| Recruiting Information |
What kind of commitment are we looking for?
The two most common questions asked by people who are interested in becoming a reenactor are (1) What kind of commitment are we
looking for? and, (2) how much is this going to cost me? Though these are the most frequently asked questions, these are two areas that
are least concerning to members of our unit. We are well aware that people have family responsibilities and jobs to uphold, so we do not
expect members to attend EVERY event. It is quite common for a member to attend one event per month or even three events per year.
Whatever amount of time or commitment one feels comfortable with, is what we are looking for.
The 1st Maryland formally meets four times per year. Unit meetings are often held at the closer, more well-attended events. At the annual
January meeting, the unit votes on the event/activity schedule for the upcoming year. All members have the opportunity to review the
potential events and their locations (some in state - some out). Those events which are voted on by the unit become our primary activities -
usually no more than two per month - although any member may attend any event without the unit. As the season progresses, it is inevitable
that one may not make an earlier commitment and may also find themselves available for another. Whatever your family, work and social
commitments are, any time you participate with the unit will be welcomed.
looking for? and, (2) how much is this going to cost me? Though these are the most frequently asked questions, these are two areas that
are least concerning to members of our unit. We are well aware that people have family responsibilities and jobs to uphold, so we do not
expect members to attend EVERY event. It is quite common for a member to attend one event per month or even three events per year.
Whatever amount of time or commitment one feels comfortable with, is what we are looking for.
The 1st Maryland formally meets four times per year. Unit meetings are often held at the closer, more well-attended events. At the annual
January meeting, the unit votes on the event/activity schedule for the upcoming year. All members have the opportunity to review the
potential events and their locations (some in state - some out). Those events which are voted on by the unit become our primary activities -
usually no more than two per month - although any member may attend any event without the unit. As the season progresses, it is inevitable
that one may not make an earlier commitment and may also find themselves available for another. Whatever your family, work and social
commitments are, any time you participate with the unit will be welcomed.
What is this going to cost me?
Let's talk about dollars and cents. Though there is some expense involved in acquiring the proper period equipment, it is NOT mandatory to
purchase ALL of the equipment overnight. There are three general areas of MILITARY equipment to acquire: (1) the uniform and
accoutrement, (2) camping gear, and (3) the rifle. Prices will vary from sutler (merchant) to sutler, though the best thing to do is to ask other
members first. It is better to shop once than to buy something for too much or to buy an item that is not appropriate for our unit. Any
experienced member of the unit would be happy to help you by recommending reputable sutlers.
The first item we would suggest to purchase would be the uniform. Military uniforms and their accoutrement range in price, but a good
starting point would be about $250.00. The rifle, the most expensive item to purchase, should be considered next. New muskets start out at
around $390.00.
Basic civilian outfits may include items sewn at home, modified modern items, and items purchased from sutlers. Any new civilian recruits
will be helped by current civilian members to find, borrow, and acquire an authentic period wardrobe.
Camping equipment will also vary in price due to the type of camping you are comfortable with. Tents start at $60.00 and rise in price for
the larger sized tents. Don't let these costs scare you! It is quite common for members to have extra equipment to loan to new members.
There have been new members who have borrowed everything they needed from other members for a considerable period of time. The
goal for a new recruit is to be well on the way toward being equipped after one season. We have found that by borrowing equipment and the
one-purchase-at-a time practice - new recruits are able to participate almost immediately
purchase ALL of the equipment overnight. There are three general areas of MILITARY equipment to acquire: (1) the uniform and
accoutrement, (2) camping gear, and (3) the rifle. Prices will vary from sutler (merchant) to sutler, though the best thing to do is to ask other
members first. It is better to shop once than to buy something for too much or to buy an item that is not appropriate for our unit. Any
experienced member of the unit would be happy to help you by recommending reputable sutlers.
The first item we would suggest to purchase would be the uniform. Military uniforms and their accoutrement range in price, but a good
starting point would be about $250.00. The rifle, the most expensive item to purchase, should be considered next. New muskets start out at
around $390.00.
Basic civilian outfits may include items sewn at home, modified modern items, and items purchased from sutlers. Any new civilian recruits
will be helped by current civilian members to find, borrow, and acquire an authentic period wardrobe.
Camping equipment will also vary in price due to the type of camping you are comfortable with. Tents start at $60.00 and rise in price for
the larger sized tents. Don't let these costs scare you! It is quite common for members to have extra equipment to loan to new members.
There have been new members who have borrowed everything they needed from other members for a considerable period of time. The
goal for a new recruit is to be well on the way toward being equipped after one season. We have found that by borrowing equipment and the
one-purchase-at-a time practice - new recruits are able to participate almost immediately
The following is a list of standard equipment used by the members of Company H, 1st Maryland. This list is to help you gather the
necessary items and to help you in deciding where to purchase the following equipment.
Rifle
Companies C, H, and I were issued 1842 Springfield muskets, (69. caliber) when they formed in Richmond.
The 1842 Springfield musket is preferred and recommended firearm for our units impression.
accoutrement
Haversack (white or black)
Leather Belt with brass Maryland belt buckle (black)
Leather cartridge box with strap (black)
Leather cap pouch (black)
Canteen
Uniform
Kent Payne Company uniform with epaulets and black trim.
Pair of trousers ( Vest optional ) All uniforms are made of Satinet.
Pair of brogans ( black shoes )
Grey wool socks
Kepi ( French-style hat ) with black band
The following sutlers are recommended for the purchase of equipment listed above. These sutlers have the reputation of providing high
quality, authentic uniforms. The original unit was well known for their distinctive uniforms and we strive to maintain that reputation today.
necessary items and to help you in deciding where to purchase the following equipment.
Rifle
Companies C, H, and I were issued 1842 Springfield muskets, (69. caliber) when they formed in Richmond.
The 1842 Springfield musket is preferred and recommended firearm for our units impression.
accoutrement
Haversack (white or black)
Leather Belt with brass Maryland belt buckle (black)
Leather cartridge box with strap (black)
Leather cap pouch (black)
Canteen
Uniform
Kent Payne Company uniform with epaulets and black trim.
Pair of trousers ( Vest optional ) All uniforms are made of Satinet.
Pair of brogans ( black shoes )
Grey wool socks
Kepi ( French-style hat ) with black band
The following sutlers are recommended for the purchase of equipment listed above. These sutlers have the reputation of providing high
quality, authentic uniforms. The original unit was well known for their distinctive uniforms and we strive to maintain that reputation today.
What do we carry and wear?
Fall Creek Sutlery
P.O. Box 92
Whitestown, IN 46075
(317)482-1861
P.O. Box 92
Whitestown, IN 46075
(317)482-1861
Regimental
Quartermaster
P.O. Box 553
Hatsboro, PA 19040
(215)672-9020
Quartermaster
P.O. Box 553
Hatsboro, PA 19040
(215)672-9020
The Depot (kepis only)
P.O. Box 1561
Shepherdstown, WV
25433-1561
(304)876-0515
P.O. Box 1561
Shepherdstown, WV
25433-1561
(304)876-0515
