NOTE:  There is a LOT of information on this page.  Please read it carefully as MOST questions about this hobby and membership requirements will be answered.  If there is anything not fully explained, or if you have more questions, don't hesitate to ask our board members.

NOTE:  Several documents on this website are in PDF format, and require Adobe Acrobat Reader to access.

CLICK HERE to download 

Just what is the Regiment ?

      We are a group of amateur historians who devote a good deal of our time to historic research on 18th Century America, particularly the period of the American Revolution (1775 - 1783).  We consider our activities a hobby and are therefore willing to devote our time and considerable money to “our hobby.”  We reenact camp life, tactics, drill and combat of the late 18th century.  We do this on weekends usually from Friday night through Sunday afternoon.  We live in the field as was done in the 18th Century.  Anyone joining us should share our likes and be able to assimilate to our ways.

    The 24th Connecticut Militia Regiment is a member of the Continental Line, one of three parent umbrella organizations that oversee the general safety of Revolutionary War reenacting.  The other two organizations are the Brigade of the American Revolution, and British Brigade.

How does one join ?

     All applicants will fill out an Application for Membership.  The primary purpose for this is based on insurance reasons, as we engage in the act of deliberately starting fires (in camp) and shooting black powder firearms at one another.  Contact us by e-mail and we will mail you an application.  You can then bring your application form to an event so we may meet with you to answer any questions, expectations, requirements, etc.  We encourage all prospective members to join us for an event before making any decisions about membership.  This is not only so we may determine if you would be suitable for our unit, but to make sure our unit is what you are looking for.  You may wish to just observe what activities are involved, or you may dress out (with appropriate clothing) to get a better feel for the hobby.

How much does it cost ?

     Unit membership cost is presently $10 annually. In addition, a small fee is collected for food at events.  The dues cover the cost of insurance for the various events we attend, and provides funds for unit activities.  This cost, however, is very insignificant compared to the expense of outfitting yourself (musket, clothing, accoutrements, tentage, camp equipment, etc.).

What is a typical event like ?

     Some events are single day activities, but most cover an entire weekend, with tacticals (battles) scheduled once to twice a day for both Saturday and Sunday.  Most sites allow reenactors to set up on Friday evening (allowing you to leisurely set up in 21st Century clothing).  The campsites will be maintained in period appearance (no visible 21st Century items) while the site is opened to the public (hours vary, dependent upon the event organizers).  After that, certain ‘modern’ conveniences may be brought out (canned liquid refreshments, etc.), although cooking is normally done in period fashion.  Some members, from time to time, change back to 21st century clothing after hours when the public has left, but most stay 18th century throughout the weekend and enjoy all the old ways.

     Men will usually drill prior to a tactical (battle) demonstration and train new members.  All members share camp chores of getting water, wood, cleaning the camp (dishes) etc., when necessary.  Men must be present, in proper prescribed uniform, for all formations and drill.  Ladies will dress according to period and persona, and children must be dressed out and behave while in camp.  They can play or “help out,” if old enough, on various duties.  All members should be well versed in history enough to discuss and answer questions from the public, but only state historic facts.  Our goal is to educate the public on what this time period was about, not speculate, guess, or assume anything that would have them going away with an improper perception.

     We usually help each other in setting up and breaking down the campsite.  In the evenings we sit around the campfires enjoying each others company, with good conversation and good times.  Alcoholic beverages are permitted (if the site and event organizers permit), but only after hours when the general public has left.  Although we are adults (at least most of us), we realize we are not (all) saints, but drunkenness, vulgarity, profanity, inappropriate bragging and causing an annoyance is unacceptable.  As children are present in camp, any improper behavior will be dealt with, from censure, up to and including dismissal.  The regiment desires fun but trouble is not wanted and will not be tolerated.  Children, unless under the prearranged, explicit care of a designated adult, should be kept under the supervision of their parent(s).   

What about authenticity ?

     Authenticity is brought up quite often.  We try to portray, as close to historically accurate as possible, the camp life, tactics, drill and combat of the late 18th century, given the obvious restrictions and limitations of the 21st Century.  If the public can see it, we try to make it look authentic.  There are certain things ever present during the Revolutionary War that we DO NOT portray, such as dysentery, disease (smallpox), famine, the letting of real blood (on the battlefield via musket, sword or bayonet, or through bleeding.

    Certain modern conveniences we often take for granted need to be addressed, such as watches, eye glasses, rings on fingers, earrings, etc.  If they are not period, don't wear them.  Obviously, if you need eye glasses to see, safety will override appearance, but remember, your face is the first thing anyone looks at.  Jas. Townsend is an excellent source for period goods such as pocket watches (theirs keeps exceptional accuracy) and period spectacles.  Shoes are another item.  If you are unable to acquire (or afford for the time being) period buckled shoes, there are certain Pay Less varieties (namely Monk Strap) that, when covered by gaiters, can pass inspection.  Earrings should NOT be worn, especially by men.

     Another issue that needs to be addressed is facial hair.  Although you will see several members of our unit sporting various forms of hairstyles, mustaches, beards, goatees, etc., keep in mind that facial hair was NOT the norm in the 18th century.  Some of our members choose to shave prior to an event to be "historically accurate" while others invoke their right of modern styling as we do concede that this is primarily a weekend hobby.  Occasionally, our members are asked to participate in the filming of various documentaries and even big screen movies (such as THE PATRIOT) at which time a clean-shaven face is required.

What do I need in the way of clothing ?

     First and foremost, what we wear is considered clothing – NOT costumes.  Clothing, and some of your equipment, can be made by yourself, as long as it is made authentically using authentic materials and methods.  Patterns are available.  No synthetic materials can be used in clothing, ONLY natural fibers, such as wool, linen or cotton in cross weave.  This is a historical, as well as a safety, factor.  Synthetics melt instead of burning and, given our propensity for getting close to fire, we would hate to see your clothes melt to your skin.  If you desire to make your own clothing, some of our members can guide you to proper sources.  Since we are a small unit we do not have a repository of cooking equipment, tentage, weapons, clothing or accoutrements for loan or issue.  Please consult us before acquiring or making your own clothing, as we would hate to see you spend all that time and money to fashion a piece of clothing, only to find out it is less than authentic (trust us, it happens all the time).

     As an early war unit, we have more of an appearance of a militia regiment and the dirtier the better.  Documentation shows that Regimental coats were preferred in the winter and Hunting frocks in the summer.  Artillery units were often very well equipped with full uniforms, including regimentals.  Older members would present a historically accurate impression if equipped with French & Indian War clothing and accoutrements.

What about camping ?

     Camping is done with period tentage, normally wedge tents.  Modern tents are not allowed.  Period tents are made of canvas, and most manufacturers chemically treat them with fire and mold/mildew retardants.  Please take note that, because we are a small unit, we do not have the resources to provide tents for our new members, so it is the individual's responsibility to acquire the proper tentage.  Panthers and Tentsmiths are two excellent sources for tentage, but others are available.  Prices will normally run between $200 - 250 (that includes the tent, and not the tent stakes or wooden support poles).  Dimensions for supports are usually provided by the tent manufacturer and made by the owner of wooden poles, either 2x2, 2x3 or 2x4 of appropriate lengths.  If you do not have or plan to acquire a tent, local lodgings are usually available close to most events.  Tent stakes can be acquired through Townsends, or any reputable iron working sutler.

     Straw, firewood and water are usually provided by the site host.  Straw is used as a rough bedding and thermal insulator from the ground.  You may sleep ‘period’ (blankets on top of straw), or opt for a more modern and comfortable approach (cot, air mattress, sleeping bag, etc.).  The important thing to remember is to keep all modern items out of public view during event hours.  If you plan to open your tent where the public can see inside, all modern gear must be stored out of sight and/or covered with period blankets.  Also remember that many of the public see our tents as 'props', and don't think we actually sleep in them, so don't be surprised to see them peering, or even walking, into your tent.  Be forewarned and keep everything covered that is not period, even if you close and tie the tent.  Also consider this when changing clothes, as there is nothing that will get everyone's attention quicker than the shriek of a startled lady who has been walked in on while she is less than fully clothed.

What about cooking ?

     As stated before, most site hosts provide firewood for reenactors.  Most firewood is large log cut, and an axe is useful to cut it into more usable sizes.  Depending on the arrangement, many sites allowing campfires to be set up in the camping area, or have a designated fire pit area.  Pits will be dug large and deep enough to contain the cooking fire without setting adjacent grass/vegetation on fire.  At most sites one fire pit will suffice for the entire unit, although sometimes multiple fire pits are set up.  All cooking is done with period cast iron cookware (Lodge makes some of the best), and period plates, utensils, cups, mugs, etc., will be used.

     There are many recipe books available providing period recipes.  Stews and soups are the easiest to make, but remember that tomatoes were considered poisonous by many (and some of us still think so).  Coolers are excellent for the storage of food for a long weekend, but they must be kept out of public view.  Some have even constructed boxes and chests to put the coolers into to blend in with the period look.  Many people prepare certain portions of their meals ahead of time, so all they need to do is toss all the ingredients into the pot for cooking.

Do you have to march and Drill ?

     As military and militia regiments of the Continental forces, drilling and marching was a way of life, and the only way to maneuver troops on the battlefield.  From the early days of Lexington and Concord, the Massachusetts Minutemen Men had been trained in Pickering, a drill developed by Colonel Timothy Pickering of the Massachusetts militia.  In an attempt to standardize the early troops to one type of drill, many units adopted the Manual Exercise of 1764 used by the British Crown forces, more commonly known as the '64 drill.  It was not until the harsh winter in Valley Forge did the American troops, under the guidance of the Prussian General Friedrich Von Steuben, learn a standardized and simplified manual of drill that allowed them to move easily and uniformly across the field of battle.

How is the regiment organized ?

     To learn the history of the original 24th Connecticut Militia Regiment, CLICK HERE.  The current regiment was started many years ago and formed as a nonprofit historic organization.  Its Officers, board members and field officers are voted in annually by the membership.  Additional information will be posted shortly.

How do you govern yourselves ?

     To meet the requirements for membership to the Continental Line, and to qualify for and maintain our §501(c)(3) tax exempt status, we are required to have a Constitution.  This is our governing document that dictates how the unit is organized, functions, and operates.  Any unique situations that are not covered by this document will be discussed and voted by the Board.

Is this only a family activity ?

     No, we encourage family membership if all the family shares the interest and will participate in the unit activities.  We have several single men and women who are very active in the unit.  Families, where only one or part of the family wish to join and participate, are welcome, however members not “dressed out” 18th century can stay in the camp but cannot participate in any camp activities during public time.

What about kids ?

     As we stated previously, children are more than welcome in the unit.  Minor children may join the unit only as members of a family, and must be accompanied to events, and under the direct supervision of a participating adult family unit member or other appointed adult unit member who is authorized to act as guardian for the minor.  Parents may not join and stay in camp without being in period dress for the sole reason to satisfy the supervision requirements.  Unless joining as a family, members must be 18 years of age or older.  We love kids and enjoy having them in our unit, but children under the age of 18 present unique insurance liability issues and require a parental consent form to allow for medical treatment in the event of an emergency.  We will not have a child dropped off at an event for us to watch for the duration of the weekend.

How active do I have to be to keep my membership ?

     There are no minimum requirements necessary to maintain membership in the unit unless you seek a field or board position (see the next question/answer).  We have members that, because of other obligations and their distance to various events, are only able to attend one or two events a year.  We realize there are many obstacles in our modern-day lives that prevent us from dedicating entire weekends to reenacting events, and we do not penalize members who cannot attend. However, attendance at our annual School of the Soldier, held usually in April, is a high requisite so that you know what your doing, and that we know what your doing!

How can I become a field officer or board member ?

   Practice (knowledge), Patience (1 year of service), and the ability to get along, mostly!

What about shooting black powder ?

     Our firing is for demonstration & tactical purposes using no more than 100 gr FFg or FFFg black powder for muskets, and 80 gr FFg or FFFg black powder for rifles (maximum limits as listed on page 7 of the Safety Guide to Black Powder as established by the Continental Line).  Although you can use either 2F (FFg) or 3F (FFFg) powder, the 3F ignites easier with less fowling of the lock and barrel.  Please note that the use of Fg is for cannon only, and FFFFg (4F) powder will NEVER be used for a main charge (designed for priming pan only).  Black powder is a very dirty burning powder that is classified as an explosive, and is extremely flammable.  We use flintlock weapons only, as the percussion ignition was not invented until well into the 19th Century. The Brown Bess was probably the most common, used by both sides of the war. We do occasionally have live shoots (real bullets ... at paper targets, not people [although loyalists are sometimes considered fair game]) but this is not the norm.  Members will provide their own powder and cartridges for events.  Each pound of powder will make approximately 70 cartridges (at 100 gr each) or 87 cartridges (at 80 gr each).  Each person should plan to use one full cartridge box (24 shots) per tactical.  If a weekend event is scheduled to have two tacticals a day for both days, as many as 100 cartridges would be needed for the event (1 1/2 pounds of powder).  It is the responsibility of the individual to make their own cartridges, and they will conform to the specification listed on page 5 of the Safety Guide to Black Powder.

     One important issue needs to be brought up here.  We reenact 18th Century America, and we have no place for any modern weapons whatsoever.  You need not bring anything modern for "personal protection".  Not only are these a violation of unit policy but, due to the various locations where we reenact (state and national parks), it would also be a violation of state and federal law as well.  Given the fact that we deliberately fire antique weapons at each other, the mere presence of a modern weapon, loaded or not, would be a grievous safety hazard and will not be tolerated.  Anyone bringing any modern weapon to any unit function would be grounds for immediate dismissal from the unit.  Besides, anyone would be exceptionally stupid to try and steal or assault a bunch of half-drunk reenactors on a Saturday evening.