Arcade NY, 2005
Why be a reenactor?
People enter the hobby of reenacting for many reasons, but all experience and enjoy re-living aspects of the Civil War era, as well as the company of many new friends.
The idea of Civil War reenacting is to preserve and perpetuate the memory of the common people who did so much to shape our nation during the period 1861-1865. While working to achieve this goal, reenactors learn more about the period through first hand experience.
Who becomes a reenactor?
People of all ages and walks of life become reenactors. The 9th NY includes men, women, children, and families. Active members of the unit range in age from 13 to 65 years old. The organization includes soldiers, musicians (drummer boys, fifers, etc.),"civilian" ladies and gentlemen of the Victorian era, and other impressions. The hobby of reenacting has a role for just about anyone.
In general, reenactors are people with a special interest in the Civil War, although there are no requirements on interest or knowledge level. As reenactors the culmination of this interest is an accurate representation to the public, your fellow reenactors and yourself of a Civil War soldier or civilian.
Your Civil War portrayal
Most reenactors assume a role, or "first-person impression", as a 19th-century individual. What portrayal is best for you? You decide.
Roles for members of the military portion of the 9th NY are varied. Most male members over the age of 16 portray cavalry troopers of the 9th NY Volunteer Cavalry Company "B" and fight as dismounted cavalry on the skirmish line during reenactments. We don't ride horses because they are expensive and most small reenactments severely restrict or forbid their use. Besides it was common for cavalry soldiers to dismount to fight, using the horses only to get to the battlefield quickly. We mostly use breech-loading carbines such as Sharps and Smiths, or repeaters such as Henrys and Spencers, but we also have some muzzle loading carbines and an original Sharps & Hankins carbine on the line.
The units rank structure includes one Captain one NCO and one Lance Corporal which are elected once per year by the membership. The rest of our military members are Privates (Troopers) and make up the bulk of the unit. Non-military members of the 9th NY include ladies and gentlemen who choose to portray civilians of the period. The role of a civilian affords one an almost infinite number of opportunities, including: Soldiers' Aid Society and laundress impressions, civilian businessmen and politicians, 1860 craftsmen, etc. Civilian reenactors are limited only by their imagination and those occupations which are accurate to the Civil War era.
How do I get Started?
The 9th NY reenactment regiment helps new members by having more experienced reenactors show them the ropes. They teach practical aspects of reenacting, equipment procurement, and the organization's authenticity standards. We have several meetings during the winter months and gather around the campfire during the summer evenings at reenactments to discuss regimental issues as well as just have general friendly conversation.
So if you want to wear the proud uniform of a Union cavalry soldier or the beautiful hoop dress of a mid-19th century lady…
If you want to learn more about our nation's history and heritage....
If you want to experience the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the 1860s….
Or if you simply wish to learn more about this captivating hobby….
Call or write:
Terry Schultz
258 Zimmerman St.
N. Tonawanda, NY 14120-4509
Day (716) 693-3239
Evening: (716) 693-3237
e-mail: t.schultz5@verizon.net
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