WHO ARE WE? The Cape Fear Living History Society is a living history organization dedicated to the authentic portrayal of the life of the common soldier in the Confederate and Union Army. We are a unit that emphasizes historical research and authenticity, safety, battalion drill and battlefield tactics, seeking to educate the public on how the Civil War soldier lived on a daily basis. Members dress in authentic uniforms and equipment, carry reproduction weapons, and camp in period issue tents. We regularly meet for battle reenactments, parades and living history events throughout the year. We are a family oriented organization made of men, women and children dedicated to preserving a part of our nation's history that forged it into the great country we know today. Most of our membership is made up of persons from Eastern North Carolina. The CFLHS are members of two of the largest and most distinguished reenacting organizations. Our Confederate affiliation is with the ANV and our Federal is with the NATIONAL REGIMENT. Our motto is THAT OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA "ESSE QUAM VIDERI" -- "TO BE, RATHER THAN TO SEEM"; we want to inscribe this on the minds of every person we meet in this hobby. WHO DO WE PORTRAY? The CFLHS is made up of: two Infantry regiments, Company K, 18th Regiment North Carolina Troops and Company I, 53rd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Plus a large number of men, women and children portraying period civilians. WHAT DO WE DO? The activities of The Cape Fear Living History Society fit into several categories: LIVING HISTORY: These events tend to be our most numerous. A "Company street" is set up and the men eat, sleep, drill and demonstrate the life of the common Confederate and Union soldier of the Civil War. Ordinarily these are weekend events with the members arriving on a Friday night or Saturday morning and remaining in camp through Sunday afternoon. Events are rain or shine. The focus of these events is to offer visitors the opportunity to see us as a living illustration of history. Life on the "Company street" often revolves around the cooking fire, at a game of checkers, mending clothes or sometimes waiting for a shave. Drill and Demonstrations are often performed for the public. Evening hours are usually taken up with sitting around the fire talking, telling stories, music and singing. BATTLE RE-ENACTMENT: The battles of Gettysburg, Cedar Creek, Wilderness, Bentonville and others are re-created for thousands of visitors on an annual basis. The CFLHS schedules several of these events each year. Re-enactment's offer the members the unforgettable and highly educational experience of joining hundreds or thousands of others in realistic battle action. Both spectators and participants alike experience the awesome sights and sounds of battle. Like Living History events, re-enactment's involve weekend encampments but on a much larger scale involving volunteers from across the nation. OTHER ACTIVITIES of the CFLHS include participation in re-dedication and Memorial services each year. Every member agrees on the importance of participating in ceremonies that honor those that fought for our freedoms. Parades on Memorial Day and on Remembrance Day (November) in Gettysburg are a certainty on each years calendar. Historical societies, genealogical societies, Boy Scout troops, schools, and even community libraries have hosted contingents from the CFLHS. For those soldiers that enjoy doing these presentations there are often more opportunities and invitations than our schedules can accommodate. HOW MANY EVENTS ARE DONE EACH YEAR? The unit takes part in approximately 10 events per year. Almost all events are held over the weekend (Friday night, Saturday, Sunday). HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO RE-ENACT? The initial cost is about $1000.00. This amount will cover your uniform equipment, tent, and rifle. The rifle is the most expensive piece of your equipment. After the initial outlay, your expenses are limited to travel and food and yearly membership fees. There is also a small charge as a registration fee at some events from the promoters of battle reenactments (Approx $10-$15). WHERE DO I GET MY UNIFORM AND OTHER EQUIPMENT? There are many sutlers (stores that sell period merchandise) that provide uniforms and equipment. A Sutlers' and Equipment List will be provided when your application is processed. DO NOT PURCHASE ANY THING BEFORE REFERRING TO THE LIST OR TALKING WITH A NCO FIRST! Also, many members often have used equipment for sale. Various members of our unit can make uniforms, belts, knapsacks, etc. Considerable money can be saved by working with established members of the unit. Really, the only items that we can not produce are rifles, bayonets, leather accoutrements such as cartridge boxes and cap boxes, and shoes. The most important rule for a new reenactor is to NOT rush out and buy anything until you are told to do so by an authorized officer or NCO of your new unit. Practically every reenactor can tell a sad tale about money that he wasted on an article(s) that was inauthentic or not compatible with the regulations for his particular unit HOW DO I BECOME A MEMBER? Talk to the membership and become involved with the groups that make up the Society. Write or e-mail any of the contact people listed. Click below for a membership application. Fill it out and send it in for approval. Any of the members will help you become involved in the Society. We have a great group of members, you are sure to find your niche! ARE THERE ANY AGE REQUIREMENTS TO BE A SOLDIER WITH THE UNIT? You must be at least 16 years of age to carry a weapon on the battlefield. If you are younger than 16, you may participate as a musician (drummer, fife player, bugler) or as a messenger. WHEN CAN I JOIN? You can join at any time. We do run a school of the soldier every spring, where we teach all the foot and rifle drill that was in use during the Civil War plus safety guidelines on using the firearms. The NCO's have local drill and safety training and will let you know when and where so you can attend. You must be trained in the safety guidelines before you are allowed on the field. WHAT DO I GET WHEN I JOIN? You receive the benefit of belonging to one of the best Civil War Re-enacting groups who portray Confederate and Union troops with the same passion. WHAT IS EXPECTED? All prospective members must be willing to: 1. Equip themselves with the entire issue of clothing, accouterments, arms, camp and field kit. These items must be purchased within the guidelines set down by the CFLHS Authenticity Committee. 2. Forego all 20th Century trappings including wristwatches, cigarettes, modern eyeglasses, etc. Anything deviating from the mid 1860's is left behind when participating in drill, field, or camp activities. Modern items (i.e. sleeping bags, etc.) are acceptable but must be kept out of sight at all times. Authenticity is the hallmark of the CFLHS. 3. Accept and comply with the discipline demanded of an authentic military organization. We adhere to the chain of command of authority as defined in the United States Army Regulations of 1861. The company street is policed and equipment is neatly arranged in tents ready for inspection at all times. Only shelter tents (dog tents) are allowed on the field when we do our Federal impression. Camp furniture and cracker boxes are discouraged. Often we portray an army on the move and such items would not be used. Military discipline and decorum of 1861-1865 prevails and the powers, duties and responsibility of each rank are preserved. This emphasis on discipline contributes to the authenticity of our portrayal which has earned us the reputation we enjoy. 4. Study, learn and perform all aspects of drill and maneuvers of the Army of the time. Confederate drill is according to Hardee's Tactics and Federal is according to Casey's Tactics. 5. Pay dues of $25.00 per year for individual or $30 per year for a family. CFLHS dues include liability insurance. 6. Attend events on a regular basis. A healthy organization can not survive in an environment of chronic absenteeism. The company does understand that the CFLHS is a voluntary organization, and so it recognizes the demands of family, employment, vacations and health needs. The Company asks only for an honest effort to attend as many events as a "committed" member can. NOW, HOW DO I GET STARTED? If you are interested, the CFLHS is eager to discuss membership with you. CLICK HERE FOR CONTACT INFORMATION. |
So you want to be a Civil War reenactor! You've come to the right place! Your answers to frequently asked questions... |
WHO ARE WE? The Cape Fear Living History Society is a living history organization dedicated to the authentic portrayal of the life of the common soldier in the Confederate and Union Army. We are a unit that emphasizes historical research and authenticity, safety, battalion drill and battlefield tactics, seeking to educate the public on how the Civil War soldier lived on a daily basis. Members dress in authentic uniforms and equipment, carry reproduction weapons, and camp in period issue tents. We regularly meet for battle reenactments, parades and living history events throughout the year. We are a family oriented organization made of men, women and children dedicated to preserving a part of our nation's history that forged it into the great country we know today. Most of our membership is made up of persons from Eastern North Carolina. The CFLHS are members of two of the largest and most distinguished reenacting organizations. Our Confederate affiliation is with the ANV and our Federal is with the NATIONAL REGIMENT. Our motto is THAT OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA "ESSE QUAM VIDERI" -- "TO BE, RATHER THAN TO SEEM"; we want to inscribe this on the minds of every person we meet in this hobby. WHO DO WE PORTRAY? The CFLHS is made up of: two Infantry regiments, Company K, 18th Regiment North Carolina Troops and Company I, 53rd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Plus a large number of men, women and children portraying period civilians. WHAT DO WE DO? The activities of The Cape Fear Living History Society fit into several categories: LIVING HISTORY: These events tend to be our most numerous. A "Company street" is set up and the men eat, sleep, drill and demonstrate the life of the common Confederate and Union soldier of the Civil War. Ordinarily these are weekend events with the members arriving on a Friday night or Saturday morning and remaining in camp through Sunday afternoon. Events are rain or shine. The focus of these events is to offer visitors the opportunity to see us as a living illustration of history. Life on the "Company street" often revolves around the cooking fire, at a game of checkers, mending clothes or sometimes waiting for a shave. Drill and Demonstrations are often performed for the public. Evening hours are usually taken up with sitting around the fire talking, telling stories, music and singing. BATTLE RE-ENACTMENT: The battles of Gettysburg, Cedar Creek, Wilderness, Bentonville and others are re-created for thousands of visitors on an annual basis. The CFLHS schedules several of these events each year. Re-enactment's offer the members the unforgettable and highly educational experience of joining hundreds or thousands of others in realistic battle action. Both spectators and participants alike experience the awesome sights and sounds of battle. Like Living History events, re-enactment's involve weekend encampments but on a much larger scale involving volunteers from across the nation. OTHER ACTIVITIES of the CFLHS include participation in re-dedication and Memorial services each year. Every member agrees on the importance of participating in ceremonies that honor those that fought for our freedoms. Parades on Memorial Day and on Remembrance Day (November) in Gettysburg are a certainty on each years calendar. Historical societies, genealogical societies, Boy Scout troops, schools, and even community libraries have hosted contingents from the CFLHS. For those soldiers that enjoy doing these presentations there are often more opportunities and invitations than our schedules can accommodate. HOW MANY EVENTS ARE DONE EACH YEAR? The unit takes part in approximately 10 events per year. Almost all events are held over the weekend (Friday night, Saturday, Sunday). HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO RE-ENACT? The initial cost is about $1000.00. This amount will cover your uniform equipment, tent, and rifle. The rifle is the most expensive piece of your equipment. After the initial outlay, your expenses are limited to travel and food and yearly membership fees. There is also a small charge as a registration fee at some events from the promoters of battle reenactments (Approx $10-$15). WHERE DO I GET MY UNIFORM AND OTHER EQUIPMENT? There are many sutlers (stores that sell period merchandise) that provide uniforms and equipment. A Sutlers' and Equipment List will be provided when your application is processed. DO NOT PURCHASE ANY THING BEFORE REFERRING TO THE LIST OR TALKING WITH A NCO FIRST! Also, many members often have used equipment for sale. Various members of our unit can make uniforms, belts, knapsacks, etc. Considerable money can be saved by working with established members of the unit. Really, the only items that we can not produce are rifles, bayonets, leather accoutrements such as cartridge boxes and cap boxes, and shoes. The most important rule for a new reenactor is to NOT rush out and buy anything until you are told to do so by an authorized officer or NCO of your new unit. Practically every reenactor can tell a sad tale about money that he wasted on an article(s) that was inauthentic or not compatible with the regulations for his particular unit HOW DO I BECOME A MEMBER? Talk to the membership and become involved with the groups that make up the Society. Write or e-mail any of the contact people listed. Click below for a membership application. Fill it out and send it in for approval. Any of the members will help you become involved in the Society. We have a great group of members, you are sure to find your niche! ARE THERE ANY AGE REQUIREMENTS TO BE A SOLDIER WITH THE UNIT? You must be at least 16 years of age to carry a weapon on the battlefield. If you are younger than 16, you may participate as a musician (drummer, fife player, bugler) or as a messenger. WHEN CAN I JOIN? You can join at any time. We do run a school of the soldier every spring, where we teach all the foot and rifle drill that was in use during the Civil War plus safety guidelines on using the firearms. The NCO's have local drill and safety training and will let you know when and where so you can attend. You must be trained in the safety guidelines before you are allowed on the field. WHAT DO I GET WHEN I JOIN? You receive the benefit of belonging to one of the best Civil War Re-enacting groups who portray Confederate and Union troops with the same passion. WHAT IS EXPECTED? All prospective members must be willing to: 1. Equip themselves with the entire issue of clothing, accouterments, arms, camp and field kit. These items must be purchased within the guidelines set down by the CFLHS Authenticity Committee. 2. Forego all 20th Century trappings including wristwatches, cigarettes, modern eyeglasses, etc. Anything deviating from the mid 1860's is left behind when participating in drill, field, or camp activities. Modern items (i.e. sleeping bags, etc.) are acceptable but must be kept out of sight at all times. Authenticity is the hallmark of the CFLHS. 3. Accept and comply with the discipline demanded of an authentic military organization. We adhere to the chain of command of authority as defined in the United States Army Regulations of 1861. The company street is policed and equipment is neatly arranged in tents ready for inspection at all times. Only shelter tents (dog tents) are allowed on the field when we do our Federal impression. Camp furniture and cracker boxes are discouraged. Often we portray an army on the move and such items would not be used. Military discipline and decorum of 1861-1865 prevails and the powers, duties and responsibility of each rank are preserved. This emphasis on discipline contributes to the authenticity of our portrayal which has earned us the reputation we enjoy. 4. Study, learn and perform all aspects of drill and maneuvers of the Army of the time. Confederate drill is according to Hardee's Tactics and Federal is according to Casey's Tactics. 5. Pay dues of $25.00 per year for individual or $30 per year for a family. CFLHS dues include liability insurance. 6. Attend events on a regular basis. A healthy organization can not survive in an environment of chronic absenteeism. The company does understand that the CFLHS is a voluntary organization, and so it recognizes the demands of family, employment, vacations and health needs. The Company asks only for an honest effort to attend as many events as a "committed" member can. NOW, HOW DO I GET STARTED? If you are interested, the CFLHS is eager to discuss membership with you. CLICK HERE FOR CONTACT INFORMATION. |
Cape Fear Living History Society |
