Connor Prairie Interactive History Park created 1863 Civil War Journey: Raid on Indiana, as a story-driven experience in which re-enactors and cutting-edge technology were used to tell the story of General Morgan's Raid on the Indiana town of Dupont during the Civil War. REA investigated the impact of the exhibition on visitors' interest in and knowledge about Indiana history and the Civil War by conducting interviews with visitors at the conclusion of the experience. REA used iPads to collect the data in the museum's outdoor setting. In addition, REA staff analyzed the results of online and in-person surveys collected before and after the exhibit opened to explore changes in visitors' attitudes towards and understanding of the exhibit content.

Findings:
After their visit, visitors reported having significantly more interest in Civil War topics and the history of Indiana than they had before their visit. Regardless of the knowledge they had coming into the experience, most respondents (92%) indicated that they had learned at least a little bit more about the Civil War as a result of their visit. Overall, visitors liked the new exhibition and wanted to learn more about the Civil War and Indiana as a result.

REPORTS:

Available upon request