Berdan Sharpshooter Reenactors

Who are we?

The people who reenact with our group are ordinary people who share an interest in civil war history. We come from Oregon, Washington and British Columbia, but we not based out of any one place. Our reenactors chose this unit for a variety of reasons - some because of the reputation of the Sharpshooters, some for interest in the particular technology the Sharpshooters employed, some selected our group for our friendly camp and active civilian life, others for the freedom and mobility that is granted to the Sharpshooters on the battlefield. Our ages, backgrounds, professions, knowledge of history and level of involvement vary. Our members are encouraged to have fun, respect each other and to be involved to the fullest they are comfortable with.

What do we do?

The Sharpshooters teach and learn about the American civil war through living history, battle recreations and other interpretive history. Using replica clothes, weapons, household goods together with a small amount of acting, we attempt to recreate the era and events of the civil war. You do not need to have skills as a teacher or actor to become a sharpshooter, only a willingness to participate.

Why do we do it?

The first goal of reenacting is to honor our ancestors by remembering what they lived through and died for. Our second goal is to teach others about the civil war. It is also important to build comraderie and to have fun. We seek to achieve these goals by portraying our civil war counterparts as honestly as possible. We do not seek to glorify war, but to show both the good and bad.

More information about the men and women we seek to honor can be found on the Berdan History page and our Civilian History page.

How do we do it?

Any person can choose the become a reenactor. You can choose a soldier or civilian personality - though you can change your mind about this later. Sometimes we have clothes and gear we can loan to new reenactors. At your first event, after you have completed the membership form and safety waiver, you will be walked through an open book safety test so that you will know the correct way to behave around weapons and other potential hazzards.

These forms can be downloaded or requested on the Enlist page.

Then you will begin learning about reenacting by participating in activities with other reenactors. For soldiers this begins with drill. For civilians, with camp activities and discussions about fashion and the civilian role in the war. From here, each reenactor will choose the path that will help them to reenact the way they want to. Each new reenactor will receive guidance, helpful resources and suggestions for purchases that will help them get the most value for their money.

It is not neccessary to buy all your gear right away and you should only buy what you know you will use. The most important purchase is a canteen, though civilians usually perfer a cup or jug, to drink water from. It is important to keep hydrated to keep healthy. You are encouraged to have most of your basic kit by the start of your second year.

The list of suggested gear and other tips for getting started can be found on the Enlist page.

Where and when do you do it?

We reenact April through October, with additional winter events such as dances. Our events are located in places all over the states of Washington and Oregon. Our reenactors are invited to every event, but not required to attend any specific number unless they hold or are running for rank.

A complsete list of events for this year can be found our Events page.

Want to know more? Ready to get involved? Enlist!