| Frequently Asked Questions |
1. Do I need to come to every event in order to be a member in good standing?
The only attendance requirements are for the Captain and First Sergeant (80% of events), both of which are elected positions. Appointed
officers and NCO's are evaluated by a process that considers attendance, but without a specific percentage requirement. Private soldiers
and civilians have no minimum requirement to meet to remain in good standing. We have members who find they can only attend one event a
year. However, the unit does rely on the members' participation to maintain a standard of unit attendance at events we commit to. Hopefully,
the experience will be enjoyable and fulfilling enough that you will want to come to as many events as possible!
2. What kind of commitment is involved?
As there is no set time commitment, the biggest commitment is to present living history in the most accurate way possible, by creating the
best impression and emulation of your 19th century persona. The 1st Maryland always welcomes new recruits into the hobby. Our
experienced members are more than happy to help new members develop their impressions.
3. How much does it cost for all of the equipment?
Reenacting is not an inexpensive activity. All the uniforms, civilian clothing, and equipment of every kind has been purchased by our
members. Still, the cost is often overstated. Most members of our company have extra uniform parts and equipment that can be loaned to
new members while they acquire their own over time. Plan on an average of $1,000. in start-up costs. You can get by with less, but in terms of
authenticity, often you get what you pay for. Used equipment, when available, can help to cut costs. For a list of necessary equipment, see
our "Uniforms and Equipment" page.
4. Do I need to buy the gun/uniform/tent/ right away?
The use of loaned equipment from members is subject to the laws of supply and demand. Usually, most new members can be
accommodated. It is not unusual to take as much as a year to acquire the minimum gear in order to participate. Use of the loaned equipment
allows immediate participation. We do suggest the following order of acquisition: (1) uniform, (2) accoutrement, (3) musket, and (4) tent.
5. Where do you meet? (meetings, gatherings, etc.)
During the reenacting season, most of the quarterly meetings required by our BY-LAWS are held at events. Our BY-LAWS also provide for
quarterly meetings and drill in the off-season months of November-February. These are held at various sites throughout Connecticut, usually
in the central part of the state. Many of our members gather informally between events, and we also have a Mid-Winter Banquet as a formal
opportunity to socialize during the winter months.
6. Where are the events held? (Do you come up from Maryland every weekend?)
Civil War reenactments are held nationwide, and, indeed, around the world. Our unit concentrates on events in the northeast, generally about
three hours from our base in Southern New England. One or two times a year, we venture further for large reenactments. In recent years,
we've participated in events in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Virginia.
And no, we are not based in Maryland as our name would suggest - we're here in central Connecticut.
7. Can I try it out to see if I like it?
Absolutely. Safety is our prime concern. If you come to an event having never drilled before, our 1st Sergeant, in his capacity as safety officer,
will make an assessment as to whether you will be allowed to participate in battle scenarios. Camping and drilling with us is allowed as long
as we have sufficient equipment to outfit you. The last issue is insurance. We are required by our regimental affiliation to have liability
insurance on all participants. This insurance is low cost (about $9.), and would cover you for the balance of the season of reenacting with the
1st Maryland. We would need two weeks to process this insurance.
The only attendance requirements are for the Captain and First Sergeant (80% of events), both of which are elected positions. Appointed
officers and NCO's are evaluated by a process that considers attendance, but without a specific percentage requirement. Private soldiers
and civilians have no minimum requirement to meet to remain in good standing. We have members who find they can only attend one event a
year. However, the unit does rely on the members' participation to maintain a standard of unit attendance at events we commit to. Hopefully,
the experience will be enjoyable and fulfilling enough that you will want to come to as many events as possible!
2. What kind of commitment is involved?
As there is no set time commitment, the biggest commitment is to present living history in the most accurate way possible, by creating the
best impression and emulation of your 19th century persona. The 1st Maryland always welcomes new recruits into the hobby. Our
experienced members are more than happy to help new members develop their impressions.
3. How much does it cost for all of the equipment?
Reenacting is not an inexpensive activity. All the uniforms, civilian clothing, and equipment of every kind has been purchased by our
members. Still, the cost is often overstated. Most members of our company have extra uniform parts and equipment that can be loaned to
new members while they acquire their own over time. Plan on an average of $1,000. in start-up costs. You can get by with less, but in terms of
authenticity, often you get what you pay for. Used equipment, when available, can help to cut costs. For a list of necessary equipment, see
our "Uniforms and Equipment" page.
4. Do I need to buy the gun/uniform/tent/ right away?
The use of loaned equipment from members is subject to the laws of supply and demand. Usually, most new members can be
accommodated. It is not unusual to take as much as a year to acquire the minimum gear in order to participate. Use of the loaned equipment
allows immediate participation. We do suggest the following order of acquisition: (1) uniform, (2) accoutrement, (3) musket, and (4) tent.
5. Where do you meet? (meetings, gatherings, etc.)
During the reenacting season, most of the quarterly meetings required by our BY-LAWS are held at events. Our BY-LAWS also provide for
quarterly meetings and drill in the off-season months of November-February. These are held at various sites throughout Connecticut, usually
in the central part of the state. Many of our members gather informally between events, and we also have a Mid-Winter Banquet as a formal
opportunity to socialize during the winter months.
6. Where are the events held? (Do you come up from Maryland every weekend?)
Civil War reenactments are held nationwide, and, indeed, around the world. Our unit concentrates on events in the northeast, generally about
three hours from our base in Southern New England. One or two times a year, we venture further for large reenactments. In recent years,
we've participated in events in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Virginia.
And no, we are not based in Maryland as our name would suggest - we're here in central Connecticut.
7. Can I try it out to see if I like it?
Absolutely. Safety is our prime concern. If you come to an event having never drilled before, our 1st Sergeant, in his capacity as safety officer,
will make an assessment as to whether you will be allowed to participate in battle scenarios. Camping and drilling with us is allowed as long
as we have sufficient equipment to outfit you. The last issue is insurance. We are required by our regimental affiliation to have liability
insurance on all participants. This insurance is low cost (about $9.), and would cover you for the balance of the season of reenacting with the
1st Maryland. We would need two weeks to process this insurance.
| Click here for your 1st Maryland membership application form. Please print the form and mail as directed. |