By Mark Ambrogi
Ben Hyde is eager to learn more about America’s deadliest war.
“I really like to learn about the Civil War and what happened,” Ben said. “I think the kids, including me, are really going to enjoy it. I think it will be really nice to learn about what our great-great-great-great-grandfathers did to change this country to make it a better place.”
Ben, 10, who completed fourth grade this spring at Amy Beverland Elementary School in Lawrence, will be one of the participants in the Civil War Camp, a youth leadership camp, to be held July 17 to 21 at The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site in Indianapolis.
Ben’s father, Charlie Hyde, a Geist resident, jokingly pointed out his son was named way before taking the job as president and CEO at the Harrison Presidential Site 2 1/2 years ago.
“It wasn’t a board requirement or condition of the job,” Hyde said. “It’s really interesting to us as the home of the only president elected from Indiana that he has this great legacy beyond the presidency. With the Civil War Camp, ages 9 to 12 will be able to engage in that time period in a fun and engaging way. “
Harrison, who was a colonel and then a brevet brigadier general inthe Union Army during the Civil War, served one term as president after being elected in 1888. Even later, he preferred the title of general to president.
“Harrison led from the front and was deeply respected by his men because he insisted on bearing the same burdens as they did,” Hyde said.
Hyde said David Pleiss, director of learning resources, and Roger Hardig, vice president of education, designed the camp program with that in mind. Hyde said the students will participate in drills like the soldiers did at the time.
“It’s a very action-packed week the way they planned it out,” Hyde said. “Designing these units so the day remains very interesting throughout. They are being engaged mentally and physically. With the 9-12 age group, we don’t want to be heavy-handed about.”
The students will see artifacts from Harrison’s presidency and learn about their history.
Although this is the first Civil War Camp, Hyde said 19,000 school-aged children visit each year. The camp has been capped at 20 for the first year.
“We’ve noticed, as educators at the museum, it’s always good to have time to reflect and time to get moving,” Pleiss said. “One day we are taking a walk to the War Memorial. Another day, we’ll be walking at Crown Hill Cemetery and visiting some grave sites there. We’ll have times with PowerPoint presentations, talking about different battles, and what it meant to be a soldier every day. One day we’ll have camp life where we will set up the actual style of the tents they used back then. It brings it home for them when they are role-playing and not just listening. They are taking in the information in a lot of different ways. The drilling will not be easy. They will be learning teamwork.”
Carmel resident Stan Hurt, a Civil War expert who has been in re-enacting for 18 years, will help lead the camp.
Hyde said Hurt has been invaluable with his knowledge of music, games and medical issues of the era.
PERFECT FOR THE ROLE
Charles Braun, who has been a lawyer for more than 40 years in Indianapolis, took over portraying the role as the living history President Harrison in July 2016.
“I participate in the major programs of the year,” Braun said. “Sometimes, tour groups ask to be greeted by President Harrison, so I will do that from time to time. I have visitations in the community.”
Braun, a Geist resident for more than 25 years, said he was drawn to the role by his love of presidential history.
“This being the Hoosier president from the state of Indiana drew me to President Benjamin Harrison,” Braun said. “His family lineage is hard to beat. His great-grandfather (Benjamin) was a signer to the Declaration of Independence and governor of Virginia. His grandfather, William Henry Harrison, was the ninth president of the United States. His father was a congressman in Ohio. John Scott Harrison has the distinction of being the only American citizen in history to have a father who was president and a son who was president. The lineage is fantastic in terms of public service and patriotism.”
Braun will participate in the review session on the final day of the camp as Harrison.
“I firmly believe we should never forget history,” Braun said.
CAMP SCHEDULE
- July 17: Why Fight?
- July 18: Military Strategy
- July 19: In the Field
- July 20: Day of Battle
- July 21: The Grand Review
Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, and the cost is $250 for child non-members and $225 for child members. For more, visit presidentbenjaminharrison.org.
