LAWRENCE — The Museum of 20th Century Warfare and the staff at Fort Harrison State Park will host a WWI Battle Demonstration at The Trenches at noon and 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 3 at Fort Harrison State Park. Another demonstration will be held at The Trenches on Sunday, May 4th at noon and 2 p.m.
The demonstration will highlight military tactics used by both German and Allied forces that fought against each other from 1914 — 1918. The event will be held outside regardless of the weather, just as the real battles were fought 100 years ago. Visitors are encouraged to dress for the weather.
Fort Harrison Military Reservation was a major training site for the U.S. Army from 1906 to 1996. Fort Harrison played a large role in readying soldiers for the Army for service during WWI. The WWI re-enactors are unpaid volunteers who have joined reenacting units to get first-hand knowledge of what WWI soldiers experienced in the field. These re-enactors dress in authentic and/or reproduction uniforms that they have researched and acquired. They use WWI era equipment and weapons to drill, exercise and simulate combat situations.
There is no cost to attend the program, but the normal vehicle gate fee applies. Fort Harrison State Park is located at the corner of 59th and Post Road in greater Indianapolis. The Museum of 20th Century Warfare is located in Building 711 within Fort Harrison State Park and is open Thursdays to Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is no cost to visit the Museum. For more information, please contact the visitor’s center at 317-591-0122.
Fort Harrison State Park (stateparks.IN.gov/2982.htm) is at 5753 Glenn Road.