The 107th Infantry (recreated) has been reenacting WWI for over 30 years. Eric Rihl is unit person of contact for membership information.
The main focus of the unit is the two WWI reenactments sponsored by the Great War Association each year in April and November. The GWA now owns the site making them the only reenacting organization with complete control of their own event site. The 60 plus acre site is located in Newville, Pa and has an extensive trench system (site map) complete with bunkers, gun emplacements and barbed wire entanglements. These events attract Great War reenactors from all over the US, Canada and on several occasions, Europe. The events include 12 to 24 hour scenarios and take place rain or shine.
Individual members of the unit also participate in parades, public displays and living history events throughout the year.
MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
The 107th not an easy unit to join. Their standards of authenticity must be met before an individual is permitted into the trenches. This includes the correct uniform, equipment and weapon before an individual is considered for membership.
Authenticity requirements are listed under the Uniform and Equipment List page of this site. The correct uniforms and equipment are well researched and documented on this, and other sites and all items are readily available as original or reproduction so there is no reason not to have the correct appearance. The unit does not have items to loan.
The financial committment is large even for the minimum set of uniforms and equipment. It can easily run between $750 to $1000 dollars. There is an initiation fee and the unit collects yearly dues. Most of our funds go toward trench construction. These are in addition to the dues and event fees collected by the GWA.
Prospective members must be at least 21 years of age and in reasonable physical condition*. The unit also strictly enforces regulations regarding haircuts and facial hair. There is an extensive screening process that includes references from unit commanders of any other reenacting units you may have belonged to. New recruits serve a one year probationary period before being accepted for membership. They need to be sure that there is a good "fit" between you and the unit. Once approved by the authenticity officer you must be sponsored by a unit member. Members are also encouraged to participate in an occasional work weekend at the Newville site. Reenactors of other periods need to know that Great War reenacting is not a family oriented activity. Please do not ask for exceptions to these requirements.
* NOTE: SORRY GUYS, BUT TO BE BLUNT ABOUT IT THIS MEANS YOU NEED A WAIST AND LOOK LIKE YOU BELONG IN A UNIFORM.
MEET SOME OF THE ROUGHNECKS
CONTACT US ABOUT JOINING
