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7/30/2019 Photo Page Kircher PDF
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TheCivilWar
Khabir Shareef believes that, although the Civil
War divided the U.S. in the 1860s, it is the reason
why this country is strong and unied today.
Shareef is one of many people proud to
teach todays generations about the war by re-
enacting characters, lifestyles and battles at
Conner Prairie Interactive History Park in Fishers.
The parks annual Civil War Days on Saturday and
Sunday will include Confederate and Union camps
and re-enactments of a battle between the two sides.
This is a very signicant time in our history,
said Shareef, who will play the roles of two
soldiers. Americans were ghting Americans,
so families were divided -- father against son,
brother against brother. Families have ghts, but
when they get through that, the bond is tighter.
Same with America. That is one of the things
that contributes to the strength of the United States.
We fought amongst ourselves to have individual
freedoms, and we are going to protect that.
Conner Prairie has had Civil War Days for more
than a decade, and this year will commemorate the
150th anniversary of the beginning of the war, said
Alpha Garrett, spokeswoman for Conner Prairie.
More than 600 U.S. re-enactors come to
participate in the states largest re-enactment.
Activities and exhibits will complement the battle
re-enactment scheduled for 2 p.m. each day.
Last year we had upward of 10,000 people over
the two days who talked to re-enactors, watched
the battle, explored the camps, Garrett said.
Cavalry shows, musket shootings, and
demonstrations of surgery and embalming
methods used in eld hospitals will be offered.
Women and children dressed in period
clothing will show what life was like at home
while the men in the family went off to war.
Re-enactors will talk about their lifestyles and
experiences at war and at home. People may see
a familiar face in the crowd -- an actor portraying
President Abraham Lincoln will talk with families.
Shareef, 63, Westeld, will play two black men
who were members of the U.S. Colored Troops.
One character is Pvt. George Washington, who is a
composite character from Indianas black regiment,
which had eight men by that name. The other character
is Maj. Martin Delaney, a commander during the war.
Shareef enjoys playing these roles and
educating people about the war. At age 40 he rst
learned about black Civil War soldiers, and he
wants others to learn about that history as well.
Initially, blacks were permitted to ght, but
after the Emancipation Proclamation, black men
were able to participate as soldiers, he said. Their
participation was not merely to preserve the union
but to gain dignity. If the North won, they would be
Te reinacting conederate troops march into battle withtheir genuine antique 1840s Springeld rifes in hand.
Lef: Te cannon crew o the 193rdConederacy Inantry prepare to re ontothe Union; Below Top:Anne Waterbottomsbathes her child Charlie in a Civil War eratub; Below: Smitty McCutchens stares atsoldies o the Union in awe.