Welcome to the 69th New York!
The 69th New York was formed in 1995, as a member of the American Civil War Society Ltd.
We pride ourselves on portraying the brave soldiers of the 69th New York, who were mainly Irish immigrants, or of Irish heritage. The regiment suffered high casualties as they bravely fought for the Union in President Lincoln’s army. The men’s bravery was legendary on both sides— Gen Robert E Lee described the 69th as “The Fighting 69th”.
As a regiment the 69th NYSV attend all the ACWS Ltd events en masse, and we have our own social gatherings throughout the year. We consider ourselves to be very much a FAMILY regiment, our members are from all over the UK.
We are primarily an infantry regiment who dress as men and take the field as soldiers. You will find ACW re-enacting with us to be an exciting, rewarding and fulfilling hobby.
We feel all our members have a valuable and important role to play within the regiment. If you are interested in joining us we can train you, loan you kit to get you started, and give you advice and support on how to join, and obtain the kit and licenses you will need.
You can take part on the battlefield from the age of 14 in a non-combatant role, or from the age of 16 as an infantry man with either a de-activated musket, or a live-firer with the appropriate licenses.
Re-enacting is a great hobby, if you are prepared to abide the rules.
1) Are you prepared to live 140 years in the past for a few days at a time?
2) Are you and your family prepared to dress in period uniforms, and clothing?
3) Are your children prepared to leave their 21st century toys behind?
4) Will you participate in all aspects of military & camp life?
5) Will you abide by all the American Civil War Society Ltd’s rules and regulations on health and safety etc?
If the answer to all of these questions is yes, then you will make a good re-enactor.
Living in the past means keeping all modern conveniences out of sight, eating from period plates, wearing woollen uniforms, or period civilian clothing, sleeping in “A Frame” or “Shelter” tents. Clothing and equipment is quite readily available from “Sutlers” in the United Kingdom, or from America for reasonable prices. Some members even make their own clothes to correct period patterns, using correct cloth.
Children are very welcome in our regiment. If they wish they can join the drum and fife corps, and learn to play, which helps give them a sense of belonging to the society. We encourage the older children to look after, and play with the younger ones.
Tintype photograph taken of us at Tatton Old Hall, Tatton Park, Cheshire.
Those taking part on the field must take part in Company (regimental) and battalion (whole federal army) drill. The ACWS general rules are NO DRILL—NO BATTLE (unless you have authorized duties).
Almost all the cooking is done on the open fire at the head of the tent line, wood and water is needed in good supply to keep the fires going, wood needs to be chopped and stacked, and water buckets, and containers regularly refilled. Be prepared to take part in various scenarios such as mail call, pay parade, court martials, poker games, baseball matches, cooking, musical sessions – as well as giving talks to and answering questions from the general public.
Members are encouraged to start their own scenarios, and interests, from sewing circles, to singing groups, and to progressive re-enacting just with the basics. These scenarios provide entertainment of the visiting public, as well as being a lot of fun for those taking part.
Rules and regulations always seem a bore but they do serve a purpose, and should always be obeyed, they are their for the benefit and safety of all members.
Training in the use of handling weapons, is given to all new recruits before they are allowed to take part in a battle. Regular things such as fire drills occur to make sure everyone knows what to do in an emergency.
Once the public have left we enjoy a good social life. Many choose to sit round the campfire talking, singing & playing musical instruments, others organise games and activities.
Officers of the 114th Pennsylvania playing cards on camp
Uniform & equipment you will need
Essentials
Additional items you may need
Women’s clothing
Please click on the hyperlink below to our guidelines for civilian women, and children’s clothing. This resource has been written by one of our members, Georgina Robinson, with assistance from Val Holt, and Shaz Paul.
Joining information
To join the 69th New York, you will need to be a member of the American Civil War Society Ltd. Details on how to join are available on acws.co.uk/howtojoin
Annual fees are very reasonable:-
£30 Single membership.
£40 Couple / Adult + child over the age of 14 years.
£50 Family membership.
Members must be over the age of 14, as Junior membership is for under 14s.