Busy Months Ahead at the General’s Place

Spring has finally arrived, and the 2026 season at the General Lew Wallace Study & Museum is well under way. The Carriage House Interpretive Center exhibit, Wallace Family: A Legacy of Service, is open and available for the public to enjoy free of charge. In commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this year’s exhibit explores the enduring tradition of public service within the Wallace family – from military service and elected office to civic leadership and activism.

By sharing these stories of service, sacrifice and stewardship, the hope is to inspire visitors to reflect on their own role in civic life and to renew their engagement in strengthening both our nation and our local community.

Numerous programming events are scheduled to complement the 2026 exhibit. On June 6 – 7, there will be the first Civil War Encampment on the grounds in more than a decade. The 10th Illinois Cavalry group will set up camp. They strive to re-enact the citizen soldier from Illinois. It was formed to provide enjoyable opportunities for individuals and families to experience, learn, and in return, teach others about all aspects of life in the mid-19th century. The American Civil War is one of the most fascinating and defining moments in our collective history. Everything from the military conflicts and tactics to civilian life with its social expectations and customs, are experiences that the living historians of the 10th Illinois Volunteer Cavalry Regiment attempt to re-create. 

The Dr. Howard Miller Lecture Series also returns for 2026. The next lecture will feature Museum favorite Gail Stephens. Gail is a retired U.S. Department of Defense employee who served as a volunteer at Monocacy National Battlefield. Her experience at Monocacy led to an interest in the life of General Lew Wallace and her publishing of Shadow of Shiloh: Major General Lew Wallace in the Civil War. She has lectured across the country, led battlefield tours, appeared on podcasts and radio, and has aided our museum with exhibit design. Gail will join us to discuss General Wallace’s Civil War military career on June 11 at 7 p.m. in the Carriage House Interpretive Center.

ArchiCamp is an architecture-themed camp designed for children ages 8–12, offered through the General Lew Wallace Study & Museum. Using historic local buildings and engaging, hands-on activities, the program introduces campers to the rich history of Montgomery County while sparking their creativity and curiosity. At its core, ArchiCamp aims to foster a sense of stewardship and responsibility, encouraging young participants to appreciate and help preserve our shared cultural heritage.

Registration is opens and the Camp is set for June 16-17 from9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Limited spots are available so register early. Activities for the 2026 camp include walking tours of historic downtown Crawfordsville, building and painting birdhouses and creating stained glass windows, and more.