FISHERS, Ind. (July 1, 2009) – Conner Prairie Interactive History Park, Indiana’s only Smithsonian affiliate, is celebrating the Fourth of July in 19th century style as guests join residents of Prairietown to celebrate the nation’s independence the way it was done in 1836. On July 3, 4 and 5, guests can help decorate Prairietown, march in the parade and take part in a patriotic ceremony during Glorious Fourth at Conner Prairie. 

Conner Prairie will showcase how Americans celebrated our country’s freedom more than 170 years ago. At that time, July Fourth was the most celebrated holiday of the year, along with George Washington’s birthday. During the festival, guests can participate in a reading of the Declaration of Independence, join the militia muster and ceremony in Prairietown and take part in the presentation of the flag and recognition of war veterans. As a way to honor the nation’s veterans, Conner Prairie is offering a military discount during Glorious Fourth. Admission is free for all past and present military personnel and half price for immediate family members.

Guests will also experience historical pastimes with a patriotic twist. Historic baseball, sack races, croquet and watermelon seed spitting contests are just a few of the family fun events. New this year, guests can soar above it all aboard the 1859 Balloon Voyage and watch July Fourth celebrations from 350 feet in the air, for an additional fee. The balloon will also operate during Stars and Stripes Marsh Symphony on the Prairie performances, July 2-4. Also new this year, traditional warm apple dumplings will be available at Conner Prairie’s new Café on the Common.

Glorious Fourth, July 3-5, schedule of events:
11 a.m.             White River Guard militia drills
12 – 1 p.m.        Barbershop Quartet
1 – 1:30 p.m.    Patriotic ceremony with reading of the Declaration of Independence, veteran’s recognition, patriotic songs, flag presentation and militia muster
1:30 – 2 p.m.        Barbershop Quartet
1:45 p.m.        Small paper balloon launching
1:45 p.m.         Star Spangled Banner and Pledge of Allegiance
3 – 5 p.m.         Historic baseball
3:30 p.m.        Shape Note Singing (Sat. & Sun. only)
4:30 p.m.         White River Guard militia drills

Glorious Fourth festivities are free with Conner Prairie general admission. Hours are Friday and Saturday, July 3 and 4, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Sunday, July 5, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. For additional information about these events, please visit connerprairie.org.

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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, 1859 Balloon Voyage. This exhibit 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.

Media Contact: Angela Tuell, Public Relations Manager
(office) 317.214.4732, (cell) 410.430.9518, Tuell@connerprairie.org