What are the aims of the Society?

Our aim is to recapture the life and times of the soldier during the American Civil War 1861-1865, and produce a living history scenario for our audiences. The best way of doing this is to forget your modern day trappings and try sleeping in a white canvas tent, cook on a open fire, experience the sound of cannon, the smell of black powder, the gathering around the camp fires. I am sure you will find the experience truly enjoyable.

CAN I BRING MY FAMILY?

Yes we are a family oriented society. You can see this by the size of our family camps. Most of our women dress in period costume and many also fight as infantry or artillery. Our children themselves soon get involved making friends with other children and dressing up in period clothes; they even join the band or cadet corps and often become members in their own right as soon they are old enough.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I JOIN?

You will report to either Union/confederate HQ or your own unit who will make you welcome and give you the opportunity to see if you really will enjoy re-enacting, before you commit yourself to spending on uniforms and equipment.

 WHERE DO I SLEEP?

If you have a modern tent or caravan then go to the family camp. The camp co-ordinator will direct you to a pitch. If you wish to camp authentically then you need to let us know in advance, so that we can make a white tent available and lend you some period clothing.

WHAT HAPPENS AT MY FIRST EVENT?

You will almost certainly make new friends, get to know about the ACWS, get the feel of what re-enacting is all about, familiarise yourself with the uniforms, weapons and equipment of the period. You will learn the basic drill requirements even take part in your first battle but only under supervision and usually in a non-combatant role.

WHAT DO WE DO IN THE EVENINGS?

The evening is a time to relax, sit round a camp-fire, tell yarns, have a drink, sing songs and generally enjoy good conversation. You can go and find the local tavern, or take advantage of facilities generally laid on by the event organiser.

WHERE ARE EVENTS AND HOW OFTEN ?

They can be all over the country, although the ACWS events tend to be in the Midlands and North. There are usually around eight events a year between the months of March and September, but some regiments have smaller events of their own, for raising their own funds. Many events have other activities in which we can usually partake, i.e. Balloon Festivals, Victorian Festivals, Corporate Bashes etc. For a full events listing click here