campaigner quality gear. This is me in many ways, but I try to address that by interacting with the public in a professional manner and use my knowledge of the period to offset my shortcomings in gear quality. That said, I do try to improve what I have as finances allow.

Now, to the online shaming, I think this is the biggest problem that turns people away from the hobby. I have posted on Facebook regarding some of the posts regarding people's weight. I will be honest that I am a puffy guy too and it is something I am trying to work on and struggle with. I also joke with folks that I am 150% to scale, as I am also taller than average for soldiers then too. How many good, motivated people to we miss by making them feel unwelcome because of their size. Yes, we should always be trying to maintain a healthy weight to live long, happy lives, but in our society today, this is quite a bit more difficult than 150 years ago. I've joked with my unit that with the right hair color and makeup, I could probably pull off a mean Gen. Scott, but I digress.

To another point, women being involved is another hot-button issue I think we can work on. Yes, women were generally not soldiers at the time, but I think we can find better ways to incorporate them into the hobby. While I usually try and explain and guide prospective female "recruits" into the traditional women's roles of the period, both for accuracy and because it adds to the display, I also will say that if they can pull off the look of a soldier and can handle carrying the gear, etc., I have no problem allowing them to fall in to provide more numbers where applicable. Plus, it allows the hobby to be more open to families, which can attract more youngsters to the hobby.

In this age of competing temptations for time and money, we face the issues of lack of joining groups, virtual technology, and a generally sedentary lifestyle. We need to do more to better reach people to what we do. Further, I happen to find more satisfaction at static display-type events that allow me to have more time with the public, sharing about the struggles and experiences of soldiers, as well as provide chances for people, especially kids, to experience some drill.

Sorry for the long rant, but, in short, I do not think the hobby is dying, but that it is declining in some regards in the face of a changing society. That said, it forces us to adapt in some ways to these changes. Where we can best grow is to provide that positive guidance and help to newcomers and show how one can progress in their impression, as getting into this stuff is a daunting thing with the cost.

Daniel Sauerwein
Company D, Fifth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment

[Johnny Lloyd]

Re: The End of Reenacting is Near!!!

Was anyone reading this at Wauhatchie? Like really?

;)

[Ivis Bradford]

Re: The End of Reenacting is Near!!!

Thank you for this article! For some of us Real Life is the culprit for a decline in reenacting activity. For example, having kids can slow you down for a while. We're taking baby steps back into the hobby, attending small day events and return home feeling like we just did the marathon!

[BarryDusel]

Re: The End of Reenacting is Near!!!

Good read Eric.

[dpu1990]

Re: The End of Reenacting is Near!!!

Well, I hope not. I'm only in year three, and would like to continue for some time.

I agree strongly with a couple of the previous posts that have pointed out the problem of shaming, as well as the rejection or downplaying of "mainstream" events. This hobby takes a long time to get right; I'm still trying. Geography, family, and my work schedule have kept me from the impressively reviewed 'campaign' and 'tactical' events, but I hope to be able to make one work one of these days. Meanwhile, more mainstream events are what is available to me - but it's sad to see quality units and/or hobbyists stay away, reducing both numbers and the opportunity to learn from those who know more. After three years, I'm nowhere near where I ultimately want to be, but as long as I get a little better at this every year I figure I'm making progress.

I've seen some pretty vicious Facebook posts in response to people who are starting out or trying to improve; that's not a way to grow or to help anyone learn anything.

Don't stay away from the local events - that's where we can meet people, and strike up conversations and recruit. The largest event I have been able to attend so far was last spring's Shiloh 155. The logistics and the layout limited interaction with the public to a far greater degree than local events.

Probably the current political climate and the lack of cool new films or video game tie-ins hurts some with younger people - but we just have to deal with it. Personally, I have no interest in WWII or anything more recent than that. I cannot bring myself to try and create an impression of people in my own grandfather's (or parents') generation - it's too close for me. I like the distance in time, culture, customs, tactics, and maneuver of the Civil War.

At the risk of greatly angering a few folks, ease up on women too. If they really want to participate and can and will work towards the same authenticity standards, don't chase them away. True authenticity would mean that we'd not have Asian or Hispanic participants, and African Americans would always be consigned to USCT contingents (which are seldom present - either in a modern sense or a historic sense - at most events and scenarios). If this is about a love for our nation's history, we should want to include as many people as possible; God knows, our country needs it.

I'd like to add a note of thanks to the experienced campaigners I have encountered who have generously shared their research, information, and tips, without making me feel talked down to. I know I'm not there yet - but please know I'm working on it, little by little.

[JimConley]

Re: The End of Reenacting is Near!!!

I don’t believe the hobby is dying, rather the hobby as many of us knew it, is dying. Civil War reenacting, if I am not mistaken, is the oldest form of such activities in America dating back to the 1960s, or the Centennial. It then progressed into the 1980s whereupon participants, on a larger scale, began to seek out more authentic reproduction uniform items and also recreate a soldier’s life more accurately without modern intrusion. Many of us had the advantages of learning from, or mentoring under, members of organizations such as the Mudsills, the Southern Guard, and Western Independent Grays. All of these groups broke away from their battle reenactment bases to unite like-minded folks wanting a better experience in the hobby.

During the late 1980s through the 1990s, the “authentic” or “campaign” movement exploded with the emergence of widespread research articles, better reproductions, and a focus on School of the Solider and field craft. My own experiences in this hobby for more than 20 years have brought me to the conclusion that there has been another transition since the early 2000s. Many of the folks that once took so many under their wing have retired from being active participants in the field or have found another, more comfortable avenue to continue their enjoyment of history. As already pointed out, some of those same people have chosen to pursue other time periods. And, let’s not discount the negative impact that the internet and social media have had. Yes, the internet can be a wonderful thing. It made so many things accessible to people who otherwise would have to travel great distances in order continue their research. But, one cannot deny the “culture” now exemplified by sensationalized media images, video, and rampant lack of free and educated thought. That, too, can be seen in the hobby.

It appears to me, reading the boards lately, that there are a significant number of people now engaged that have been doing this for a short period of time. Therein lies another element of this transition. Who are these folks learning from? A mentor or group of people that have been doing “authentic” events for a long time? Or, facebook? The AC? I’m not sure. But, there seems to be a lot of, “There’s no more research out there,” and, “Nobody makes an authentic overcoat anymore.” Even for someone like me, who took a full two year hiatus, I know these things not to be true. What happened to reading The Company of Military Historians? Reading books? Going to trade shows and museums? Drill manuals? Letters and diaries? Examining the thousands of hi-resolution images available? And, every vendor that I purchase from is still making authentic items in some capacity, with few exceptions.

Events. Some like powder burning and some like company level encampments. For me, small events are better. I have learned in order to maintain a certain level of authenticity and stay away from ego-driven politics, a small event will be the most rewarding. I had hoped that after the large scale adjuncts during the 150ths, there would be a return to higher quality living history efforts. That does not seem to be the case. But, again, folks choose what they want to do. I will say that it seems the time of having a grand scale event of multiple battalions is fruitless. I, for one, have had more than my fill of burning powder, which is the least authentic aspect of any event.

Don’t believe the hype. I assure you, no matter how great the PR is for an event, it won’t be the greatest thing you’ve ever seen. And, don’t listen the tired attitude of, “Still going to the wrong events?” Or, “Embrace the suck.” There are a lot of people that have been doing this long enough to have spent several years going to the “right” events and sustaining the hardships of being miserable in the field. It’s ok to want a different and better experience out of your vacation time and hard-earned money. Knowing how to, and living the life of the common soldier makes you hardcore. Standing in the rain for 12 hours waiting for a pyrotechnics display doesn’t. As Curt says, others’ mileage may vary.

I suppose the idea is, especially after the 150th cycle, this hobby is in another transition. New folks sleeping on the ground and doing it “right” are coming into this as many folks are either making their exit for other pursuits, or simply looking for other experiences at their events. I’m certainly out of touch with which folks are leading larger organizations now. Not many familiar faces in Tennessee a couple weeks back. Having been away for a short period of time has made me realize the hobby I once participated in has changed immensely. It seems like it is starting over, in a sense, with new faces and new organizations. For me, at least, it is not the same hobby.

Cheers, fellows. You’ll find me around the fire with a full cartridge box and cup of coffee.

[civwarhistory]

Re: The End of Reenacting is Near!!!

I like what Don and Jim point out in their posts. I do believe that the hobby is in transition, which is a good thing and can allow for some exciting possibilities. Also, the issue of family life and geography can and does play a role. My dear friend Den has inquired about my attending some big events in two years, which I can't commit to, as I don't know where life will take me at this point. Geography factors heavily for me being in North Dakota too.

I will say that the most recent event I attended at Fort Sisseton in South Dakota, which was organized by folks in the 1st Minnesota was an awesome and enlightening experience for me. I was nervous going into it, as I had never done an event that had such stringent impression standards, but the whole crew was kind, welcoming, and made it the best experience I have had in the hobby and taught me a lot to work on with my kit and how the men then lived on a frontier post immediately after the war.

I will agree that with folks showing a willingness to guide and encourage, I feel that the campaigner side of the hobby can grow and that the hobby as a whole will benefit. Also, even if battle events shrink and/or go away for various reasons, this provides opportunities to enhance local events and also reach out to schools and local organizations to offer programming, which can be just as fun and rewarding (plus, you might pick up new recruits).

[fifth zouave]

Re: The End of Reenacting is Near!!!

i am starting up on doing war of 1812 events and retiring some of my civil war kits (confederate) except for the zouave ones and a federal standard uniform.