History has a way of uniting people of different backgrounds under the banner of interest and curiosity.
Reenacting the American Civil War is a particularly unique hobby that has brought together people of all walks of life. Many Civil War reenactors began because they had an ancestor who fought in the war. Some started because they simply have a deep love of history and a desire to experience it in a new and engaging way. Others start reenacting because a very cute guy who invited them to a reenactment convinced them to try out a period hoop skirt, and the rest was history. While the motives and individuals may differ greatly, there has been a shared, and often unspoken, fear in the reenacting community of late: American Civil War reenacting is in decline, or at least, it was.
The Arizona Civil War Council has noticed a resurgence in attendance since our return to action from the depths of pandemic-related inactivity.
However, this attendance was not only from spectators, but from new members eager and ready to participate in the new season. If you take a look at the new recruits of the ACWC, as well as many in the ranks of other reenacting organizations, you might notice that they look a little on the young side. They are! Who are these new recruits who are reviving this hobby and keeping history alive? None other than Gen Z.
Generation Z refers to people born between 1997 and 2012. While there is much that can and has been said about this up and coming generation, the one point that the ACWC can make is that they are coming into reenacting with passion and curiosity.
There are many reasons for the boom in interest towards reenacting amongst Gen Z. This is a generation of top-notch cosplayers who are already familiar with building impressions and sparing no expense or creative asset to achieve the perfect look. This is also the generation who is bringing back classic aesthetics and materials with looks such as dark academia and cottage core.
What's more, Generation Z is fascinated by history. I can attest to this as a former 8th grade Language Arts teacher. My students were enraptured with history, and took any chance they could to incorporate it into classwork. I've also found Gen Z to be a generation capable of incredible fantasy and exploration. Therefore, it's no wonder that while other generations might be content to simply learn about history, Generation Z wants to experience it first hand.
What does this mean for the future of reenacting?
For starters, it means that TikTok and Instagram will likely be flooded with people showing off their impressions, campsites, and awesome reenacting locations, which will likely inspire others to join. It also means that more senior reenactors will need to be open-minded about the changes that this new generation of history-lovers might want to bring. Finally, it means that our hobby can, and will, survive. With that being said, I'd like to say welcome to all of our wonderful new Gen Z reenactors!
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