We welcome new members and prior reenactors who are willing to meet our high but reasonable standards of performance and authenticity.
We pride ourselves in presenting the best impression we can, consistent with a working man's income, and with some care in selection of your uniform and gear, you can too.
WOMEN ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND
Some reenactment groups are designed to be for men only or may not be suited for women or children. Not so with the 8th Texas Cavalry. In the 8th our wives, daughters, sisters, and small children are a beloved part of our group and they are always welcome in camp and on the battlefield.
The ladies in the 8th Texas play a variety of roles. Some play the part of male soldiers. This is a difficult role to fill but our ladies do it very well. Not only do they ride and fight skillfully right alongside the men, but they do it all without letting their true identity be noticed by the spectators.
Always appreciated are those ladies who support the War effort by cooking up authentic Southern recipes from the Civil War period. Ears of corn roasted over the open fire, Dutch oven biscuits, have all become favorites for the 8th Cavalry. Ladies and men both take their turns cooking and doing the dishes but somehow, the ladies cooking always turns out better.
Most reenactments include a period correct Ball on Saturday nights where the ladies show off their finest Southern Bell hoop skirts and join the men in waltzes and reels. Yep, that's right ladies. These reenacting men actually dance and for the most part, act like real gentlemen. If your man doesn't know how to dance, don't worry... we'll teach him.
CHILDREN ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND
Want to know where your children are on the weekend? Bring them to a reenactment and they'll be spending the weekend with you. Children are welcome in our group. Reenacting is a great way to spend time with your children doing something really fun and learning together about real history. Just make sure they leave their electronic gadgets at home, for they will be busy having real fun.
Parents should be aware that a Civil War campground has lots of fire pits, lots of horses walking about, and lots of loud gun fire and cannon blasts. Children who are comfortable and safety conscious in this type of environment will have a great time in helping care for the horses, watching the battles, playing period games, dressing in the era and camping as a Civil War soldier.
Children are usually not allowed to carry a weapon until they are 16 years old and have been well trained.
If any of this sounds great then, email describing your interest and general background.
Jeff Thompson is the recruiting contact for the 8th Texas by email ohio7thcav@yahoo.com
