r its annual Civil War encampment weekend, July 12 and 13. This year, however, visitors will get a rare chance to dig deeper into the experience of life as one of General Wallace’s rank-and-file soldiers.
The Museum has partnered with Mid States Living History Association, Inc. out of Indianapolis to present several activities on the Museum grounds over the course of the weekend that give a greater insight into life as a soldier during this tumultuous time in American history. In addition to live demonstrations of camp cooking, construction, medical care, music, telegraphy and artillery training, visitors may get the chance to interact with General Wallace himself, listening in as he reflects on the controversial battle of Shiloh and his innovative defense of Cincinnati.
“This year, we’re offering visitors an even more immersive experience,” said Associate Director Amanda Wesselmann. “I think our guests will enjoy the diversity of activities, and hopefully, come to appreciate what General Wallace and his soldiers had to endure during the Civil War.”
The live activities include “School of the Piece,” an instructional training exercise for cannoneers that demonstrates the degree of textbook and practical training required to function on the field of battle. Visitors will also be invited to participate in infantry training drills using toy “Woodfield” (wooden) rifles. Demonstrations in Civil War-era medical care, camp construction 
and cooking, and using a working telegraph will also be held throughout the weekend.
Visitors are invited to experience the live drama of the Civil War on Saturday, July 12 from 2:00 – 9:00 p.m. and Sunday, July 13 from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the General Lew Wallace Study and Museum in Crawfordsville. For further information, contact the Museum at 765-362-5769 or email info@ben-hur.com.
