Civil War Days at Conner Prairie
Re-enactor Information
Event: Saturday, May 16 & Sunday, May 17, 2009
Reenactor registration has closed for 2009.
New in 2009
Ladies Aide Societies Support the War Effort
Stop by and visit with the ladies of St. Paul Soldiers Aide Society as they collect crates of canned goods, piles of blankets and bags of coffee for soldiers. Ask about the new-fangled Wilson and Wheeler sewing machine being used to sew button holes. Help roll yarn, cut fabric or fill envelopes with powder.
Reenactment Mission Statement
The American Civil War defined the meaning and evolution of the United States. Over the course of the four year conflict, hundreds of thousands of men were killed or wounded, while millions of Americans suffered dramatic personal and economic hardships and loss.
The Civil War Event will help tell these national and regional stories to our guests. Civil War reenactors, living history, battle reenactments, museum theater, music, displays, shopping opportunities and interactive experiences throughout the museum will engage our guests in the life and struggles of this significant time period.
Program
The event will feature:
- Authentic military camps
- Scripted battle on Saturday and Sunday
- Union and Confederate military drills and demonstrations
- Sutlers
- Fritz Klein as Abraham Lincoln
- Saxton's Cornet Band
Program details and additions will be posted as they are confirmed. Check back frequently to view the updated schedule.
Questions?
Contact Dan Schoeneberg or Jim Willaert at 317.776.6000 or civilwar@connerprairie.org
Event
Civil War Days will be open to the public on:
- Saturday, May 16; 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday, May 17; 11 am-5 pm
Arrival & Set-up
Check-in and set-up for registered participants begins Friday, May 15 at 1:30 pm. Due to heavy traffic earlier in the day, all participants should arrive and register at or after the above mentioned time. The registration tent will not open until 1:30 pm. After checking in, you may drive to your camp for set-up, but all cars must be moved to the parking lot by 9 am on Saturday, May 16.
Registration Tent Check-in Hours
- Friday, May 15: 1:30 pm to midnight
- Saturday, May 16: 6 to 10 am (after 10 am Saturday, check-in at the Museum Center Great Hall)
If you arrive after midnight on Friday, check-in at the registration tent after 6 am on Saturday morning.
Registration
Registration is available on-line beginning February 2, 2009. Registration will be accepted by unit. Confirmation letters will be sent via e-mail whenever possible. Dependents under age 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian and be included on the guardian’s registration. Reenactor registration has closed for 2009.
Amenities
In 2009, Companies will be able to choose to either participate in a rations issue, or to receive $10 per person in food tickets. Please indicate your company choice by checking the appropriate box on the registration form. Please note: this selection must be made at the company level. All company members will receive the item selected.
Sutlers & Food Vendors
Food is available for purchase at Conner Prairie's restaurants and on-site food vendors.
Civil War period sutlers will be on-site during event hours.
Saturday Evening Dance
A dance for re-enactors and participants will be held on Saturday evening. Saxton's Cornet Band will provide music.
Bounties
A limited number of bounties are available for this event:
- Artillery—6 guns—$250/gun
- Cavalry—24 horses—$50/horse
- Infantry/Medical—25 units—$30/unit
Bounties will be awarded based on date of registration.
Units must participate in both days' battles to qualify for bounty.
Infantry units must field at least 15 soldiers for each battle to qualify for the bounty.
Bounties will be paid after the battle on Sunday, May 17, 2009.
Rules and Policies
Event guidelines are in place to ensure the safety of the re-enactors, staff and visitors. Signing the registration form indicates your agreement to abide by these rules and policies.
Download PDF of Rules and Policies
Emergency Contact
If a reenactor needs to be contacted in case of emergency, please call Conner Prairie at (317) 776-6000. Tell the operator that you have an emergency, and the name and unit of the reenactor you need to speak to. We will take your name and telephone number, locate the reenactor and have them call you back as quickly as possible.
Lodging—Hotels & Campgrounds
Modern camping is not available at Conner Prairie.
Modern accommodations are available at these nearby hotels and campgrounds.
Hampton Inn North
12197 N. Meridian St
Carmel, IN
317.843.1100
Holiday Inn
9780 North by Northeast Blvd.
Indianapolis, IN
317.578.9000
Holiday Inn Express
9790 North by Northeast Blvd.
Indianapolis, IN
317.578.2000
White River Campground (Hamilton County Parks & Recreation)
11299 E. 234th St
Cicero, IN 46034
317.984.2705
Location & Directions
Conner Prairie is located northeast of Indianapolis in Fishers, IN just six miles north of I-465.
