So why are YOU here? Because your brother/son drags you halfway across the county so he can be a soldier and you want to show your support.. You like to dress up in fancy ball gowns. You love meeting people with a common interest and you love to “tell the story” of the female side of the Civil War. You just found a great way to spend time out of doors and you can pretend to be somebody you are not. All good reasons why women get involved in the hobby of reenacting. However, for a female reenactor, validation is the challenge.
Here are some suggestions if you want to be an accurate representation of the war period and do it with an acceptable reason. One thing that is very important - you have to be honest with yourself. If you cannot be comfortable at events, than what is the sense in going? If you are a quiet person, please don’t try to portray a Vivandier, it won’t work. If you prefer being with ladies all day, then you really shouldn’t dress as a man and try to be a soldier, you’ll hate it. If you have a very strong southern accent, you had better not try to portray a member of the northern Christian Commission.
Think, think and think some more about it.
Developing a first-person impression requires research. You will need an understanding of the world of the mid-1800s—what your persona would and would not know, what they would experience and understand, their beliefs and attitudes. You must develop a worldview, an understanding of your persona’s past as well as his/her present. Look for photos of women who did what you want to do. The library is a great place to start. Your librarian can help you locate books about very specific subjects. Go online and do a search for “Civil War Nurse” and it will bring up thousands of sites worth reading. Make notes of women who were actually in the war. When talking with spectators they love to hear names dropped. Try to mention the common women, but also mention some not so familiar. For example, everyone knows Clara Barton. But how many history books speak of MaryAnn Bikerdyke? Bring some new information to the public, don’t just re-hash what they already know. If you have trouble remembering names, then pick one lady who struck your interest and focus on her alone.
When you develop a first-person impression, draw on your own personality and background. Consider your own ethnic identification, education, upbringing, values, and social standing. Modify your present day occupation and hobbies to fit the 19th century. Being in first person does not mean acting a part. Using yourself as a template for your impression will allow you to react naturally and spontaneously to situations, the public, and other participants while in first person at events. Once you have developed a biography, share it with others; especially if they should know you well (family, comrades, etc.).
Do not force the first person, as it will then come off as sounding very fake and contrived. Try to be comfortable with your conversations. We know that this is a new experience for many of you and do not feel bad or too scared about it. Until you “get in the mood” or find a level of comfort in order to converse in first person, remember, “Silence is golden”! There is nothing wrong with simply being a quiet person and responding to questions and such. Hopefully, if you do the preparation and give it time, it will come to you naturally. Everyone will have varying degrees of comfort with it so do not feel that you are alone if it takes you a while to do it. The important thing to remember is not to ruin those around you and if someone is ruining your experience with modern talk and not respecting the work you have put into this event, take them quietly aside and let them know.
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