Reenactors Material List

Welcome to A Soldier's Life During the Civil War. You have enrolled in a class that makes you a part of {a variety of} Reenactments. Like any civil war camp, this year will be hot, dusty, and confused. Here are a list of things to bring and do's and don'ts that will add to your enjoyment and ensure others the same opportunity next year.

You have some decisions to make. Please email Carolyn Richards with the following information:

  1. Your name
  2. (If female) Will you be reenacting as a soldier or a lady?
  3. Will you be reenacting as a Confederate or a Union soldier?
  4. Please name the branch of the service you want to experience:
  • Signal Corps
  • Infantry
  • Cavalry
  • Artillery
  • Medical Corps

In some reenactments you can be an officer’s aide. You will be

assigned to your unit preference if it is possible. (Please consider

serving with the 3rd Iowa Light Artillery, but we have billets

elsewhere.)

  1. Clothing sizes:
  • Shirt collar size and shirt length
  • Waist and inseam measurements

You will report for duty at the Reenactors Registration Desk in between the hours of 5:00 - 6:00 pm on Friday. Your enlistment will end on Sunday after the camp is taken down. You will want to be in contact with Carolyn Richards, of the 3rd Iowa Light Artillery. Carolyn Richards is your instructor. When you arrive at the camp, the 3rd Iowa is usually encamped along the battle field, mid-way up the hill. Just ask almost anyone if they have seen Carolyn Richards or know where the 3rd Iowa is camped.

Things To Bring - Do's and Don'ts

The following assumes you are new to reenacting. If not, I would still like you to review this information.

You cannot just show up and expect to be taken care of. All reenactors should bring the following:

  1. A sleeping bag or blankets and a pillow
  2. An air mattress or ground pad (The various units will have space for you in their tents.)
  3. Towels, soap and toiletries (it could be very hot.)
  4. A change of underwear
  5. Proper attire: (We will probably be able to get you into a uniform but just in case)
  1. Plain blue jeans will meet regulation pants for a reenactor. No shorts, no other kind of pant is acceptable. Your unit may have extra pants but do not plan on it.
  2. Black or brown work boots or shoes. No tennis shoes or sneakers. No white or colored shoes. The shoes should be broken in. Bring lots of socks. (If you are reenacting as a lady, bring black flats instead of boots.)
  3. 1 or 2 long sleeve shirts that button down the front and which have a collar. Blue cotton long sleeve work shirts are great. Shirts can be a plain color, or a plaid, or have a geometric pattern but no funny prints, lettering, or logos.
  4. Ideally, hats should be black felt or straw. No cowboy hats; no baseball hats.
  5. If the weather report is for cool nights, bring a sweatshirt.
  1. Food (Some units may feed you but just in case they do not, or if you want to share food with the unit, bring the following. You can also purchase food on the grounds.)
  1. Small cooler with sandwich making material, pop, picnic type food, fruit, cookies, pop tarts, food that would stay good in a cooler. Almost any food you would take camping is acceptable. (Ice is sold on the grounds.)
  2. If you want to cook over the fire, most units will have extra pans you can use. Canned stew, eggs, bacon, cup of soup, etc. Again, almost any food you would take camping.
  1. Bring something to put water in. Canteen, water bottle, etc.
    IT WILL BE HOT, YOU WILL BE ACTIVE, DRINK PLENTY OF WATER.
  2. Bring a tin cup if you have one.
  3. Bug spray, you may be by a river.
  1. Sun screen or sun block.
  2. If it rains, a see-through poncho will keep you dry in camp but on the battlefield, we all get wet.
  3. Flashlight
  1. Bring a small notebook and pens; you are in school and might like to take notes.
  2. (Optional) If you play a guitar, banjo, fiddle, saw, flute, squeeze box or harmonica bring it with you. Your unit may like to sing around the campfire.

Most importantly, have the time of your life!