A commemorative World War II exhibit on the Battle of the Bulge opens Dec. 15, at Fort Harrison State Park, just in time to mark the 63rd anniversary of the epic World War II battle the following day.
The exhibit at the park's Nature History Center will feature battle veterans, weekend programs, photos, scale models, artifacts, and reenactors of the famous battle that nearly ended with a disastrous defeat for the allies. The exhibit runs each Saturday, Dec. 15 through Jan. 26.
The battle started Dec. 16, 1944. The German army launched a counteroffensive through Belgium at the center of the American lines in mid-winter, catching most of the United States' commanders off-guard and the ground troops ill-prepared. The Battle of the Bulge story is a compelling tale of this crucial struggle. Hoosiers from across the state took park in this historic event.
Seven scheduled programs will be held on each weekend that the Battle of the Bulge exhibit is at Fort Harrison. Each program will be 45 minutes long and begin at 1 p.m. The scheduled events are:
| Dec. 15 |
110th Infantry Regiment |
Dec. 22 |
First German Breakthrough |
Dec. 29 |
St. Vith |
| Jan. 5 |
Noville |
Jan. 12 |
Infantry in the Ardenne |
Jan. 19 |
Paratroopers in the Ardenne |
Jan. 26 |
Armor in the Ardenne |
There is no cost to view the Battle of the Bulge exhibit; however, the usual IDNR $5 weekend gate fee per in-state vehicle ($7 for out of state) applies.
The Nature History Center is open in the winter months Wednesday-Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. For more information, please call (317) 591-0122.
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