Conner Prairie to host one of the largest battle re-enactments in the Midwest

5/12/2009

Nearly 1,000 re-enactors to take part in Civil War Days

FISHERS, Ind. (May 12, 2009) – Conner Prairie Interactive History Park, Indiana’s only Smithsonian affiliate, will transform into a Civil War experience May 16 & 17. Civil War re-enactors from across the country will bring the 1860s to life, allowing Conner Prairie’s guests to speak with President Abraham Lincoln, march in the infantry, discuss battle tactics with soldiers, sit around their campfires and witness a battle complete with cannons, horses and guns.

As one of the largest battle re-enactments in the Midwest, Conner Prairie’s historic areas will become Union and Confederate Camps, the field will be made into a battleground and the woods will be converted into ideal hiding spots for soldiers. Guests can cheer on a game of historic baseball or try Civil War era food. Sutlers (vendors) will also set up shop, selling authentic Civil War uniforms, period civilian clothing, re-enacting supplies and period-related books and toys.

“Civil War Days is a wonderful time to take part in just one of Conner Prairie’s many immersive experiences where we recreate history for our guests,” says Ellen M. Rosenthal, Conner Prairie president & CEO. “This year we are thrilled to have a record number of re-enactors and it promises to be a very exciting and educational weekend.”

New for this year, the St. Paul Volunteer Soldiers’ Aid Society will highlight the interesting roles and activities of women during the Civil War. The roles of women during the Civil War went far beyond that of maid or cook; they provided goods, service and support to the soldiers fighting the battles. Conner Prairie guests will take part in activities of typical Aid Societies of that period, by soliciting contributions, collecting supplies and distributing food and clothing to soldiers.

Dave Downing, general manager of public radio station WLNZ in Lansing, Mich., will serve as this year’s battle narrator. “Once you see a re-enactment, you’ll never read history the same again,” says Downing. “When you pull on the wool uniform and do the marching and drills in the summer heat, you get an idea of what it was like.”

The weekend’s events will culminate Sunday afternoon, May 17, at 4 p.m. for an evening with President Lincoln. This program will be led by Richard Fritz Klein, one of the nation’s foremost Lincoln actors and is part of Conner Prairie’s new adult lecture series that brings nationally-acclaimed historians, authors and scientists to discuss historical topics in a contemporary context.

Civil War Days activities are free with Conner Prairie general admission. General admission is $12 for adults, $11 for seniors 65+, $8 for youth (ages two -12) and free for members and youth under two. The adult lecture series is free for members and an additional $10 for non-members.

Civil War Days Schedule

Saturday, May 16
10 a.m. Artillery Drill—watch as the members of the artillery units demonstrate the steps that are required to load and fire a cannon.
11 a.m. Meet Abraham Lincoln—Fritz Klein presents the program “Portrait of a President” where he will discuss Lincoln’s life, presidency and the Civil War, and take questions from guests; and Infantry Drill—guests will be able to observe the infantries of both armies as they perform their daily drill exercises.
11:30 a.m. Cavalry Demonstration/Drill—members of both cavalries will demonstrate the tactics and techniques that made the cavalry a unique and highly effective part of the Civil War era military.
12:30 p.m. Historic Base Ball Game—cheer on Conner Prairie’s historic baseball team.
1 p.m. Meet the Infantry—guests will talk with Civil War re-enactors out of character and ask questions not only about history, but also about re-enacting; Ladies tea—learn about the origins of the “Victorian Tea” and see how a formal party was held during the Civil War era; and Saxton’s Cornet Band—Saxton’s is one of the finest historic brass bands in the nation.
2 p.m. Battle
3 p.m. Meet Abraham Lincoln
4 p.m. Meet the Cavalry; and Saxton’s Cavalry Band

Sunday, May 17
11 a.m. Artillery Drill
12 p.m. Infantry Drill
12:30 p.m. Cavalry Demonstration/Drill; Historic Base Ball Game
1 p.m. Ladies Tea; Saxton’s Cornet Band
2 p.m. Battle
3 p.m. Meet Abraham Lincoln
4 p.m. Meet the Infantry

*Recruiting and Drilling: Throughout the day, guests can enlist in the army to preserve the Union. Once enlisted, the recruiter will teach them the basics of marching and drilling with a riffle.

Conner Prairie interactive history park, created by Eli Lilly in 1934, is Indiana’s only Smithsonian affiliate. Families of today engage, explore and discover what it was like to live and play in Indiana’s past. Explore five themed historic areas on 200 beautiful, wooded acres including the newest exhibit, opening June 6, 2009. 1859 Balloon Voyage educates guests about Indiana’s aviation history and culminates with a voyage 350 feet above the prairie in a tethered helium balloon. Every visit is a unique adventure that provides an authentic look into the history that shapes us today. Admission to Conner Prairie: $12 adult, $11 senior, $8 youth ages 2-12, free for members. For more information about Conner Prairie visit www.connerprairie.org or call 317.776.6006 or 800.966.1836.