Re-Enactors and Revolutionary War Costumes

February 14, 2009

I’ve written about the value of hereditary organizations before. I’ve been a member of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) for 15 years, and I’m very impressed with everything the organization does to honor the patriots who fought in the Revolution and to preserve history.

SAR members often dress in authentic costumes for events. You can see some of the members of the San Antonio chapter of SAR in costume at last year’s Fourth of July celebration and at my recent inauguration as President of the chapter.

You can find a description of the uniforms worn by various Revolutionary War units on the national SAR Web site:

Orders issued from Headquarters at Moore’s House 1779 October 2, specified uniforms that were intended to make the various units easy to identify.

Everyone was to have a blue coat [and a tricorn hat]. All but the artillery units and officers had white linings and white buttons.

Some enthusiasts become so interested in history that they become re-enactors. The national SAR Web site has information about becoming a re-enactor.

A re-enactor is someone who recreates history down to the last details. This is done by portraying the look and actions of a person from a given era.

Even if you aren’t interested in dressing in period costumes and becoming a re-enactor yourself, you might find watching re-enactments an entertaining and effective way to learn history.

Posted by Admin | Filed Under Genealogy and History

Comments

12 Responses to “Re-Enactors and Revolutionary War Costumes”

Siraj from Junior Golf Clubs on April 9th, 2009 1:15 am

I love to go in past. Nice blog.
Admin on April 9th, 2009 2:05 am

Always glad to hear from another history lover.
Tony from Air Conditioner Contractor on April 20th, 2009 10:35 am

I love watching people re-enact historical events. The costumes and the pageantry are quite a site to see.
Admin on April 20th, 2009 11:26 am

Re-enactors are well worth watching for the pageantry and the experience.
Spencer from Mens Halloween costumes on August 19th, 2009 6:43 am

the town I live in is a big garrison army town and i visted their annual open day festival last month with my son, I watched the re-enactments and the show they put on was great, it takes a lot of commitment from participants to keep alive importent moments in history.
Spencer @ Mens Halloween costumes´s last blog ..DoFollow Blog, Comment Luv, Keyword Luv
Admin on August 19th, 2009 7:10 am

Spencer,

Re-enactment does take a lot of commitment.
William from Electricians Bromley on September 22nd, 2009 3:44 am

Bringing to life these exeptional history moments is fantastic its nice to see someone is as passionate about history as me.
Admin on September 23rd, 2009 12:09 am

William,

You’re among history lovers here!
Aiden on September 30th, 2009 6:16 pm

Where do you get the costume for American/British Uniforms?? I’ve looked everywhere it doesnt have to look authentic but I’m tired of clicking on pages that are A) Figurines B) The Three Musketeers (chocolate and movie) or C) Books or Biographies!!! Please tell me… I’m becomin desperate…
Admin on September 30th, 2009 9:15 pm

Aiden,

I’m not the one in costume, but you can follow the links in the post to the national SAR Web site. There is a whole section on re-enactors there, including a list of suppliers of uniforms and accessories: http://www.sar.org/colorguard/cgdesign.html
Ken from Michael Jackson Costumes on October 8th, 2009 11:06 pm

I really enjoy watching re-enactments, in fact I am planning to attend the Jerusalem Mill re-enactment on 10/10 in Kingsville, MD and really looking forward to it. I think what I like the most is that it makes it easier to really get a better feel for that period of history.
Ken @ Michael Jackson Costumes´s last blog ..Michael Jackson Bad Costume
Admin on October 9th, 2009 12:50 am

Ken,

Watching re-enactments does give you a good feel for the history of the time. Enjoy the Jerusalem Mill re-enactment.