Why do you?

[PrattStreetRioter]

I'm in it for the obvious love of history plus I've spent to much on the hobby not to!

But seriously the comradery at the right events when your embracing the suck is what its all about to me. Whether its marching 15+ miles with a brutal sun hovering over you or spooning with a couple guys when it's below freezing and somehow raining just to survive, that's what its all about to me.

And perhaps also highly important is the shared interests. Other than one other real world friend of mine, none of my friends really give two craps about history so I'm able to really discuss those minute details of our past that fascinate the **** out of me when out there.

my cent and a half..

[Tkessen]

I've been wanting to reenact the Civil War since I was twelve, but I did'nt have the money or someone to drive me to events. I have always loved history, but the Rev. War and Civil War fascinate me the most. I started to want to reenact when I first when to the James A. Ramage Civil War Museum (Battery Hooper) in Ft. Wright KY. My grandmother took me there, I talked to a few reeanctors and I was hooked. That was almost 4 years ago now, I've been reenacting for a year now, and I look forward to going to events more than almost anything else, despite the citicism that I recieve from some of my peers. Reenacting gives me an opportunity to try to educate people (with me that doesn't happen often,) I get to burn some powder, I've met a few very good people who I am proud to call my friends, I have ancestors who fought in the War so I try to do them a little justice, and reenacting gives me something to do (my parents would rather me be reenacting than some of the less moral of things that kids my age do.) I wish that more people mt age would reenact, I think that our society would benefit from having people who kow some history.

Tkessen

[1stSgt45PVI]

I've been reenacting for a year now, and I look forward to going to events more than almost anything else,

Tkessen,
Glad to hear your having a great time! Having new "life" in the hobby is a great thing. In our modern world of TV, IPHONES, 360's and the like, it can be difficult to engage people and have them understand what and why we do what we do. Remember always ask as many questions and accept as many answers as possible, then make your conclusions. Do your research, listen to your peers, mentors and comrades. Many have been in the hobby longer than I have been alive (29yrs), and they have been around the block more than once. There are many on the boards that are a wealth of knowledge and ideas, but remember we are all still learning, above all, do your best. Welcome to the Hobby!

[GAR]

Growing up in the 60's, cavalry was a popular theme in film and television. I was hooked and my first reenactments were in my backyard while wearing my cub scout uniform and swinging a plastic sabre. Fast forward to 2006, when I was cast in the role of a Union infantry major in a small, indie short film "Lone Elm". I loved finally getting a chance to don an ACW uniform. Even though it was close to 100 in both heat and humidity, I had a blast. The reenactors were so helpful and knowledgeable that I was intrigued enough to start attending a few events.
Last summer we took a road trip vacation to Williamsburg, Washington DC, Gettysburg and Springfield, Ill (Lincoln Library and Museum). My boys were showing an interest so while at Gettysburg (we stayed at Lee's Headquarters), I bought boots and a forage cap from Dirty Billy. Several thousand dollars later, my boys and I go camping, with an attitude. The ACW was such an enormous event in our country's history, that it must not be forgotten by new generations. We endeavor to learn more and to honor the sacrifices made by all those who stood up to be counted.
I hope my boys will remember these days together long after I'm gone and do something similar with their children.
How can you know where you are going if you dn't know where you've been?

[bill shack]

Iam fascinated by the civil war I have read many books (150) on the civil war. When I re-enact I go backing in time to the civil war and see the war as if I was there. I can read all the books I want but it can not replace being there. I remember cedar creek last year, at one point in the battle I looked around and I was there 1864. Nothing can replace that for an amateur historian.
I remember Bentonville this year with the dust. NowIhave read about dust lots of times in the books but when it comes through your clothes to cover every part of you it gives you a full understanding that just reading about it can not come close to.
Also when I see the camps set up for the week end I am happy content. My eyes are warmed by the sight. Also anything with beer and guns is a good time. of course not together.

[Cadet]

1. to escape the real world and enjoy myself.
If ever this hobby were to no longer be fun, it's time to get out. Why do it if you don't enjoy it?
2. Get in some serious Euchre playing.
3. Educate the public.

[johnerys]

It enabled me to tie together 2 things I love and 1 I've always wanted to do - History, photography, and teaching what I've learned about history over the years.
I'm lucky that I'm with a great bunch of people who are good at what they do which makes it all the more enjoyable

[ILYankee5]

Honest to God...there are some days I wonder why

[Gregg Hensley]

I've pondered the question since this thread started and I'm still no closer to a single answer that satisfies me. I reenact because I love history, in particular US history. I was the kid who knew as much as the history teacher in high school (who would rather tell his own war stories than teach the subject). I reenact because I love camping. I reenact because I love to be around people who share the same interests as I do. I love the camaraderie of shared misery and good times, which strengthens friendships. I enjoy talking to spectators, even when they ask ridiculous questions. I love to see their faces when I tell them that I slept on the ground without a tent or anything. I love to see the parents and their kids at mainstream events...especially knowing that the video games, cell phones and computers are forgotten (at least for a couple of days). I enjoy teaching my troops the basics of drill and fieldcraft. I enjoy the drive home with a headful of new memories. I enjoy seeing a well drilled company maneuver on the field. I like taking a new found bit of knowledge and translating it into the field.
I could go on and on, but I think I've covered the basic reasons of why I enjoy this unusual passion with you folks.

Gregg Hensley
1st. Sgt.
22 NCST, Co. K
40th Illinois, Co. I