FISHERS, Ind. (May 3, 2012) – Horses will charge and cannons will roar as reenactors from across the country bring the Civil War to life during Civil War Days on May 19 and 20 at Conner Prairie Interactive History Park, Indiana’s only Smithsonian affiliate. Guests of all ages can experience firsthand this tumultuous time as Conner Prairie’s historic areas are transformed into 1860s Union and Confederate camps for the weekend.
During the two-day event, guests can talk with President Abraham Lincoln, march in the infantry, discuss battle tactics with soldiers, explore Confederate and Union camps, assist doctors at a field hospital, view artillery and cavalry demonstrations and experience a battle between the North and South complete with cannons, horses and infantry each day at 2 p.m.
Guests can also participate in activities that include:
- Exploring telegraph equipment used to disseminate messages during the Civil War
- Speaking with a soldier from the 28th U.S. Colored Troops (offered each day at noon)
- Experiencing Civil War fashions
- Enjoying Civil War camp and parlor music
- And much more
Period sutlers (vendors) will also be on-site with everything from Civil War collectible items and uniforms to reenacting supplies and period-related books and toys.
Don’t forget to stop by 1863 Civil War Journey: Raid on Indiana. This nationally acclaimed, one-of-a-kind outdoor experience puts guests in the middle of General John Hunt Morgan’s cavalry raid on Indiana using a combination of technology and Conner Prairie interpreters dressed in authentic period costumes.
Conner Prairie offers free general admission to all past and present military and half-price general admission to immediate family members during the event. With participating sponsor Erie Insurance, Conner Prairie will present Civil War Days on May 19 and 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $14/adults, $13/seniors 65+, $9/youth (ages 2-12) and free for members and youth under age 2.
For more information, visit connerprairie.org, follow us on Twitter @ConnerPrairie or like us on Facebook.
Media Contact: Lynelle Mellady, Office: (317) 214-4732, Cell: (765) 977-3019, mellady@connerprairie.org
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Conner Prairie Interactive History Park, created by Eli Lilly in 1934, is Indiana’s only Smithsonian Affiliate and a nonprofit organization that relies on sponsorships, grants and philanthropic gifts for sustainability and future growth. 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 exhibits, 1863 Civil War Journey: Raid on Indiana and 1859 Balloon Voyage that takes guests 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. Visit connerprairie.org or call 317.776.6006 or 800.966.1836 for admission dates, hours, ticket prices and opportunities to donate. Connect with Conner Prairie on Facebook at facebook.com/connerprairie, Flickr at flickr.com/people/connerprairie, YouTube at youtube.com/user/ConnerPrairie and Twitter at twitter.com/connerprairie.