How to Join an Irish Civil War Re-Enactor Unit
Many Irish immigrants and their descendants fought in the American Civil War. Today the memory of their military service during this tumultuous time is celebrated on a regular basis by re-enactors reprising the role of these Irish soldiers. Some of the best known are those re-creating units of the Union Army's Irish Brigade. However, there are Confederate Irish re-enactor units, too. There are a number of Irish re-enactor units throughout the United States and abroad. This article outlines the steps for becoming involved in an Irish Civil War re-enactor unit.
Instructions
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How to Join an Irish Civil War Re-Enactor Unit
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Learn Irish history. You need not become an expert on all things Irish, but you should develop a basic understanding of Irish history that a soldier during the Civil War had known. Some critical eras to know are the famine from 1846 to 1850, the 1798 Rebellion, and the Battle of Fontenoy in 1745. See the Resources section below and click "Irish History on the Web" as a starting point.
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Read about Irish soldiers during the Civil War. Related books for Irish serving the Union include "Irish Green and Union Blue," by Peter Welsh; "My Life With the Irish Brigade," by William McCarter; and "The Irish Brigade In the Civil War," by Joseph Bilby. To learn about Irish Confederates, some titles include "Irish Confederates: The Civil War's Forgotten Soldiers," by Philip Thomas Tucker; "Clear the Confederate Way! The Irish Army of Northern Virginia," by Kelly O'Grady; and "Rebel Sons of Erin," by Ed Gleeson.
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3
Listen to music of the Irish from the Civil War. Music was one way that the Irish celebrated their heritage and conveyed the stories of their past. David Kincaid is a modern musician who has created two albums of Irish Civil War music entitled "The Irish Volunteer: Songs of the Irish Union Soldier 1861-1865" and "The Irish American's Song: Songs of the Union and Confederate Irish Soldiers, 1861-1865." Both are available from the "Haunted Field Music" link in the Resources section below.
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Research some Irish re-enactor units near you. Typically they have websites that provide basic information about their units' goals and priorities as well as their schedule. See the Resources section to find units near you.
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Attend some events of these units as a spectator. It is a good way to see what they're all about and if they might be a good fit for you.
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Contact the recruiter of the units you are interested in learning more about. Ask any questions you may have. At this point, you will probably be invited to attend one of the unit's upcoming events.
If you are an experienced re-enactor, let the recruiter know what gear you have. If you are in need of gear to meet their specific uniform or equipment standards, the recruiter can usually arrange loaner gear for you.
If you are brand-new, the recruiter can most likely pull together an entire kit, which includes your uniform, shoes, leathers (cartridge box and sling, belt, cap pouch, bayonet and scabbard, and haversack) and rifle so you can attend one of the future events. The unit's noncommissioned officers (NCOs) can provide you with training so you will fit right in during drill and battle. -
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Attend an event with the unit(s) of your choice. You will be instructed in drill and safe firing practices by the NCOs. You will see how the unit keeps its camp and how its members interact with the public.
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Evaluate your experience with the units you have tried out. Whether you spend time with one unit or several, you should feel that each values safety and has the same historical impression values as you. For example, some groups like to shoot lots of rounds and drink out of coolers; others prefer a more traditional approach of no modern conveniences in camp, and still others stick to a middle path.
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Decide which group is the best fit for you and join as a member. Re-enacting is a hobby like any other. First and foremost, you should find good camaraderie and a common interest in honoring those who came before you.
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Tips & Warnings
Look for units that have and adhere to a safety protocol.
Don't buy any equipment or uniform parts before finding a group and getting their recommendations. Often the group can loan you gear and a uniform until you can afford good equipment.
Resources
- Photo Credit Robert Szabo
