There's no cost to join 1st Michigan, however you must also join the Washington Civil War Association (WCWA), which governs and sponsors most of the events we attend. You should go to WCWA.NET FAQ for New Recruits page to acquaint yourself with their guidelines. Annual dues for WCWA membership are $25 for individuals and $40 for families. You can join on line at WCWA.NET
Of course, the best way to find out about re-enacting is to attend a Civil War re-enactment event as a spectator. There you can visit the Union, Confederate, and civilian encampments, meet some interesting re-enactors, watch a couple of battles, and really get a sense of how much fun Civil War re-enacting can be. Each Memorial Day weekend there is a major event near Spokane. The last few years the event has been held at Deep Creek Farms, near the airbase. This is a great event to attend and hundreds of re-enactors from all over Washington, Idaho and Montana participate. To view the website about the reenactment in the Spokane area visit spokanecivilwar.com
Joining an artillery unit is the least expensive way to get into Civil War re-enacting. As an artilleryman, the basic gear you need to get started is a uniform sack coat, uniform trousers and suspenders, a kepi (uniform cap), standard issue shirt, appropriate footwear, and a period-correct canteen. 1st Michigan and 11th Georgia have loaner gear.
FAQ for New Recruits
Q: What is the WCWA?
A: The Washington Civil War Association is a nonprofit educational group dedicated to teaching about the American Civil War and its times by bringing the past alive. We are a group of hobbyists who enjoy studying and talking about the Civil War and we want to share our knowledge with others. We do this mainly through reenactments and living history events.
Q: How do I join?
A: Contact one of the listed contacts on our page for details, preferably Captain Falzone or Sergeant Gene Black.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Annual dues are $25 for an individual and $40 for a family. In addition, some units may have unit dues. Contact the unit commander for more information.
Of course, the best way to find out about re-enacting is to attend a Civil War re-enactment event as a spectator. There you can visit the Union, Confederate, and civilian encampments, meet some interesting re-enactors, watch a couple of battles, and really get a sense of how much fun Civil War re-enacting can be. Each Memorial Day weekend there is a major event near Spokane. The last few years the event has been held at Deep Creek Farms, near the airbase. This is a great event to attend and hundreds of re-enactors from all over Washington, Idaho and Montana participate. To view the website about the reenactment in the Spokane area visit spokanecivilwar.com
Joining an artillery unit is the least expensive way to get into Civil War re-enacting. As an artilleryman, the basic gear you need to get started is a uniform sack coat, uniform trousers and suspenders, a kepi (uniform cap), standard issue shirt, appropriate footwear, and a period-correct canteen. 1st Michigan and 11th Georgia have loaner gear.
FAQ for New Recruits
Q: What is the WCWA?
A: The Washington Civil War Association is a nonprofit educational group dedicated to teaching about the American Civil War and its times by bringing the past alive. We are a group of hobbyists who enjoy studying and talking about the Civil War and we want to share our knowledge with others. We do this mainly through reenactments and living history events.
Q: How do I join?
A: Contact one of the listed contacts on our page for details, preferably Captain Falzone or Sergeant Gene Black.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Annual dues are $25 for an individual and $40 for a family. In addition, some units may have unit dues. Contact the unit commander for more information.