Re-enacting Tips: Getting Started
What Do I Need First?
That is not as simple a question to answer as it may appear. Most of the equipment you will use the first few times out will probably belong to other people in The Washington Artillery, and what you need may even be affected by the specific event you will first attend with us. The list typically begins with items which are most difficult to obtain from others, such as footwear and period eyeglasses.For your first event, you need only bring yourself, a cooler with ice and drinks (and food, unless you want to participate in our Food Committee), possibly a stool or chair to sit on, a sleeping bag or cot and blankets, and - if possible - either a pair of brogans or artillery boots by the time of that event. Bootees (often referred to as brogans) or boots are the one item in least supply as surplus in anyone’s outfit, making them the hardest items to loan to someone new to the hobby. The likelihood that your shoe size will match that of others in The Washington Artillery who may have an extra pair is slim. However, we may have some options or suggestions that may get you into a relatively inexpensive pair of bootees (brogans) or boots. You will also want to obtain a canteen fairly early in your re-enacting life.
Let our officers know which of the next events you will be attending so they can collect equipment and clothing from within our group to outfit you for your first event. There will be room for you in someone’s tent, and somehow we will gather together enough clothing so that you look right for your first event. It can become an expensive hobby, mainly because you tend to buy what you want after you have bought what you need. Most of us have far larger "want" lists than "need" lists. For your first event it is best if you let us lend you clothing to get through the weekend before you make a heavy investment. Re-enacting is not for everyone.
If you are able to obtain equipment beyond the bootees or artillery boots and choose to do so, refer to the section entitled "Uniform Standards" for guidelines as to what is acceptable in The Washington Artillery. Our guidelines are very detailed, but our rules are simple and are intended to make participating in this hobby enjoyable and affordable. Should you need help to determine the order in which you should try to obtain equipment, our officers will be glad to help guide you in making those decisions. Just keep in mind that the priorities may vary, depending upon the events that you may wish to attend and their imminence.
Keep in mind also that what is "right" may be an objective assessment, but it may also be a subjective matter of opinion. No one knows all that can be known about every detail of life - including the clothing and furnishings - of the mid-Victorian era. What may be "acceptable" to some may be unbearably wrong to others. When it comes to many issues that crop up in re-enacting, there will be almost as many exceptions to most rules as there are rules; or so it will seem at times.
Make it your object to find out the standards of the company with which you choose to affiliate; and then do your own research. In the case of the 5th Company - Washington Artillery, we are undoubtedly more flexible or permissive in some areas than some companies are; and far less so in those same (and other) areas as other companies will be. Whle we hope to maintain a reasonably high standard, we are not committed to a degree of authenticity that only a few could ever appreciate with a microscope.
Decide for yourself how "authentic" you care to be, and can afford to be, and let your conscience - and our guidlelines, if you join us - be your guide.
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