Why Join The Acton Minutemen?
If you have an interest in the Revolutionary War, and would like to learn more about the history of Acton and its contribution to
the events of April 19th, 1775, you should consider joining our outfit. Many of our members are parents with children who
also participate with us. We march in parades and participate in ceremonies, town events in Acton, Boxborough, and many
other Massachusetts towns, and participate in battle re-enactments all over the northeast.

The truth is, many organizations such as ours, whether it be veterans organizations, Minuteman or militia reenactment
groups, or civic organizations such as the Aleppos, Lions, or Elks, have had declining numbers in recent years. Perhaps it
is because modern society offers us more options as far as how our time is spent, and even requires that more and more
time be devoted to personal activities or down-time. We have TV, video games, work-at-home jobs, movies, the internet, and
a host of other activities that, in the end, pull us away from interacting with groups and other people. What ends up
happening is that a sense of community slowly fades away and people become somewhat disconnected from the town they
live in and the people they live near.

The Acton Minutemen, when we turn out for an event, have a truly great time doing what we do. When in parades, we wear  
the Acton uniform, complete with rust-colored weskit (from the word waistcoat). Some of us carry a flag, some carry a
musket, and others play a fife or a drum. We have boys and girls in uniforms, either playing an instrument or carrying a toy
musket. We have women in period dress acting as camp followers, and we are open to a woman portraying a Minuteman,
although we have none at this time. In short, there is a place for everyone in our organization. We strive to be inclusive,
rather than exclusive. Joining the Acton Minutemen definitely enhances that sense of community that is so hard to find these
days.
What equipment would I Need to buy in Order to Join?

We truly enjoy portraying the original heroes of the American Revolution known as
the Acton Minutemen, and we invite you to come see what we're all about. We hold
our monthly meeting on the first Monday of the month at the Haartz Auto Fabric
facility on Hayward Road in Acton (in the building way out back). Come Join us!
Acton Minutemen homepage


You really don't need any equipment at all to join our group. Volunteers are needed to do behind-the-scenes functions, such
as planning, organizing, and recruitment tasks. In addition, we also need people to participate in parades, ceremonies, and
other events. In order to take part in these activities, you would need a white dress shirt,                      black shoes,
and black pants with white knee socks to start. Initially, we could supply you with a weskit                (from the word "waistcoat",
a kind of vest worn in the 1700's), a tricorn hat,                       and other clothing items that can be lent to new members until
they are able to acquire them on their own.



A weapon is not required, nor is a musical instrument, but since we are a
group that portrays musketmen and musicians, the acquisition of one or
more of these items is naturally encouraged. We can direct you to all manner
of suppliers for period clothing, weaponry, instruments, and sundries, ranging
in cost from inexpensive to very expensive, depending on the level of quality and
authenticity you are comfortable with.



                                                     For the most part, one could be reasonably outfitted for around $150, or extremely
                                                     well equipped for about $1200 and up (muskets and musical instruments tend to
                                                     be expensive). Check out our links to sutlers and suppliers page for places to acquire                 
                                                      some of these items.



We can supply you with training in the use and safety of the musket, and we have people who can teach you how to play the
fife and drum. You may have to pay for the music lessons, but the costs are not unreasonable. Generally, learning the fife or
drum requires a weekly commitment to really be effective.
         So come join us, and make yourself a part of the past!  
                                  We'd love to talk to you about joining our group!

                                   Go to our contact page to find out how to reach us.