Get Involved!

The 148th Reenactment Group has faithfully preserved the memory of its ancestors for over 45 years. Through interactive displays, a strong membership involvement in the Sons of Union Veterans (SUV), living history demonstrations, battle reenactments, parades, and dedications, the 148th has become a leader in public education on the Civil War time period. With both active and in-active membership at around 40 persons, our members come from all walks of life and are primarily spread out from Buffalo east to Syracuse and south, as far as Virginia. We are primarily active in the Western New York State area but our members have traveled to events in Virginia, Tennessee, and Pennsylvania, amongst others. On average, we participate in 6 to 7 events a year, but members are free to go to events of their choosing and are not required to only go as part of the group. Some members even portray confederate soldiers at events.

So You Caught the Reenacting Bug, Huh?

Well, you couldn't have picked a better reenactment organization to be part of! We are the oldest reenactment Civil War group in the entire State of New York, a fact we are very proud of. We are also a very unique reenacting organization in that we boast a direct connection to the Sons of Union Veterans, a direct link to the men who served in the War between the States and were members of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR).

Some of the "perks" of becoming a member with the 148th include:

• Chance to put your book knowledge and interest in the American Civil War into real life scenarios and functions. Though we encourage a base knowledge, at minimum, for all recruits, this is not required and will be taught to you over your time with the group.
• Experience, as closely as possible, the feeling of being a soldier in the Civil War. You never know when a "magic moment" may happen!!!
• No pressure in obtaining reenactment gear. We know that this is an expensive hobby with even the "basic" implements being quite expensive. We encourage our members to purchase their own items in a timely manner and through group-approved sutlers [shunt to "links" page]. Until you are able to purchase your own items however, the group does maintain a donation closet of used former goods donated by members.
• No "stitch counting" here!! The 148th strives for its members to portray the Civil War soldier as authentically as possible, particularly how the original 148th members looked and dressed. This being said, some in the hobby encourage their members to have a certain number of buttons on a shirt and a 150 stitch count on a haversack. This, the recreated 148th does NOT preach to its members! We will guide you in what to purchase and from where but not so in depth to say you have to buy a $200 shirt when an acceptable one may be purchased for $30-50!! We will not discourage you however, from purchasing more expensive items.
• No minimum event/meeting attendance requirement. We understand that this is a hobby and people have more important life events with work, family etc. going on. We meet monthly in Waterloo, New York (although sometimes less frequently during the winter). We develop a schedule of events in early spring every year so members can plan accordingly. We do strongly encourage participation in as many events as possible, especially those designated "maximum effort" events. Dues are to be paid yearly, the amount dependent on which category you wish to fall under: military, civilian, family. There are also event fees that must be paid for the events you wish to attend.
• Use your interest. If you have an immense interest in period Civil War medicine and could portray a surgeon that accompanied the regiment in the war, display your items of trade and talk to the public about what you would have done while with the regiment, we would love to hear from you!! If you are a musician and would love to perform in a regimental band, let us know!!! You are not confined to be either a civilian or soldier. Our goal again is to educate the public about the American Civil War and more specifically the 148th as a participant in it. We do ask that you revolve your impression around an actual person(s) of the regiment that was in the profession you wish to display. It should also be mentioned that there were no female soldiers enlisted in or uniformed military associated with the actual 148th NY. We encourage women to join our group, but we kindly ask not to be a uniformed soldier since none were ever documented to have been part of the actual regiment. Please see our civilian coordinator as to roles you can portray as part of the group.

Membership Dues

The following are the current membership dues:

• 1 year Military - $10
• 1 year Civilian - $5
• 1 year Family - $15

To begin the membership process, please complete the brief form on our Contact page, and a member of the unit will contact you shortly.

 

"The Dispatch" Newsletter

To learn more about what the 148th has done recently, download our newsletter and get to know us better.

January, 2012 : Volume 51, Issue 1
April, 2011 : Volume 50, Issue 1

 

It should be noted however that we are a not-for-profit group whose purpose is to educate the public on the American Civil War. We are not biased and do not wish for those who harbor anti-government feelings or racial tension to enlist in our organization.