Civil War Days
May 18 & 19, 2013
Included with paid general admission
Free for members and youth under two
Get ready for Confederate and Union camps to take over Conner Prairie! Visit with everyday men and women to immerse yourself in what life was like on the Hoosier homefront during wartime. You'll discover the state of medicine, weapons, war technology, and embalming as it existed during the Civil War. Meet Abraham Lincoln throughout the day. Witness a thrilling battle reenactment each day at 2 p.m.
Special programming Saturday, May 18 only: Close the day with the patriotic sounds of the 38th Infantry National Guard Band in concert at 4 p.m.
Weekend Schedule
There is a lot to see and do during Civil War Days! Some activities and demonstrations take place at certain times of the day. View the complete schedule of events and activities to plan your weekend
Reenactors
Civil War Days Reenactor registration is open.
Reenactors: Please visit the Reenactors page for the information you need for Civil War Days Weekend.
Weekend Events and Activities
Battle Re-enactment
Grab a prime viewing spot so you can get close to the action as soldiers on horseback and on foot fight to the end at 2 p.m. each day.
1863 Prairietown
For this weekend only, 1836 Prairietown has become 1863 Prairietown. Visit Prairietown 27 years later to experience what life was like in an Indiana town during the Civil War. Meet the next generation of Campbells, Barkers, and Curtis's, as well as some of the new inhabitants of Prairietown and discover how the war is dividing this community. Assist Dolly Crawford, an aspiring nurse, with helping wounded soldiers. Help organize supplies and care packages to send to soldiers fighting in the War. Take part in a public reading of the Emancipation Proclamation.
Camp Paxton: 4th Virginia Infantry "Stonewall's Brigade"
Receive your civilian pass and see what it was like to be on the march. Find hardtack and rations in the commissary and participate in arms drills.
BANG! Rifle Shooting
Guests can fire a Civil War-era reproduction rifle. Additional fees apply.
Cannon Firing & School of the Piece
Feel the boom of a Civil War-era cannon firing and learn about the intricacies of Civil War artillery and the skill it took to work them.
Camp Life Presentations
Tour Union and Confederate camps and discover what life was like for soldiers during the Civil War.
Civil War Music
Dance and sing along to some classic Civil War tunes.
Embalming
Learn about the practice of embalming and its importance in the Civil War.
Gen. Lew Wallace
Explore Civil War military strategies and tactics with General Lew Wallace.
Infantry Drills
See how an army prepared for battle by watching soldiers practice their drills.
Surgery Demonstration and Field Hospital Tour
Take a tour of a Civil War-era field hospital, witness what surgery in the mid-1800's was like and discover the innovations in medicine that impacted this time.
Civil War Crafts
Create Lincoln Pins and Thaumatropes in Craft Corner and whirligigs at the Special Events Cabin in Prairietown.
38th Infantry National Guard Band Concert
Saturday only at 4pm
Enjoy a concert of patriotic music and other favorites with the 38th Infantry National Guard Band.
Abraham Lincoln
Enjoy a live presentation with Abraham Lincoln himself as he shares with you facts about his presidency and what it was like leading the country during this tumultuous time.
Storyteller's Drum
Hear about the important role Colored Troops played during the Civil War and hear first-hand accounts of what the war was like from their perspective.