Associated Press - October 9, 2009 5:04 AM ET

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Historians and re-enactors will share their knowledge of the Kansas National Guard's role in the Civil War and Indian Wars at a gathering in Topeka.

A symposium on the two wars takes place Saturday at the Museum of the Kansas National Guard at Forbes Field.

Events include re-enactments of Civil War encampments as well as demonstrations of medicine and blacksmithing.

Re-enactors from Lecompton will tell the story of Kansas' passage from its violent territorial days to statehood.

Retired Kansas National Guard members also will discuss confrontations with Indian tribes that inhabited the plains.

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