Answers to a Few Frequently Asked Questions

HOW MUCH WILL I HAVE TO SPEND?

Your basic uniform and equipment costs run between $1000 to $1500. But once you have your uniform and equipment, the cost is minimal.  It's much like golf.  Once you have the clubs the cost is reasonable.  A new member is given two years to get the basic uniform and equipment.  We understand that members do not have an unlimited supply of cash and therefore will need to acquire equipment over a period of time.  You can usually borrow what you need from the unit and unit members until you get the what you need.

WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT?

The internet is a good place to start! Internet Sutlers (Sutlers are dealers who sell to reenactors) and Sutlers who attend reenactment events usually have what you need to obtain and complete your uniform and other equipment needs.  We try to discourage members from making their own uniforms, as materials can be hard to find and exact patters hard to copy.  Ask another member before you buy.  We can usually save you time and money and direct you to where best to shop.

WHAT OTHER EXPENSES ARE THERE?

Yearly dues of $25 for Regular and $18 for Associate Members are due usually in January at the annual SPHRS business/unit meeting.  If you join after this date your dues will be prorated.  Your dues help pay for the website, equipment all members use, etc.

CAN ANY EXPENSES BE DEDUCTED FROM MY INCOME TAXES?

The SPHRS, Inc. is chartered as a non-profit corporation with the State of North Carolina and as such has tax exempt status with the IRS under 501 (c) 3.  Most of your expenses are tax deductible.  However, tax laws change, so check with an accountant or tax specialist.

HOW MANY EVENTS, MEETINGS, ETC. MUST I ATTEND TO BE A MEMBER?

There is no minimum participation requirement.  You come to as many or as few as you choose.  However, you will get most of our instruction on drill and use of arms at events, so you must attend some to learn the basics.

IS THIS A RACIST ORGANIZATION?

NO!  We will not tolerate anyone who is a member of any racist, White Supremacist, KKK, White Patriot Party, Nazi Party or like organization.  We are a family oriented organization interested only in preserving our Nation's rich heritage.

WHAT AGE DO YOU HAVE TO BE?

You must be 16 years old, or have a parent or legal guardian as a member.  You must be 16 to carry and fire a weapon.  Boys under 16 may be musicians, camp aides, etc.  While most of our members are from 25 to 45, we do have members who are over 50.  However, please know that reenacting requires periods of strenuous activity.  If you have any illness or physical condition that does not permit extreme physical exercise, you may be taking an unwarranted risk.

IN WHAT TYPES OF ACTIVITIES DOES THE UNIT PARTICIPATE?

Our main activities are battle reenactments.  However, we also appear in parades, gun shows, local festivals, living history programs and memorial services.  We are also active in many community events and projects.  We have participated in 125th, 130th & 145th Anniversary Events including Gettysburg, Nashville, Perrysville and Murfreesboro.  We also attend many local events such as Latta Plantation in Huntersville, NC, Hickory Landmark in Hickory, NC, Allison Woods in Statesville, NC,  the Brushy Mtn. Apple Festival and the Old Salem in NC and Seccessionville at Boone Hall Plantation in SC.

WHY DO YOU PORTRAY THE 49TH NC and 21st MASSACHUSETTS?

These units were representative of the average units that were in the field for North Carolina or fighting in our state.  Although it would be an honor to portray any NC unit, we have chosen the 49th NC Infantry Unit. This was an infantry unit in the Confederate Army that answered "the call" and did their duty with honor. When we "galvanize" and portray a Federal unit at an event, we are the 21st Massachusetts. We chose this unit of the Union Army because the 21st Massachusetts did come through and fight in and around New Bern, NC.