DECIDING WHAT TO DO...

We suggest you check us out by showing up at a training weekend or sitting around the campfire after a reenactment day and get to know us as individuals. The living history field will look mind-boggling at first but its really not too bad once you dive in.  We want you to feel comfortable and not make a rash decision that you regret later.  We also want you to experience the many reasons we are involved.   Without taking the plunge in some way, its hard to describe to the potential recruit just what is in store for you when you become a member.  Since the living history field is expensive initially we do have some loaner gear to help you fit in and get a good experience.  Most people do not acquire all their equipment right away. Upon gathering your equipment together you need not buy more.

Once you decide to join us our friendly members will be a storehouse of information, patterns for sewing and sources for borrowing.  If you should be tempted to head for the sutler area we warn you to go prepared with a list and a mentor to advise you on purchases.  Make sure your advisor knows what he/she is talking about.  ALL sutlers are in the business of making money so we advise caution!  Ask LOTS of questions about documentation!

If you plan to be a mounted cavalryman our members can help you in training your horse to the cavalry service.  We will alert you to what is required as a horseman and what are good safety practices on the battlefield and in camp.  Before you ride on the battlefield you must take a horsemanship test on the horse you will be using.

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OK, I'M INTERESTED, NOW HOW DO I JOIN AND WHAT DO I FILL OUT?

Yearly membership dues to join the 9th Virginia Cavalry are $15 per household. Soldiers must pay an additional $4 fee for their drill book. Every member must have a membership form with the liability release signed on the back. These forms should be turned into the captain of our unit along with the fees. The dues entitle you to a newsletter and, if you are an active member, the right to vote in unit elections. You will also be given a copy of our bylaws and a list of current members including a mentor to help you with any questions.

9TH VIRGINIA MEMBERSHIP FORM in PDF

BYLAWS OF THE 9TH VIRGINIA in PDF

HORSEMANSHIP TEST in PDF

You also must join our umbrella organization, the Northwest Civil War Council if you intend to take part in public battle reenactments within the state. This organization plans and produces the events, handles event liability insurance, safety and looks out for our best interests. It costs $15 for an individual or $30 for a family. There is no charge to attend the reenactments in Oregon if you are an NCWC member and you also get a newsletter with schedules and informative articles each month.

NCWC MEMBERSHIP FORM in PDF

REENACTING CHOICES YOU CAN MAKE:

If you wish to reenact as a soldier you have two choices;

• Our dismounted section if you won't be using a horse.
• Our mounted section if you will be using your horse.

If your family wishes to be involved they also have choices;

• Anyone 14 years or older may become a soldier. Minors must have a sponsor or parent involved.
• Any person may join the refugee camp as a civilian in any likely 1863 civilian character.
• Women may portray soldiers.  They must be able to produce a convincing male image in camp at a conversation distance and be dedicated to it's presentation.   Some women may not be able to do the job we require for historical accuracy and others may object to the rough talk and workload, this is not for everyone. We have two women soldier members at this time.

See what we expect of our soldiers who are women

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