Civil War Days at Conner Prairie
Conner Prairie, one of the nation's finest living history museums, is currently accepting re-enactor registrations for its 2008 Civil War Days.
Register Online Now
New in 2008
- Civil War reenactor camps throughout the historic grounds
- Ball on Saturday evening with dance caller Sue Pfeiffer and Saxton's Cornet Band.
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 17; 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday, May 19; 11 am-5 pm
Arrival & Set-up
Check-in and set-up for registered participants begins Friday, May 16 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 17.
Registration Tent Check-in Hours
Friday, May 16: 1:30 pm to midnight
Saturday, May 17: 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 1, 2008 on an individual basis. 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. All registrations
must be received by April 20, 2008.
Amenities
The camp area is close to the main building, restrooms and the museum's historic areas. Firewood, water
and straw are provided. One complimentary admission ticket to the museum will be provided to each registered
participant. Additional admission tickets are available for purchase on the day of the event.
Each registered participant will receive tickets good for $10 in food at the Conner Prairie Food Service Tent.
This food service will be provided Saturday from 11 am to 6:30 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm.
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—8 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 18, 2008.
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.
Click here to find directions to Conner Prairie.