Indiana's Civil War 150th Commemoration Calendar of EVENTS
- This is the Indiana 2011 Civil War Sesquicentennial Commemoration calendar of events. Submit an event here.
- Also see recurring events and our travelling exhibits pages
Listed events are not endorsed by the Indiana Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee, any state agency or organization involved with the Indiana Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee.
April
From Underground Railroad to Sundown Towns Gallery Talk
April 2, 2pm - Center for History, 808 W. Washington St., South Bend, IN
General museum admission applies
James Loewen, Ph.D., will present this gallery talk in conjunction with the exhibit Liberty on the Border, on view through May 8. Many Indiana and Michigan towns aided fugitive slaves prior to and during the Civil War, but between 1890 and 1930, there was a steady disappearance of African Americans residing in those states' rural areas. In his talk, Dr. Loewen explains how once abolitionist-minded communities gradually began to refuse the basic rights of African American citizens. Following his talk, Dr. Loewen will also sign copies of his books.
Connersville Middle School Remembers
April 8 - Elmhurst, St. Rd. 121, Connersville, IN
765-825-1139, ext 182
The Connersville Middle School, 7th and 8th grade, is commemorating the Sesquicentennial by hosting an encampment. Students will tour the grounds and take part in interactive sessions. We currently have one northern and one southern reenactment group coming. If you are a civilwar group or enthusiast who would like to join the day, please contact Mrs. Newton - Media Specialist, Connersville Middle School
Disunion! The War Begins
April 12 (8pm) - Lanier Mansion State Historic Site, 601 West 1st. St., Madison, IN
812-273-0556
Program to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the firing on Fort Sumter, the start of the Civil War. One hundred and fifty luminaries will be placed on the grounds of the Lanier Mansion. A commemoration ceremony will be held at the Jefferson County Civil War Memorial located on the Lanier/Madison Visitor Center Plaza across Vine Street from the mansion. The ceremony will include short readings from contemporary newspapers, diaries and letters describing the start of the Civil War. Civil War period music will be performed between the readings.
18th National Conference of the Society of Civil War SurgeonsApril 1-3, Williamsburg, VA
May
Civil War DaysMay 21-22, Conner Prairie Interactive History Park - Indianapolis, IN
One weekend only, Conner Prairie transforms into a Civil War battleground. Watch eyes grow wide when horses charge and cannons roar as reenactors from across the country bring an 1860’s battle to life again. Young and old can learn firsthand what the Civil War was about from Union and Confederate soldiers.
1st Annual Civil War Days
May 28-30, Spring Mill State Park - Mitchell, IN
Take part in the first annual Spring Mill Civil War Days, featuring: children's activities, a Ball (Sat. evening), Ladies Tea, Memorial Service, re-enactors, and much more! If you’re lucky you might catch a speech by Gov. Oliver Morton, the man who led Indiana during the Civil War, Mrs. Stonewall Jackson, wife of the famous general, Clara Barton, Civil War nurse and organizer of the American Red Cross, or another historic figure.
June
1863 Civil War Journey: Raid on Indiana (Grand Opening)
June 4, Conner Prairie Interactive History Park - Indianapolis, IN
Be the first to explore Conner Prairie's incredible one-of-a-kind new outdoor experience that puts you right in the middle of a dramatic moment in Indiana during the Civil War. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War. Through theatrical wizardry, including video, sound, staging and actors dressed in authentic period costumes, you will be drawn into the true story of General John Hunt Morgan's cavalry raid on Indiana and its impact on families and communities.
North South Skirmish Association Firearm Demonstration
June 11 (5 pm), SR 62/Maxine Moss Drive - Friendship, IN
Come Join the NMLRA and N-SSA on June 11 as the NMLRA kick off their National Spring Championship Shoot as well as The N-SSA help Celebrate the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War an event that helped shape our country. Come watch and enjoy competitors from all around compete with blackpowder firearms and watch as Union and Confederate Units from the North-South Skirmish Association provide a demostration of firearms used in the Civil.
Civil War DaysJune 11-12, Billie Creek Village - Rockville, IN
Lanier DaysJune 18-19 - Lanier Mansion, Madison, IN
Enjoy a weekend of Civil War encampment, historic trades fair, local history talks, musical performances and re-enactors, children’s building apprentice station and old toys.
North South Skirmish Association Regional SkirmishJune 24-26 - 4417 N. Coonhunters Rd, Batesville, IN
The North South Skirmish Association has been around since 1950 preserving the heritage of the Civil War. This is a shooting competition event in which team who represents an actual unit that fought in the Civil War competes with firearms from the era in both precision shooting and team events. This is a interesting and a must event for the Civil War enthusiast. Come celebrate this sesquicentennial celebration of Indiana's involvement in this historical event.
Civil War Weekend
June 25-26 - LaPorte County Historical Society Museum, LaPorte, IN
Come and wander through camp to see demos of camp life, gun use and care, cooking over an open fire, handcrafts, soldiers' uniforms, loading and firing of cannon, skirmishes between the North and the South and more! No charge for outside demonstrations. Reduced admission to museum building for the day.
Hesston Civil War Railroad DaysJune 26-27 - Hesston Steam Museum, LaPorte, IN
Witness the North and South battling for control of the Flying Dutchman railroad and the Union army payroll being transported on your train. Ride back in time to the days when controlling the railroad means winning the war. Experience living history and tour the Union and Confederate camps.
July
Whitewater Valley Railraod Excursion: American LimitedJuly 4, Connersville, IN
Looking to relive a bit of the Civil War? Come along and take a trip back in time with us. Be in the middle of the action as an Union Army detachment protects the US Government Payroll. While along the line a relentless group of Confederate soldiers, simply known as Morgan's Raiders, plan and wait. Enjoy a relaxing train ride though the scenic Whitewater Valley, on your way to the historic town of Metamora. Enjoy a two hour layover before your return trip to Connersville.
Battle of Corydon ReenactmentJuly 8-10, Hayswood Nature Preserve and Downtown Corydon, IN
The 2011 reenactment will be held in Corydon, Indiana, just a short drive west of Louisville, KY, off Interstate 64. Hayswood Nature Preserve is the main location of battle reenactment and encampment activities with downtown Corydon hosting a reenactment of Morgan’s Raid and other events.
Three Rivers Festival: Camp Allen Muster, 1861-1865July 16-17 - Old Fort, Fort Wayne, IN
Hear the cannons roar and the rifles and muskets fire, listen to the soldiers as they complete their drills, talk with the cooks who make the food for those who live at the Old Fort. Join the Civil War re-enactors at the Old Fort on Saturday, July 16th from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., and Sunday July 17th from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., as they return to the time when families were divided. There will be soldiers and their families to talk with, as well as children games and various demonstrations to either participate in or observe. For more information call (260) 437-2836.
August
Muster in the Park
August 20 (10am - 6pm) - Military Park and the Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis, IN
$9.50 Adults; $9 Seniors; $6.50 Children; $2.50 Museum Member
317-232-1637
Relive Indiana's role in the Civil War at the Indiana State Museum's inaugural Muster in the Park on August 20. Step back in time with soldier and civilian reenactors as they bring the 1860s to life in Military Park. Train for battle alongside soldiers and interact with the equipment they used. Visit soldiers while touring the camp andsee how women contributed to the war effort. Play the popular games and listen to the hit music of the time. Talk politics of the daywith Abe Lincoln and learn why Indiana went to war in support of the Union. The day is packed with so much to do and see for all ages. Don't miss a chance to join the action!
Whitewater Valley Railroad Excursion: Metamora Civil War & Steam Weekend
August 28 & 29, Historic Downtown Metamora, IN
Come along and take a trip back in time with us. Be in the middle of the action as an Union Army attachment protects a Flagg Coal Company steam locomotive . While along the line a relentless group of Confederate soldiers plan and wait. On Saturday and Sunday Festivities will start at 10:30 AM in Historic Downtown Metamora, with four departures of a Flagg Coal Company locomotive at 11:00 AM, 1:10 PM, 3:00 PM, and 5:00 PM. Along the way, remnants of the Whitewater Canal locks, the restored Laurel Feeder Dam, and portions of the West Fork of the Whitewater River can be clearly seen. Fares for the scenic 70 minute, ten mile round trip adventure are $16 per person and children ages 2-12 ride for half price. Trips run rain or shine.
September
4th Annual Civil War DaysSept. 9-11, Lafayette Park - Princeton, IN
Civil War at the FortSept. 9-11 - Ambassador Park, Fort Recovery, OH
The first annual Civil War at the Fort will take place at the Ambassador Park in Fort Recovery, Ohio. There will be living history and reenactments that have skirmishing and battles on all three days with school programs and a night walk offered Friday. Live artillery demonstration, night fire, military ball, payroll, parlor games, ladies tea and a Saturday baseball game are just some of the many events planned for this three-day event. Check out a full schedule at the Fort Recovery Ambassadors’ website.
Angola Civil War DaysSept. 23-25 - Commons Park, Angola, IN
Experience a historical camp and war re-enactment.
Vermilion County Civil War Days
September 24-25 - Kennekuk Park, Danville, IL
Vermilion County Civil War Days, hosted by the Illiana Civil War Historical Society, will be held Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 24 and 25 in and around the Bunker Hill Historic Area at Kennekuk County Park. The location is five miles north of Danville on Henning Road.
October
The 14th Civil War Symposium & Reenactment - 1861: The War Begins!
Oct. 1, 9am – 5pm, First Division Museum at Cantigny in Wheaton, IL
Plan to join us for a combination of historical analysis on the first year of the Civil War combined with living history displays and outdoor activities. The speakers and presentations include: Ray Brown, Manassas National Battlefield Park, on The First Battle of Manassas; Steven J. Ramold, Eastern Michigan University, on Discipline in the Union Army; James I. Robertson, Virginia Tech, on Stonewall Jackson’s nickname; and Mark A. Snell, The George Tyler Moore Center for the Study of the Civil War, Shepherd University, on the 1861 Campaign in Western (West) Virginia [registration].
22nd Annual Hartford City Civil War Days & Living HistoryOct. 7 - 9, Hartford City, IN
Battle of Belzer Civil War Days
October 21-23 - BSA Camp Belzer, Indianapolis, IN
Scouts and Scouters camp, drill and even fight right alongside their Civil War reenacting partners in a mock battle staged at the end of Saturday. It’s an immersion event in which Scouts and Scouting adults are introduced to what it was like to be in the service of their country during the epic struggle that has come to be known as the American Civil War.
Past 2011 Events
March
14th Annual Victorian Spring Ball
March 26 - Ft. Wayne Chamber of Commerce Building - 420 Wayne St, Fort Wayne, IN
The 30th Indiana Civil War Reenactors, Inc. will be hosting their 14th Annual Victorian Spring Ball. Dance workshop from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Grand March to begin at 7:00 PM. Appetizers and desserts will be served throughout the evening. Tickets can be purchased for $35 a person from Sue Pfeiffer. Sue Pfeiffer can be contacted at: (260) 422-3604 or spfeiffer@acpl.lib.in.us.