AboutJack Pickup Jr. Expertise I am currently a reenactor of both the American Civil War and World War II. I have been involved with other reenactments from many periods including Roman and the Middle Ages/Renaissance. I am quite well versed in all aspects of military history from the Ancient Period all the way up to World War II, especially regarding Military Engineering up to the period of the American Civil War. I am also a middle school social studies teacher.
Experience I have a degree in History and Education. I have been a teacher at the secondary level teaching all aspects of High School History. I have studied and travelled extensively both within the United States and overseas. I currently do presentations for local schools and teacher certification programs.
Organizations Confederate Corps of Engineers, Unit Commander:
First Confederate Brigade of Illinois, Chief Engineer:
Second Panzer Division, WWII Historical Reenactment Society:
MHEA, Military History Education Association
Publications Reenactor Magazine, Various articles
Education/Credentials Bachelors degree in History and Education from Elmhurst College in Illinois. Work on doctorate cut short by birth of my children (more work, less play!). Soon to be resumed, however.
Question hey can say a 11 year old start an reenacting club of say the third infantry division and if that doesn't work out could the kid join reenacting in Dallas Texas with blank firing weapons.
Answer Unfortunately, any reenactment organization (that follows the rules) won't allow a minor in until they are AT LEAST 16 years old. Most in my area say 18 - no exceptions. It is a dangerous hobby, and blank firing weapons are still dangerous (take the Bruce Lee family deaths for instance). Plus you're around actual WWII vehicles which are a hazard in and of themselves for sheer size, speed, and application. I hate to rain on parades, but the answer all around is probably no.
