Membership

1862 17th Michigan Recruiting Poster

Today's 17th is made up of men and women from all walks of life that share a common interest in the history of the American Civil War and wish to share this interest with the public by re-enacting and/or performing first person impression of a Union soldier, civilian, or a politician of the period.

Membership Requirements

17th Members strive to be as authentic as possible in their appearance before the public whether in uniform or civilian attire. This requires the member to acquire all the accouterments (i.e. coats, pants, dresses, shoes, hats, etc.) necessary for a proper impression. New members are expected to obtain the minimum of the necessary items to portray a proper impression within a year. Due to the cost of the necessary items, members are allowed to acquire the balance of their cloths and equipment over time.

However, before you start obtaining the “necessary items,” you should know that all prospective members must:

• Be at least eighteen (18) years old.
• Be of good moral character.
• Not be a convicted felon.
• Agree to abide by the laws, rules and  regulations governing the corporation.
• Agree to present a historically accurate impression of an infantry soldier or civilian of the 1860’s.
• Must be a male to do a military impression. (There is no documentation of a woman serving in the military ranks of the 17th Michigan regiment).

Note: Those men who choose a military impression must also agree to follow the 17th's Military Methods & Procedures and Behavior Guidelines.

    To view the 17th's Military Methods & Procedures and Behavior Guidelines:    MM&P and BG

To access a list of the “necessary items,” Choose below:

Military Items                     Civilian Items

To qualify for 17th Membership, the prospective member must:

• Agree to abide by the laws, rules and regulations governing the corporation.
• Attend all the safety classes required of the membership.
• Agree to obtain the initial period cloths and equipment required for a proper 1860’s impression.
• Attend New Member orientation classes/drills.
• Submit an Application for Membership with $25.00 (annual membership dues) to the 17th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment Company E, Inc.

In addition to the above, the perspective member should consider either being a Re-enactor,  a Living Historian, or a combination of the two.

Re-enactor or Historian

If you are interested in becoming a member, or have questions about the the 17th Michigan, please complete a 17th Michigan Membership Application, or Information Request form.

Membership Application

Information Request

Note:  You are under no obligation whichever document you complete.  They just give us an opportunity to know a little about your interests in the Civil War, and how best to contact you.

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