Indiana native Charles Dawson, for instance, noted that he found himself drawn to an Indiana regiment, the 27th, after serving contentedly for several years with the 20th Maine. Styles of reenactors also play a part. Authenticity is crucial during portrayals of battles or in demonstrations. Accurate clothing, weapons, equipment and tactics are required. However, when the historic site s visitors go home, differences emerge.
Some units believe that authenticity includes everything that takes place behind the scenes as well.
Food, cooking utensils, and sleeping equipment replicate those available during the period. And while just about every reenactor will tell you that authenticity adds a special emotion to any event, other units are just as happy to bring ice chests and soft drinks and to run out to the ice cream parlor on a warm summer evening. The best way to become involved in reenacting and living history is to go to as many events as possible and talk to the men and women and children giving the demonstrations. Eventually you ll find a group with a style that fits your own personality. The Camp Chase Gazette is the reenactor community newspaper and has an excellent website.