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Why do you reenact?
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We reenact because we are interested in the history of the Civil War, and because we want to keep the memories alive of the people who fought for their cause and of the times in which they lived..
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How do I get started in reenacting?
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We recommend that you go to a couple of reenactments and spend time talking to reenactors, be part of a group for a day or a weekend, to find out what it is like. We would be glad to have you join us and find out what a regimental field hospital is about.
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How do I know what role I want to play or can play?
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It will depend on what roles your prospective unit can use and what your interests are. Obviously, the persona you choose will need to be period correct--no computer techs on the field--but there is a wide variety of roles to play. We are in need of stewards, nurses (male and female), attendants, stretcher bearers, permanent patients, and others we haven't thought of yet. Before you try to decide on your own, come by and talk to us, tell us what your interests and abilities are. We have need of military and civilian personnel.
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Is this an expensive hobby?
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It can be, and to be honest it usually is. You can reenact with 1 or 2 sets of clothes and a few basic items, and that is not so very expensive. Most reenactors soon start to build wardrobes and collect the paraphernalia that make their portrayal more correct or that they find fascinating. If you are military, you will need a complete uniform including brogans and hat or kepi. Male civilians need a shirt, trousers, and vest as well as period correct shoes. Ladies do not need to start with the fancy hooped skirts. You will need a variety of underthings, but a simple camp dress will do.
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How do I know what to buy?
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You should not buy anything before talking to the members of your prospective unit to find out what requirements they have as far as items needed and degree of authenticity. If you want to join us for a day or for the weekend, we can usually come up with clothes to outfit you so that you can experience being a reenactor without having to invest any money.
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Do you get paid for reenacting?
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NO
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What if I try it and decide I don't like it?
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Hopefully, by the time you invest in clothing and such, you will have tried it a few times and know for sure that you want to do it. If, however, you do become interested and then later decide that it is too hard, too hot, etc., and you have already purchased some gear, you can most likely sell it. There is always a market for used clothing and equipment.
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Do I have to camp out in a canvas tent?
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No, you don't have to. Most events have an area for modern campers and motor homes, if that suits your taste. Most events are within driving distance of a town or interstate where you can find a motel room. However, you will miss a big part of the fun of reenacting--chatting with friends in the evening, listening to music, standing around the fire with your first cup of coffee in the mornings . . . . Also, our unit is what is known as mainstream. That means that we travel in relative comfort and just keep the modern conveniences hidden. We have coolers, cots, air mattresses, ice water, and clean clothes, and we have the wherewithal to drive to nearby shopping areas to pick up supplies. While there are units who camp more primitively and scorn the use of such modern day conveniences, we are not one of them.
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Can my children join and reenact too?
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Yes. We are a family-oriented unit and we encourage young people to get involved. However, small children can sometimes be frightened by the hospital scenarios we perform and need to be kept out of the hospital arena during those times. Older children need to understand that we are portraying people of the 19th century and they should dress and act appropirately. Also, we tend to take the old-fashioned stance that anyone who sees a child misbehave should correct him or her. That is how we were raised and we can't seem to break old habits. |
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How far would I have to travel?
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The events we attend are primarily in Kentucky, southern Indiana, and northern Tennessee. We have occasionally attended large events further away, but we prefer the small to moderate events where we are, literally, among friends.
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What if I can't make it to some of the events?
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We all miss events at some time. Some of us who work just can't get off work. Some find that a particular trip is going to be too expensive. Sometimes, things just come up. At the beginning of each year we meet and select the events we want to attend, and we make some of them Max Events, which are events which we think all of us should make every effort to attend, but even then sometimes some of us can't make it. If the commander has a problem with your attendance or you have questions, he will address it privately.
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How do I find out more?
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Well, there is a wealth of information on the internet about the Civil War, life in the 19th century, and reenacting. However, the best way to get more information and get started in the right direction is to contact us and let us know you are interested. You can use the form on the "Join Up" page--even if you are not actually "joining" at the moment--to give us your name and contact information. Take a look at the "Schedule" page and see if we are going to be attending an event near you, and you can visit us in person. Alternatively, email us at Steward@6thkentuckyregimentalfieldhospital.org with questions and contact information, and we will contact you.
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We look forward to hearing from you.
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