Fall 2025 Civil War Experience at Lyles Station!
Step back in time and explore the Civil War Experience at Lyles Station Historic School & Museum in Princeton, Indiana!
This unique, hands-on series is designed especially for homeschool students, offering an immersive journey into one of the most pivotal eras in American history.
Students will have the opportunity to experience what life was like during the mid-1800’s and the Civil War through interactive demonstrations and engaging educational activities that bring the past to life.
From meeting historical interpreters to exploring artifacts and stories of the era, the Civil War Experience offers an unforgettable learning opportunity that blends history, culture, and education in a way textbooks simply can’t.
Hosted at the historic Lyles Station Schoolhouse—the last remaining African American settlement in Indiana—the event also highlights the important role of African American history during this time.
It’s more than a field trip—it’s a journey into the past that inspires learning in the present.
The Civil War Experience Unit Study, available in September, October, or November, includes 4 weekly sessions of activities and lessons from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Cost is $25 per student for all 4 sessions.
September 9, 16, 23, and 30 (Tuesdays)
October 7, 14, 21, and 28 (Tuesdays)
November 4, 11, 18 (Tuesdays) and November 20 (Thursday)
Parents and smaller children are asked to stay and observe via tv monitor in the downstairs room.
No refunds, non-transferable.
Your Visit...
In your visit, you will experience a day in the life of Lyles Station School children in the early 1900’s. Enjoy work and play hands-on activities and learn from our Museum.
The Story
Early settler Joshua Lyles, donated 6 acres of ground to the Old Airline Railroad to establish a rail station. In 1886, the settlement was officially named Lyles Station in honor of Joshua Lyles. The town flourished during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, developing into a self-sustaining community of approximately 800 residents. Help us to preserve the history and programs we offer. Your time and donations are always appreciated.
Hours And Admission
Hours:
Open Tuesday-Saturday 1:00pm – 4:00pm (CST) or by appointment.
We are closed Sundays, New Years’ Day, Easter, Thanksgiving Day & Christmas Day
Admission:
General Admission Adults: $5 — Youth (under 17): $3 — Senior Citizens (65 & Older): $4
Location:
Lyles Station Historic School and Museum is located on CR 500 W near CR 100 N 1 mile north of SR 64 & 65,
Lyles Station and 5 miles west of Princeton IN Gibson County, Indiana
Field Trips
Heritage Classroom Field Trip
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (We can adjust these times for your schedule)
$8.00 per student- (15 students minimum and 34 students maximum capacity)
Visitors will experience a day in the life of students who attended Lyles Station Consolidated School at the turn of the 20th century. Experiences include some of the following:
- Meet our Schoolmarm
- Learn classroom etiquette followed at the turn of the 20th century.
- Read passages from the McGuffey Readers, a major learning text of the time
- Learn arithmetic just as students of old did
- Practice handwriting on a slate board
- Learn about United States history, particularly President Warren Harding, who served as the U.S. President at the founding of the school.
- Enjoy an outdoor sack lunch on the beautiful school grounds.
- Play a number of early 20th century children games like Hoop and Stick, Bucket Brigade, Marbles, and sack races.
- Appreciate a functioning water well and a modernized outhouse.
Our hope is that students will appreciate what school was like for students attending Lyles Station Consolidated School at the turn of the 20th century.
Work and Play Field Trip
2 Hour Field Trip
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m
$5.00 per student (70 students- Maximum capacity- 15 students minimum)
Students will make candles, churn butter, wash clothes on a washboard, play marbles, shell corn through a hand-cranked machine and other activities. A tour of the museum, the log cabin, and the Heritage Classroom, which includes a short handwriting lesson on the slate boards are included. At the end of the field trip, students can visit the gift shop where they can purchase small toys, postcards, books, and school supplies. The museum is fully handicapped accessible and is equipped with an elevator.
Call us to arrange your class trip: 812-385-2534
Get Directions
953 N. County Road. 500 W.
PO Box 1193
Princeton, IN 47670
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