Recruiting
Office
he
recreated 28th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry is actively recruiting
new members to its ranks. Will you be the next loyal Union man to take
the oath and join the regiment?
Ours
is one of the oldest continually fielding Civil War reenactment units
in the Northeast, and currently numbers approximately 50 members from
five of the six New England States, as well as North Carolina and Virginia.
We
accurately portray Union infantrymen by outfitting ourselves with authentic
reproduction uniforms, weapons and accoutrements, maintaining a military
bearing at all times, excelling in drill and battlefield tactics, and
keeping 21st century anachronisms out of view.
The
Web site you are visiting now provides a good deal of information about
the original regiment, the unit today, and reenacting in general. Here
are several pages that you should take some time to review before deciding
to enlist in our unit:
To
join the 28th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, a recruit must:
- Demonstrate
a sincere interest in Civil War history and desire to portray the
period accurately. Although our impression is of an Irish unit, you
do not need to be of Irish ancestry to field with us.
- Be
16 years of age or older to field as an infantryman, at least 12 to
serve as a functional musician, and join along with an adult sponsor,
meaning a parent or guardian, if under 18.
- Complete
an enlistment form
and pay annual dues of $20. You may download the form here: Microsoft
Word | PDF
We
also like to see new members acquire their basic uniform and equipment
within one year of enlistment. This shows us their commitment. We do
have limited items available for loan, to help recruits through their
early events, but certain items, such as brogans (shoes) and trousers,
should really be purchased from the get-go.
I
personally have fielded with the 28th Massachusetts since 1998 and can
honestly tell you that serving in the regiment is not only one of the
best things I have ever done, but also has introduced me to most of
my closest friends.
As
with anything else, you get out of Civil War living history what you
put into it. The men of the 28th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry hope
that if you decide to join our ranks, you will put your all into learning
the drill, looking the part, and honoring the memory of the original
regiment.
Please
send me a telegram if you cannot find the
anwers to your questions on this Web site, or want to begin a conversation
about reenacting with the 28th Massachusetts.
Your
servant, &c.,
Tom Higgins
Recruiting Sergeant
28th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry
