If you are interested in learning more about history first hand, then WE WANT YOU!

We are always looking for recruits that have an interest in The Civil War. You will find that we are a professional unit, and we strive to honor the memories of those in the original 79th.

Once you contact us, we will provide you with any information you need regarding the unit, and will let you know before your first event what you need to do, what to bring, etc. 

When you first come out to an event with us, we don't expect you to obtain all your gear right off. Usually, we do have loaner gear available, on a limited basis depending on the number of recruits, etc. 

 If you decide you want to join, we will assist you in buying the right uniforms and equipment, and we allow sufficient time for you to purchase what you need ( we ask that you not make any purchases without checking first, so you don't waste money on gear you can't use ).  You will be assigned to a Non-Commissioned Officer ( NCO ) for training. We stress safety first and foremost, and your trainer will help you learn the skills you will need to be a reenactor. 

 The 79th normally requires members to be 18 or older to carry a weapon, or if under 18 to have a parent or guardian present in the field with them. Also, the recruit must pass inspection by an NCO or designee. Those under 18 may also function as musicians ( drum or fife, etc ). Some events have rules about participants under 18, and each such situation will be handled on a case by case basis.  We do ask, in the case of those recruits under 18, that we speak to a parent or guardian before the potential recruit comes out to an event.

Our unit is a family, we are a close-knit group, but we welcome those who want to join.

We do have yearly dues, which currently are $10 for individuals and $15 for families. These funds are used for buying unit supplies, this website, and for other basic day to day operations of the unit.

 Every year, we gather for an annual meeting and set our schedule for the year. While we do not require members to attend a certain number of events, we do ask that you attend as many as you are able to, especially those designated as maximum effort/company events. We attend events close to home and far away, and we will organize carpools to far away events. In the past, we have attended reenactments in such places as Louisiana, Maryland, Pennsylvania and South Carolina, as well as reenactments around the area. We will give you plenty of notice about events so you can make plans. You will receive e-mail reminders, and the events for the year are all listed on this site.

Reenacting can be a strenuous hobby, and weather conditions can vary.  We do wear wool uniforms and carry several pounds of equipment and weapons. You will get rained on, you will be cold, and you will get hot at some events.  But you will also get to experience waking up to the smell of a campfire and seeing no modern intrusions. You will get to  fight at dawn in the woods and camp under the stars after a march. You will also make lifelong friends and have a really good time in the process.

If you are interested in the 79th New York and enjoy Civil War history, go to the Contact Us section and send us an e-mail. We'll be glad to assist you in joining our ranks.