Authenticity

“Authenticity isn’t a Destination; it’s a Journey.”

 

             Authenticity is a topic in Living History/Reenacting that receives a great deal of discussion. The 2nd Colorado has a very real commitment to developing the most authentic and researched impression of the Western Union solider as we can. That being said 100% authenticity is just not realistic as there is so much about the period (and period day to day life) that still hasn’t been uncovered. At best we achieve a 70 - 80% authenticity  environment working with the tools and resources available. While some would call that impressive and we are proud of the work our men put into their impression a constant process of self evaluation and research is always encouraged within our unit. We like to say that an authentic impression isn’t a destination; it’s a journey.

             Our officers and members will regularly recommend books, magazine articles, and websites with new authenticity information. Our preferred method of verification for equipment and clothing is period photographs. If photographs are not available we search to find period journals, letters, and memoirs that discuss the period item or activity. Inspection of museum equipment collections are encouraged as well as photographs of these collections.

             Some prospective members may find the idea of authenticity evaluation a turn off or fear that authentic impressions could mean more expensive gear. While much of the more authentic gear on the market is more pricey it’s durability tends to be better and in truth authentic campaigning comes out to be cheaper in the long run as a dedicated foot solider carries as little weight as possible making more expensive purchases such as heavy tents and cooking equipment unnecessary. Plus there is a great feeling of pride and excitement when your research uncovers some period item that you have discovered and worked into your impression. Usually the most interesting period items are the small ones.

             The important thing to remember in getting into the Living History/Reenactment hobby is to ask a lot of questions of your officers, veterans, and pards. Working with recommended Vendors will ensure a better impression and you’ll be surprised how many field items can be made or modified at home with little or no skill. Remember you don’t have to be on the cover of “Authentic Campaigner” at your next event. Work on your impression in stages, being careful to give each purchase appropriate attention as you work towards your overall appearance. Sometimes new Reenactors can hurry in their enthusiasm to try and completely equip themselves and can end up buying equipment that is of poor quality, unauthentic, or just unnecessary.

“Mainstream vs. Hardcore”

Learning to Live and let Live in Reenacting

By Jim Trent

 

             Civil War Reenacting is now over thirty years old as a hobby and in that time has seen a great deal of change. With the hobby's rise in popularity the arrival of mass produced goods was inevitable. For the most part this is a good thing as it allows more people to get into the hobby and provides a ready supply of equipment to be accessed. However not all manufactured goods are equal and this new and abundant supply produced a new concern. With Reenacting gear now readily available to the general public many new Reenactors are entering the hobby without any assistance in regards to authenticity and quality equipment. The effect is what has been called “Mainstream” Reenactors. (This term is derogatory and it’s use is discouraged). Typically the perceived negatives of being “Mainstream” are uniforms and equipment made from non-period materials, using modern camp implements at events, or relying on non period devices such as automobiles or flash lights in camp.

             Early on  these new “Mainstream” Reenactors caused great alarm with the more authentic Reenactors already in the hobby and in an attempt to try and preserve the authentic experience many tried to “convert” these new Reenactors to the more Authenticity based aspects of the hobby, unfortunately nobody likes being told they’re doing something wrong and more authentic Reenactors were labeled as being “Hardcore”. Admittedly more than once those trying to preach authenticity were less than complimentary and over critical of these newer Reenactors which doesn’t help people's opinions towards the authenticity argument. (Some critics were known to inspect the stitches in uniforms earning them the nickname “Stitch Nazis”) Typically the perceived negatives of being “Hardcore” are unattractive and plain looking uniforms, eating old fashioned and unappetizing food, and enduring all forms of inhospitable weather ensuring illness.

             The existence of the two methods of pursuing the hobby can lead to some interesting events and even potential conflict amongst Reenactors but in truth it’s just a growing pain that any popular activity must go through. As good Reenactors we all have to remember that we all come to the hobby for different reasons and what works for one unit may be too much to ask for another. Some Reenactors want an authentic History based experience away from the 21st century while others aren’t ready to completely separate from the comforts and resources of the modern world. Rather than argue the fact the better approach is deal with other Reenactors and their authenticity standards with mutual respect and a willingness to work with each others concerns.

             Simple adjustments can make these two seemingly distant “camps” of Reenacting workable for larger scale events. More campaign style “Hardcore” units can arrange to camp in separated areas making use of tree lines or other natural barriers to separate themselves from more heavy camping “Mainstream” units and any modern implements they’re using. All Reenactors of all varieties can work to keep vehicles out of camp as this is a huge authenticity problem not to mention a safety issue (some men are sleeping on the ground!). The use of modern camping implements can be concealed with some effort and a little extra expense. Offering to help a fellow Reenactor “de-farb” his rifle or other equipment would probably make more of an impression than simply telling him how off base he is. Most events ask that camp sites be treated as “Authenticity Zones” and that modern implements and even modern trash be left in other areas such as parking areas and Sutlers row. Even with reenacting units across the country developing authenticity standards the degree and application of those standards is still very much a personal decision. There comes a point where we all have agree to disagree but tolerate our differences and try to not to purposely aggravate each other while working with the event sponsor’s wishes.

             For the record I guess I would be classified as “Hardcore”. I typically enjoy campaign style living out under the stars and I actually enjoy the taste of hardtack and sow belly. My unit, the 2nd Colorado, makes no apologies that we are the dirtiest looking troops in our area and we do not allow modern camping aides such as flashlights or water bottles in camp. However I have several friends in the hobby (but not my unit) who don’t share my enthusiasm and bring everything from bug spray to cell phones to events, and they’re still my friends. All I have ever asked is that they conceal it and refrain from it’s use when me and my pards are about and in return I try not to preach any  “authenticity sermons” (Mostly I let my impression and my love of the hobby do the talking for me). If you want a little bigger tent or a non period camp stool I’ll just have to deal but please keep the beer cans and the plastic wrappers in your tent out of respect for me.  I will always hope that authenticity in the field will be top priority for all Reenactors but I realize that helpful, positive attitude will go a lot further than counting stitches.

Stage One

This man is beginning his impression. He has purchased his first uniform and a sensible period hat. His accoutrements, rifle, and other gear are loaned by the company but he is on his way.

Stage Two

This man has been improving his impression. He has purchased his rifle, accoutrements, and camp gear. He needs no loaner gear and is ready to refine the extra details of his impression such as correct canteen covers, period time pieces, etc.

Stage Three

This man has developed a dedicated authentic impression. His uniform shows the appropriate amount of wear and tear and he has no modern implements on his person. Even at this point however he will continue to work and refine his impression