"I'd love to join a group like ths, but I have no idea how to get started!" A common plea, and a reasonable one too. Not to worry, we are ready, willing, and able to help the novice reenactor get started. It's not nearly as complex as you might think. So read on, and learn what sorts of things you will need, what will be required from you as a participant, costs involved, and what have you.
Say you saw us at an event, talked to one of our members and got this web site adrress. Apart from that you know nothing about reenacting except that it looks like fun and you'd like to try it. Good for you! You have the first required item, which is interest and enthusiasm. You'll find other reenacotrs to be a passionate bunch when it comes to their hobby. There are many, many avenues to explore and you can take a lifetime doing it. So let's dive right in.
Men and women. They actually had both in the 18th Century. You know which one you are, so read the parts of this FAQ that pertain to you. (You should read the other sections as well, to get your significant other involved-a lot of couples do it together.)
FOR EVERYONE
Don't worry, we are not so much into the camping in the primative style sort of events. Most of what we do is local and can be done as a day trip. You'll be home in your comfy bed at night. Don't be put off by the idea that you'll be uncomfortable, we are a FUN group. If there is an event you can't attend for whatever reason, we hold no grudge. You may hear of "required attendance" by some other groups, but not here. so relax and have a life, this is just a hobby.
There may be events which require some camping out, especially at the larger events far from home. But since we are a new group, you'll be getting started at the same time as everyone else and we can all help each other. Again, if these events aren't your cup of tea, no problem. There are plenty of local events.
When talking to the public, you can be in character or out of character, it's your choice. Some people really enjoy the role playing, others prefer to be themselves and use the contact with the public to act as a modern person demonstrating the dress and accoutrements of the 18th Century.
WOMEN
We need more women in our group right now. Women were very much a part of the Revolution and were present at the battles. Not as combatants, but as observers, or wives and workers who kept the camps going by cooking and mending and tending the wounded. They were as necessary a part of the war as the fighting men.
Since our group recreates the earliest part of the Revolution, a woman might simply be from the town where the battle was taking place! She got up that morning with all the hubub of her man making ready to face down the Redcoats and went out to see the happenings of the day. So don't think that you will have to be a disheveled wench of some sort to portray a colonial era woman. You'd dress according to your station in life just like anyone else.
"So what will I DO if I'm not shooting at Redcoats or tending to the wounded or cooking?" Most women find that they make the greatest contribution by talking to members of the public, explaining what's happening, showing items of clothing, or just answering the inevitable questions that people have. Since the men are usually busy in the field with marching around, you are the person who can help kindle that spark of interest in kids and adults. When they SEE the history in front of their eyes and have it explained to them, it makes it real. No longer is it just a bunch of dusty old dates in a book. These were real people, they had to eat and clothe themselves the same as we do today, but they did things a little differently. People are fascinated by these differences and it's fun to show them your buckled shoes, and explain that "pockets" are a separate article of clothing. (that one amazes people every time!)
You don't have to be a scholar or historian to work with the public. People are eager to learn if you present it right. Tell them things you do know about. If you don't know the answer to a question, say you don't know, or "I'm just a simple farmer's wife. What would I know of British military tactics?"
What sorts of things will you need? Primarily clothing items. See the clothing FAQ for details on what women wore. You may also want a basket or market bag to carry lunch for yourself or your family. Have some sewing project or other typical handcraft that you like to work on and use it for demonstrations. Women typically took something of this sort with them everywhere they went, even to tea at the neighbors. Bring along some interesting 18th Century food item like a sugar cone and sugar nippers. People love to see these little items of everyday life.
MEN
Gentlemen, you will need not only clothing, but a flintlock gun of some sort. Your job, after all, is to defend our liberties! Please refer to the clothing FAQ for details on mens clothing. There is also a FAQ on flintlocks for details on the various models available and who would have carried what kind.
The men of our group have 2 major functions. To demonstrate the military arts of marching and firing of the flintlock, and talking to the genral public. Sure, the guns are fun and we get to go *BANG*, but talking to the public is fun too and you get to show off your flintlock. "Is that a real gun?" "Yes it is! Here's how it works..." Some men may not want to engage in the shooting, or can't quite afford to buy a flintlock when they are just getting started. This doesn't mean you can't be involved. Far from it. We need to keep the crowd from getting out onto the field during the demonstrations, so "pickett" duty is essential. Men or women can do this, and it affords you the opportunity of talking to the public and educating them, while providing an important safety function as well. Since you will be the one right there with the public, you'll be getting your picture taken a lot. You may even get interviewed by reporters! This is a fun way to participate, as you can watch the battles from the perspective of the crowd.