Welcome to the 2nd U.S. Sharpshooters

Muster Station


Think the Sharpshooters are right for you? Great! Get Involved!


Whether you have long thought about joining a civil war reenacting club, or you just stumbled across this page... whether you are interested in a military or civilian persona... whether you are a historian or if you don't know which side wore blue and which wore grey (let alone green!) this page will help you find out if reenacting is right for you.

The first thing you should do, regardless of your background, is to attend a reenactment as a spectator. This lets you see all of the different characters, camps and situations involved in reenacting.

We strongly encourage you to attend a reenactment with your family and friends. Each reenacting group is different, and it is important to find a group of people that you and your family are comfortable with. Reenacting is a hobby that is best when you are with friends and are sharing the experience with people that have similar expectations of the hobby.

Plan to spend a full day at an event, if possible. Come early to see what the mornings are like. See which companies are up early and already reenacting, see which are relaxed and don't get their camp cleaned up until after the public is out if full force. Talk to as many people as you can in all camps: Union and Confederate, civilian, medical, army, engineer, artillery, cavalry, marine and navy.

Ask lots of questions. See who knows their history. See who has the coolest toys. See who has the most fun. Stay late, see what happens after the battles, the dances, the campfires and clean up. These are all important parts of reenacting.


Things to Bring with You:

  1. Water - don't let yourself get dehydrated, even on cool days.
  2. Dress for the weather - reenactments happen all year long, in all conditions.
  3. Bring an umbrella and sunscreen for the sun, a poncho for the rain.
  4. Portable seating, if desired - not all events provide seating.
  5. Sack lunch - not all event have vendors, and never vegetarian.
  6. Camera and film - not just to catch fun moments, but to help you remember which unit was which.
  7. Notebook and pen - to collect information about the different units, as well as ideas for your character.
  8. Leave your pets at home! Most animals are afraid of the noise.


While you are at the reenactment, tour our camp (we have a military camp with the Union army, look for a sign with our name on it, "2nd U.S. Sharpshooters, Company D" with a red diamond, and a civilian encampment) as well as other camps.

Touring camps is an important way to get to know people who are already involved in reenacting.

Things you should look for include:


  • Are you welcomed into the camp?
  • Do they invite you to ask questions?
  • Can they answer your questions?
  • Do you feel comfortable?
  • Can you and are you encouraged to interact with the reenactors?
  • Is the camp as authentic or as relaxed as you would like?
  • Is the group appropriate for your family?
  • Is there something for every member of your family? (i.e. activities for men, women and children?)
  • Does the group invite women to portray soldiers? (yes, women fought, too!)
  • Will the group allow you to be who you are?
  • Are you able to meet their requirements?
  • Does the club have membership dues, in addition to that of the parent club that hosts the events?
  • Does the group have loaner gear?
  • How long do you have to get your own gear?



Go to the Events Calendar


How will you know, unless you ask?

You should be able to learn about history from a reenactor. You should also be able to learn about reenacting. To have the best possible experience as a reenactor, you should first know what reenacting involves and that the group is right for you.

How much does it cost?
The Sharpshooters can help you reenact on a budget, learning how to find bargins and used gear, or how to spend your money wisely if you want to go all out. How much it actually costs to reenact depends on how much you choose to put into it and how deeply you plan to get involved.


Are you required to attend all events?
No. The Sharpshooters know that the real world comes first. And since the Sharpshooters participate in events all over Oregon and Washington in addition to community service events and volunteering with the Oregon Military Museum, we have some activity nearly every weekend. Just come to the events you can.


What does being a sharpshooter require?
The Sharpshooters want you to work at your own level. Our skirmishers are intensely active, covering up to 109 yards a minute, when the situation calls for it. Some events call for slower, stealthier operations in small groups. We have a variety of other roles on the field as well, including gun or headquarters guards, and the operation of "heavy" scoped target rifles. Each person should reenact at the level with which they feel comfortable, striving for accuracy. Just talk to us about your limits and what you would like to do. Sharpshooters have more freedom than standard line infantry, there is a place for most everyone on the field.


What are the roles for civilians?
Laundress, nurse, spy, journalist, peddler...

Your imagination and historical documentation are the only limits! The Sharpshooters pride ourselves in being a family organization. We will work with anyone to find a role suited to the individual.


What about the kids?
Children of all ages who are interesting in military are encouraged to drill with the Sharpshooters. Children must be at least 12 years old to take the field, and 14 years old to carry a rifle. There are also a variety of civilian roles possible. We will work with you and your children to find their niche in learning and teaching history.

Learn more about civilian reenacting


Talk to Us
Please ask us any and every question you have. Come to an event, or send us an email. We are happy to help.



Think the Sharpshooters are right for you? Great! Get Involved!
 

© 2006 Berdan Sharpshooters
Maintained by Heather Sturgill, Webmaster
webmaster@berdansharpshooters.org