The 24^th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Inc. was formed as a Civil War reenactment group dedicated to the preservation of the regiment's proud history through authentic living history encampments and battle reenactments. Guidelines have been established to govern the manner in which members accurately portray the soldiers of the Civil War era. These guidelines list participant age restrictions and requirements for clothing, equipment and weapons. Reenacting is an activity dealing with explosives; therefore, safety is a prime concern. All 24^th members are instructed in the constant safe handling of weapons and ammunition. Young men under the age of 15 are not allowed to handle a musket. Instead, we encourage them to become drummers or messengers.

The 24^th is a founding member of the Iron Brigade/Black Hat Battalion, which is an association of Civil War reenactors from primarily Midwestern states. Together, we have banded together to honor the brave soldiers of the original Iron Brigade. In order to have a greater voice at events we have also joined with the Cumberland Guard.

The 24^th Michigan is primarily a military unit, but is also family oriented. Other reenactors can portray civilians, nurses, carpetbaggers or relief workers. Ladies will often have activities such as teas, socials, period fashion shows, etc. The ladies have done excellent portrayals of the Sanitary Commission in the past.

One does not have to be a native of Michigan to participate. We have members in many states of the union and in England as well.

During the reenactment season, roughly from May to October, we attend one or two events every month in Michigan, neighboring states, or at special events in the eastern US (i.e. Gettysburg, Antietam, Shiloh, etc.). These events range from small to large and number from 10 to 10,000 plus. These events are often encampments, parades and memorial services throughout the year. Drills are held during the winter months to maintain our skill level in marching and other duties performed by the Federal soldier.

Usually, after arriving on site and setting up camp, the unit participates with other reenacting groups in performing Civil War military drill, musket firing demonstrations and scripted battles for the public depending on the number of Union and Confederate troops participating. Occasionally, we will participate in non-spectator tacticals, which are umpired by the Michigan National Guard.

Some of the events we attend have preset schedules of activities to follow, while some are very laid back. The sponsors of these events will often supply free meals, firewood, drinking water and straw for bedding. Members are welcome to sleep in modern facilities such as campers in a separate designated area, but soldiers are encouraged to stay with the military encampment.

Although there is an official schedule for the year, members are free to attend as many events as their busy schedules may allow. We all have obligations and understand if you cannot make it to an event.

The 24^th Michigan did not appear in every battle of the Civil War so we are often called upon to portray other regiments from the western or eastern theaters. This is often just a slight change in the uniform such as wearing a forage cap instead of the tall black Hardee hat.

For one to three events per year we will portray Confederates. We chose the 26^th North Carolina due to the 24^th stand against them in the Battle of Gettysburg, and they in turn portray the 24^th when they portray Union troops. Further, Confederate portrayals are not required of members, and those that desire to appear as a Federal are not forced to go gray. Other Federal units will accept our members in their ranks.