7th New Jersey Company D
United States Volunteers
Dear Interested Recruit:
Hello and thank you for your interest in our unit. It is hoped that this information on this site will get you better acquainted with the hobby of Civil War reenacting, and the history of the 7th New Jersey. We are a family organization The 7th New Jersey participates in a number of activities including battle reenactments, living history programs and memorial services. Dues for the unit are $40.00 per year. This breaks down to $25.00 for dues and $15.00 for associate membership in the 2nd NJ Brigade. We are also a member of the 2nd United States Volunteers (USV) serving as the 11th Company
Site of the USV
The pastime of historical reenacting is one of the most exciting, rewarding and educational experiences a person can participate in. You actually "go back into time" to a by-gone era, when life was seemingly more romantic, and certainly was more colorful and simple than anything we know today.
Our Organization The Atlantic County Historical Reenactors.
The 7th Regiment New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, Company D, is a Civil War-era re-enactment unit based on an actual company originating in Atlantic County. As a (soon to be) non-profit organization, the unit is run off field much like a club or fraternal group. On a yearly basis, members elect a Board Of Directors. This governing body keeps the unit running: paperwork, finances, correspondence, event organization and registration, etc.
In the field, it becomes a common line company like those of the era, with an established chain of command consisting of company-grade officers (Captain, Lieutenant, 2nd Lieutenant), NCOs (Sergeants, Corporals), and Enlisted Men (Privates). As historical interpreters/living historians, we strive to behave in as military a manner as possible, especially in the presence of the general public.
We encourage families to join. Civilian impressions are not only welcome, but encouraged. They have their own leaders know as Coordinators. We try to plan events for civilians, as well as the military. This makes it enjoyable for the whole family to participate.
On the average, a reenactment season will last from mid-spring until late fall. In that time, the 7th NJ will participate in about one to two events per month. A battle reenactment always occurs over a weekend, with reenactors moving into the area usually on Friday evenings, and the event lasting until Sunday afternoon. The events of the 7th New Jersey almost always take place in N.J., PA, and DE., but others may occur from time to time. Battle reenactments are historical recreations of SCENARIOS from a battle, and never the entire battle itself. Military camps for Union and the Confederacy are set up, sometimes a civilian reenactor's camp, and sutlers, which sell original and reproduction Civil War-era goods, equipment and uniforms, food and other paraphernalia also appear in their own camps.
Besides doing reenactments, we may from time to time be invited to attend other events such as living histories, local parades, setup encampments or do period impressions and demonstrate the life and equipment of the common Union Soldier, and common civilians. Usually, these events are for schools, historical societies, churches, etc. You are encouraged to participate in as many events as you desire, depending upon your schedule. You may discover, however, that once you've "done" your first event, you may find it difficult to sit another one out.
Membership
The 7th NJ is a family-oriented organization, accepting both combatant, and non-combatant members both male and female. We only accept ages 16 (with parent permission) or older as combatants. To be eligible for membership, you need only to demonstrate an interest in the history of the American Civil War. You need not be an expert but should be willing to learn.