THE STATESMAN
THE
|
JANUARY – APRIL 2021
NIGHT
INDIANAPOLIS
ROARED A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E B E N J A M I N H A R R I S O N P R E S I D E N T I A L S I T E
B OA R D O F
Directors HONORARY DIRECTORS
Carolyn E. Anker, Chair Brian Hewitt, Vice Chair Jeremy Davis, Treasurer Howard J. Lacy IV, Secretary Donna Oklak, at large Andrea Neal, Past Chair
Robert H. Everitt Thomas P. Ewbank George Geib Stan Hurt Jamia Jasper Jacobsen Tom King James Kirsch James Morris Kimball Harrison Morsman Susanne Ridlen
Robert Altice Teresa A. Bennett Lisa Boncosky Rosemary Dorsa Erin Dorsey Eric J. Holcomb Elizabeth Mann Morgan Snyder Rod Taylor
ADVISORY CABINET
William Browne Daniel F. Evans J. Scott Keller John L. Krauss David Sease Kameelah Shaheed-Diallo Ed Simcox James Wallis Michael W. Wells
EX-OFFICIO
Ellis Hall, Volunteer Association president PRESIDENT & CEO
Charles A. Hyde
S TA F F
WHITNEY BALL Special Events & Marketing Manager
MOLLY BEAUSIR Russell and Penny Fortune Project POTUS Presidential Fellow
DANIEL BENNETT Experience Manager
JENNIFER CAPPS VP of Curatorship & Exhibition
BETHANY GOSEWEHR VP of Development
ROGER HARDIG VP of Education
JENNIFER HODGE Gracia Johnson Floyd Presidential Fellow
JAYNE HOFFMAN Weekend Supervisor
BRIANNA HUTTON Volunteer Coordinator
CHARLES A. HYDE President & CEO
GARY LARREATEGUI Weekend Supervisor
ALEXIS PRICE Social Media & Content Coordinator
MARGARET SALLEE Director of Operations
JULIO ZEPEDA Facilities Manager
Not pictured: Becky Honeywell, Capital Campaign Officer Special thanks to the more than 150 volunteers who make our work possible!
FROM THE
President
“I Do Not Mistrust The Future”
Words matter. This is true in both spoken and written forms, from the Declaration of Independence to the Constitution, from Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation to King’s “I Have A Dream”. In our country’s history, words have helped distill the essence of presidential legacies for good and bad. Who can forget “the buck stops here”, “speak softly and carry a big stick”, or “read my lips”? So there will be much merited attention given to our 46th President of the United States, Joseph Biden, as he takes the stage on January 20, 2021, and what words he chooses to set the tone for his administration. These thoughts are very much on our minds at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site as we think about the 23rd president’s legacy, and our future as an organization. Our work is inspired by the civic spirit of statesmanship, probity, and public service that electrified his administration and his signal legislative accomplishments. Read his inaugural address and you’ll find it all there—his faithfulness to the constitutional duties of an American president, outspoken advocacy for Black civil rights, meeting our national commitments to veterans, upholding rule of law, reining in the excesses of corporations, and purposefully harkening to a shared national identity and commonality of purpose. Don’t just take our word for it—judge for yourself: “My promise is spoken; yours unspoken, but not the less real and solemn…(s)urely I do not misinterpret the spirit of the occasion when I assume that the whole body of the people covenant with me and with each other to-day to support and defend the Constitution and the Union of the States, to yield willing obedience to all the laws and each to every other citizen his equal civil and political rights.” “The emancipation proclamation was heard in the depths of the earth as well as in the sky; men were made free, and material things became our better servants.” “Dangers have been in frequent ambush along our path, but we have uncovered and vanquished them all. Passion has swept some of our communities, but only to give us a new demonstration that the great body of our people are stable, patriotic, and law-abiding.” President Harrison succinctly concluded this tour de force with his own message of hope: “I do not mistrust the future.” As we start a new year and move into the second year of a global pandemic, the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site will harken to these words. We look forward to sharing with you in the months to come our excitement for 2021, the many ways it will allow us to profoundly increase our local relevance and national significance, and be the most innovative, inclusive, and civically engaged presidential site in the country. As our fellow citizens, friends, and neighbors, we want you to be part of this effort. We have a transformative vision—and we do not mistrust the future. More to come! Very sincerely yours,
Charles A. Hyde, President & CEO Cover image: Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper November 17, 1888, front cover.
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PLAN YOUR
Calendar
V isit
JANUARY 2021 EXHIBIT OPENING: “THE NIGHT INDIANAPOLIS ROARED” THURSDAY, JANUARY 28 . 5:30 – 7PM
FEBRUARY 2021 LIVE! PRESIDENT’S DAY MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15 . 10AM–2PM
MARCH 2021 EXHIBIT OPENING: “FROM MONUMENT TO MONUMENTAL” THURSDAY, MARCH 11 . 5:30 – 7PM PRESIDENTIAL EGG ROLL SATURDAY, MARCH 27 . 9:00AM – 10:30AM
APRIL 2021 CANDLELIGHT THEATER: DEATH IN THE LIBRARY APRIL 16, 17, 23, 24, 25, 30 AND MAY 1 Presented by Candlelight Theatre* Performances start at 6pm on Saturdays, 2pm on Sundays * Reservations recommended.
FIRST FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH
Coffee with the Curator
8:30AM – 9AM (VIEW ON FACEBOOK LIVE AT 8:45AM) Free for members & guests | $6 general admission
Join us for a stimulating 30 minutes at our monthly First Friday event! While you enjoy coffee and pastries, you will get a chance to explore some of the most interesting, amazing and unexpected Presidential Site collection items. We promise to satisfy your curiosity and have you on your way to the office by 9am sharp! Upcoming themes include: . January 8 The Night Indianapolis Roared (onsite event & simulcast on Facebook Live) . February 5 Legacies Intertwined: Douglass & Harrison (onsite event & simulcast on Facebook Live) . March 5 Monument to Monumental (onsite event & simulcast on Facebook Live) . April 2 One Site, Four Homes (onsite event & simulcast on Facebook Live)
OFFICIAL COFFEE OF THE PRESIDENTIAL SITE
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Space is limited so reservations are recommended. Find out more by calling 317.631.1888 or visiting PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org.
HARRISON STILL
in the News
THE ART NEWSPAPER
From art to doing ‘their part’: US museums provide a vital community service by acting as polling sites Gabriella Angeleti DOZENS OF INSTITUTIONS ACROSS THE NATION HAVE STEPPED UP TO “HELP INCREASE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE AMERICAN SYSTEM OF SELF-GOVERNMENT” ON ELECTION DAY
“Charles Hyde, the president of the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site in Indiana, Indianapolis, told Smithsonian Magazine last month that it seems “a strange oversight that few [museums] are meeting this vital civic need” to act as polling sites, and that more arts institutions should join the effort in the future. “Museums should do their part—whatever the inspiration—to help increase public participation in the American system of self-government.” Hyde encouraged other museums acting as polling sites to use the hashtag #proudpollingsite in order to “prove that together we can provide our communities with enhanced experiences that cultivate a more engaged citizenry”.” Read the full article at theartnewspaper.com.
WINE SPECTATOR
Is David Chang the World’s Smartest Chef? THE MOMOFUKU GROUP FOUNDER STAKES HIS CLAIM, WINNING WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE?—AND DONATING THE $1,000,000 PROCEEDS TO HOSPITALITY WORKER RELIEF
Collin Dreizen
“Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the show’s set was empty except for Chang, Kimmel and Chang’s quizzing teammate, screenwriter and producer Alan Yang. Chang’s other teammate and phone-a-friend lifeline was journalist and ESPN writer Mina Kimes, who helped him with the final question: “Although he and his wife never touched a light switch for fear of being shocked, who was the first president to have electricity in the White House?” From presidential choices Ulysses Grant, Benjamin Harrison, Chester Arthur and Andrew Johnson, Kimes advised Chang to correctly guess “Benjamin Harrison.” And the prize was his, received in the form of an impressively huge cardboard check. “Thank God for smart friends who excelled in school,” Chang wrote on Instagram.” Read the full article at winespectator.com.
WISHTV.COM
Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site honoring Veterans Day with virtual music salute Randall Newsome “The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site is inviting Hoosiers to celebrate Veterans Day by honoring heroes in a brand new way. The site organized a musical “Veterans Day Salute” that will be performed by the Indiana National Guard 38th Infantry Division Band live from their front porch in support of a tribute to all veterans past and present. “We would typically have our gala evening on Veterans Day, but with the public health concerns [we’re] wanting to take special caution,” president and CEO of the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, Charlie Hyde, said. “We’ve rescheduled the event, but we’re not going to reschedule Veterans Day. It’s still a special day and so we wanted to find a way that we could still celebrate our veterans and let them know how much we appreciate them.” The site’s musical salute has a goal of reaching veterans at “every corner of the state” with notes of appreciation. The staff is asking music students and musically-inclined citizens across the state of Indiana to pick up their own instrument of choice and participate by playing taps at exactly 9 p.m. This musical program will start at 8:45 pm EST with a musical salute to living veterans with the service songs of each branch of the military.” Read the full article at wishtv.com.
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THE
NIGHT
INDIANAPOLIS
ROARED
Excerpt from Dr. Daniel Miller’s article “The Night Indianapolis Roared” and inspiration for the new exhibit opening January 28th. Lear more about the exhibit on pages 12 and 13.
“F
or Harrison it was exhilarating, energizing, and exhausting all at the same time. Of particular significance to him were the brief, personal words with numerous children outside who lived in the neighborhood. He had two children of his own and had watched a third die only twenty minutes after being born. The young girls and boys now chatting with Harrison were from nearby families—the homes next door, the houses across the streets, alleys, and blocks. Harrison found these moments especially meaningful, tapping relationships planted and rooted in proximity, tended in trust, nurtured over time. These families and he knew the course of each other’s lives, gave help when help was needed, sought aid when aid was required. The more he thought about the families embodied by the children, the more emotional he became. Back inside his home during one of the intervals between his children’s exchanges and “neighborly chats,” Harrison’s secretary found him in a room. With his eyes full of tears, Harrison said, “When a man receives the approbation of his neighbors, he is indeed blessed.”” “Word shot from the court house that a final march to Harrison’s house was about to begin. It was now after 8pm, and for the further masses of men, women, and children coalescing in the core of downtown, darkness was going to be a problem. The primary streets downtown—Market, Washington, and a few others—had gaslights but they weren’t enough to illuminate the way to Harrison’s house and, more urgently, they certainly didn’t fit with the intense spirit of this night. A solution was found: torchlights. Long, narrow rods, one end wrapped in oil-soaked cloth, were ignited. They burned by the score, held high by men in Harrison hats. Orange flames threw off a sharp and shifting light; smoke curled into the black sky. Approximately 3000 people began to walk. A glow went with them, marking progress to Harrison’s house. Harrison knew they were coming. He spoke with his law partner and advisor, William Miller, and together they agreed that Harrison would need to speak formally to the procession when it arrived at his home. A few words and waves of the hand wouldn’t do. There was no doubt—the campaign had commenced. Harrison was the Republican nominee for President and to conclude this remarkable day, he should communicate as such. A seasoned lawyer, politician, and military leader, Harrison knew how to talk to a crowd. He had done it in judicial courts, at political rallies, and most of all,
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in the fields and camps of war. In blink of an eye, he knew how to scan a group, select an idea, and choose the words best meant to fit the occasion. These skills had not deserted him earlier at the law office, to be sure, but the totality of his assumption that he wouldn’t win, the stark and sudden victory, and the crush of people and their emotions had overrun any opportunity to pick the spot to communicate. Like a vessel on a great river, he had been carried by the momentum of the day. But he had regained control of things since being home. And with advanced notice of the final procession and consultation with Miller, Harrison was ready to speak.
Harrison emerged from the house. A reporter estimated that as many as 8000 people now surrounded his home. Torches aloft, the light of flames shimmering on the trees and brick, the crowd roared its approval. Harrison waved and nodded and smiled. For two minutes the sound lived on, the roar nonstop. The sound was so overwhelming that it drowned out the music of the Brotherhood Band; people a short distance from them saw them playing instruments but could hear no sound except for the thunderous noise. Harrison stood still. His posture showed that more was to come, something else was going to happen. The 8000 people sensed it, their shouts declined, and quiet took over. An invisible door opened and the moment to communicate was here. Before Harrison stood not only a throng of people but also an abundance of words and tones and themes he could choose in his speech. In the silence of the crowd and the light of the torches, Harrison took a quick, deep breath. “Neighbors and friends,” he began, “I am profoundly sensible of the kindness which you evidence tonight in gathering in such large numbers to extend to me your congratulations over the result at Chicago.”…” Learn more at PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org. T H E STAT E S M A N | PAG E 7
HARRISON IN HIS
Own Words
NOMINATION DAY JUNE 25, 1888, INDIANAPOLIS On the evening of the 25th thousands of neighbors and residents of the city congregated before the Harrison residence.
“Kings sometimes bestow decorations upon those whom they desire to honor, but that man is most highly decorated who has the affectionate regard of his neighbors and friends.”
DID YOU
Know?
PUCK CARTOON BY J. KEPPLER “THE WOODS ARE FULL OF THEM” JANUARY 9, 1889
A sign on the side of the house states “Wanted 7 Cabinet Officers only – Applicants will please form in line.” President-Elect Harrison spies from the roof of his house looking at all of the numerous figures of Republican party members aspiring to cabinet positions. The prominent Republican men are standing on a map of the states showing what region they represent. Harrison delayed announcing his cabinet selections until late January 1889. Harrison did not play into party politics in his selections, but felt that he should appoint James G. Blaine as Secretary of State in order to preserve party unity. He did not appoint Thomas C. Platt or other party bosses. Instead Harrison turned to other likeminded office candidates. His appointments of William Windom (Minnesota), John Wanamaker (Pennsylvania), and Jeremiah Rusk (Wisconsin) angered many party leaders. The Senate approved all members of Harrison’s original cabinet without opposition.
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A MOMENT
in Time
Inauguration Day March 4, 1841:
March 4, 1889:
WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON’S INAUGURATION
BENJAMIN HARRISON’S INAUGURATION
Inauguration Ball invitation printed on silk and then embellished (added later) with purple silk edge, gold braid, star sequins, and metallic fringe. The invitation lists the “Managers” of the ball.
Inaugural Bible The Bible was furnished by Clerk of the Supreme Court James H. McKenney to Chief Justice Melville W. Fuller to use in administering the oath of office and then given to Mrs. Harrison with compliments of the Clerk. Note from his daughter Mary McKee on file states “On this Bible Father / took the oath of office / on March 4th 1889 / Psalm–121st where / Father placed his / hand. / Mary H. McKee”
March 4, 1897: WILLIAM MCKINLEY’S INAUGURATION
Inaugural Ball Souvenir
March 4, 1881: JAMES GARFIELD’S INAUGURATION
Invitation to National Museum, Washington, D. C. for Inaugural Reception Promenade Concert
March 4, 1905: THEODORE ROOSEVELT’S INAUGURATION
Ticket and envelope to the Inaugural Ceremonies in the Senate Wing, Senate Gallery, and East front through the Rotunda belonged to his second wife Mary Lord Harrison.
March 4, 1933: WANT TO SEE MORE? All of the items listed above can be found in the museum’s collection. Contact our VP of Collections and Exhibitions, Jennifer Capps at jcapps@bhpsite.org to learn about how to get a closer look!
FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT’S INAUGURATION
Official Inaugural Program 1933 and envelope belonged to Mary Lord Harrison T H E STAT E S M A N | PAG E 9
I
I
I
Social Distance, Civic Embrace This fall and winter, the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site has continued to meet its commitment to you and find innovative ways to embrace its vital civic mission, while responsibly serving thousands of students, educators, and general visitors. This includes: honoring the 23rd president’s birthday; a grand gesture of support for our veterans through the statewide “Taps” musical salute on Veteran’s Day: outreach onsite as a voting center; offsite live virtual programming and tours; exciting partnerships with fellow presidential sites and libraries; special programs like Wicket World of Croquet, and more. Watch PresidentBenjaminHarrison. org for even more exciting program announcements and partnerships to come!
S PEC I AL EXHI B I T: THE NI G HT I NDI A N A P O L I S ROA RE D JA N UA RY 2 9, 2 0 2 1 – N OVE M B E R 7, 2 0 2 1
T
he Night Indianapolis Roared, an exhibit showcasing the night Benjamin Harrison was nominated as a candidate for president of the United States of America, highlights a monumental day in Indianapolis’ history. The “roar” of this night was created by the thousands of exuberant voices booming with excitement over the nomination of one of Indianapolis’ most respected citizens. Only six decades after its founding, Benjamin Harrison brought Indianapolis to the national stage with his monumental win. CAMPAIGN PAPER L ANTE RN 1888
Alternating images of Harrison and Morton with shield and flags below each picture. Mounted on wires and stick by parasol mechanism. “Manufactured by Ayres & Decker, Keokuck, Iowa.”
N OI SE MAK E R H O R N 1888
Campaign noisemaker (horn) painted with unpainted tin mouthpiece. “544” scratched on side. “544” refers to the 544 ballots needed for Harrison to get the Republican nomination. This would have been a noisemaker (horn) used in the 1888 campaign.
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FROM THE
Collection
PA RTN E RS A N D CO L L A B ORATORS
This exhibit explores the city’s day of celebration in response to Harrison’s nomination to the presidency.
This is a collaborative effort between the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site and the IUPUI Museum Studies Program. Our New Century Curator initiative seeks to afford innovative opportunities for museum studies students. This exhibition was made possible with the assistance of many people and organizations. Curatorial Fellow, Allison Baker, thanks the following for their assistance. Thank you to the Collections & Exhibitions Committee: Susie Sogard Ellis Hall Michael McQuillen Scott Keller Jennifer Capps David Yount Whitney Ball Sue Ridlen Roger Hardig Diane Crabtree Thank you to the staff at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site: Jennifer Capps VP of Curatorship & Exhibition Charles Hyde President & CEO Whitney Ball Special Events & Marketing Manager Julio Zepeda Facilities Manager Thank you to the faculty of the Museum Studies Program at IUPUI: Elizabeth Kryder-Reid, Ph.D. Lois Silverman, Ph.D. Holly Cusack-McVeigh, Ph.D. Laura Holzman, Ph.D. Thank you to our lending partners and institutions: The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis The Indiana Historical Society The Indiana Album The Ridlen Museum of American Political Communication A Special Thanks to Dr. Dan Miller, Author of The Night Indianapolis Roared: This exhibit made extensive use of the original research by Dr. Miller regarding the night of Benjamin Harrison’s nomination as the 23rd President of the United States of America, which formed the framework of the exhibit’s exploration of the day’s events. Additional support was provided by the IUPUI School of Liberal Arts Museum Studies Program and the IUPUI Office of Community Engagement. T H E STAT E S M A N | PAG E 1 3
FROM THE
Collection
This exhibit will continue to detail the excitement that was echoed throughout Indianapolis on this celebrated night in history. Using primary resources and personal accounts, the exhibit will be showcasing intertwining timelines, lives, and occurrences throughout the night of June 25th, 1888, spotlighting memorable items from Harrison’s campaign and nomination, highlighting his diverse support from across the community, and revisiting the spontaneous celebratory parade.
SATIN RIBBON
1888
HAT TORCH
1888
Campaign top hat torch for Harrison. Red, white, and blue metal with arms and spot to place on top of a wooden stick or handle to be carried in torchlight parades.
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Blue satin ribbon with gold lettering and gold braid & fringe. 1/2” Gold braid ribbon across top. 1 1/4” gold fringe (metallic) on bottom. “Our Choice / For / President / Ben Harrison / 1888.”
FROM THE
Collection
We hope that this exhibit serves as a celebration to Indianapolis and its interesting history during this Bicentennial year. With the growing importance of voting and the enthusiasm surrounding the act of exercising your rights, it is our hope that visitors will learn about the excitement that voting has continuously inspired throughout history. Let this this historic celebration be an example of the tightly-knit community that Indianapolis has always been! CAMPAIGN PHOTO
1888
Photograph of a team of horses pulling a wagon that is decorated for Harrison’s 1888 campaign. On the wagon is a small log cabin with images of Harrison and Morton and other embellishments. A Harrison and Morton flag banner is the on the side.
SPECIAL THANKS TO THE LOCKERBIE SQUARE QUESTERS!
Through the years the Lockerbie Square Questers have helped with many conservation and restoration projects. This last year they helped fund the conservation of Benjamin Harrison’s hat case. The 23rd president’s hat became an iconic symbol of his campaign and administration, and can be found in many political cartoons and paraphernalia of that era. The leather hat case needed full treatment to stabilize and restore its condition. The leather was cleaned overall with scratches reduced as best as possible. The hat case was reshaped as needed with inner supports inserted. The exposed areas of corium and weak breaks or stressed areas were consolidated using the appropriate conservation methods and materials. The torn components were strengthened and reinforced using the appropriate conservation adhesives and materials. The work was completed by The Conservation Center in Chicago. The hat case and hat came back to the museum from daughter Mary McKee’s family in 1945. The hat case has labels or stickers from Harrison’s trip abroad in 1899 one from the Langham Hotel in Paris. The interior of the case is red silk and layered to fit the hat. Conservation efforts such as this would not be possible without the support of the Lockerbie Square Questers. Thank you! T H E STAT E S M A N | PAG E 1 5
T E AC H E R
Feature
I
n this regular feature, we highlight some of the people, schools, and partners that make our educational outreach to thousands of students each year possible.
STEVIE FRANK ZIONSVILLE WEST MIDDLE SCHOOL ZIONSVILLE, INDIANA
Want to learn more about educational programs for the students in your life? Go to bhpsite.org/ learn/education/ to find out more today!
“Hi! I’m Stevie Frank and I teach 5th grade humanities at Zionsville West Middle School. This is my 12th year of teaching. I have two small boys and they keep me busy! I’m passionate about critical thinking in literature as well as social justice issues. I had students create podcasts last year and it was so cool to hear their student voice come through so authentically! This has been a year like none other, as I’m sure other educators are feeling right now. That’s why the need for a field trip was SO imperative for my learners. We enjoyed learning from Roger about the process that presidential candidates go through to run for office! It was interactive and the students enjoyed that opportunity. We always love to go to the Benjamin Harrison Home in person but the virtual field trip was a close second!”
VOLUNTEER
Meet our new Volunteer Coordinator
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Report
Volunteer Coordinator, Brianna Hutton, joined our team in October! With a background in sports, the majority of her experience is in Volunteer Management and Coordination. Her experience comes from serving as the Volunteer and Special Events Intern at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, and as the Community Outreach Coordinator at Beyond Monumental. Most recently, Brianna joins us from The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis where she led interpretive programming to families. She is eager to use her 4 years of volunteer and non-profit experience to grow the volunteer base at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site.
SPECIAL THANKS TO
Our Partners
Special Thanks! We are grateful to the following funders and sponsors for supporting the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site in 2020: 4 Birds Bakery Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation Arbutus Garden Club Arthur Jordan Foundation Arts Council of Indianapolis Baird Foundation Bedel Financial Group Books Bourbon & Bacon Brandt Construction, Inc. Carmel OrthoDesign Christel DeHaan Family Foundation Commercial Artisan David and Susan Wantz Donna M. Oklak Emswiller, Williams, Noland & Clarke, LLC Flanner & Buchanan Garfield Park Master Gardeners Association Gracia E. Johnson Foundation
Gregory & Appel Insurance Hewitt Law & Mediation Hot Box Pizza Howard J. Lacy IV Image Builders/Rowland Printing Indiana DAR, Inc. Indiana Humanities Indiana University Ingrid and Kimball Harrison Morsman Jamia Jasper Jacobsen Jock and Penny Fortune Kroger Lacy Foundation Lilly Endowment Inc. Lisa and Bill Boncosky Lumatic Imagery Marion County Master Gardeners Association National Endowment for the Humanities
Old National Bank Peine Engineering Peter Rusthoven and Erin Roth Polis Collaborative Precision Rings Inc. Questers, Lockerbie Square RATIO Architects REI Real Estate Services, LLC Renew Indianapolis Somerset CPAs Summer Youth Program Fund Sun King Brewing Co. LLC The Dorsey Foundation, Inc. The National Bank of Indianapolis Tinker Coffee Company Visit Indy Willkie & Selm Families Wing Fund for the Arts & Humanities  
Building a Legacy begins with YOU Our ability to meet our mission is dependent on the generosity of friends and supporters. An increased endowment is imperative in providing lasting sustainability. ENDOW BENJAMIN HARRISON PRESIDENTIAL SITE WITH THE STROKE OF A PEN.
Through a charitable bequest in your will or living trust, you can ensure that the Presidential Site will continue to share the life stories, arts and culture of an American President to increase public participation in the American system of self-government. Â This thoughtful act, which has little or no current financial impact on you, may result in the largest and most lasting one-time gift you ever make to the Presidential Site. WE WANT TO THANK YOU NOW. Our Legacy Society provides lifetime recognition
to donors who have included the Presidential Site in their estate plan. All you need do is tell the Presidential Site that your plan is in place and that you have no objection to being publicly listed in the Legacy Society honor roll. If you have questions or would like more information on giving options, contact the Development Office at (317) 631-1888 or development@bhpsite.org.
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COMING
S oon
Special Events DEATH IN THE LIBRARY APRIL 16, 17, 23, 24, 25, 30, MAY 1, 2021 8:00 –10:00 PM EST TICKETS ARE $23.95 FOR GENERAL PUBLIC AND $19.95 FOR MEMBERS
Ready for an interactive theater experience? In this performance, you’ll join the (fictional) author JR Hartley as he launches his latest presidential thriller after 15 years of dedicated writing. Keen to raise awareness of the book release, the author has been touring the country hosting book signings in local libraries. This evening, JR Hartley and his agent, Paige Turner, were hoping for a big turnout. However, before the book signing could commence, JR Hartley was discovered dead in the library. Contrary to popular belief, he wasn’t actually old enough to have died of natural causes. It looks like somebody’s fingers did the talking and choked the life out of him! But who could have wanted this harmless man dead, and why?
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED Purchase your tickets today at CandlelightTheatre.org.
To make matters worse, the local police are on strike. Since the guests have to wait for the detective to arrive, they are needed to help solve the crime. Working in teams of eight, guests will interrogate the suspects, gather clues, and solve the crime. A prize will be awarded to the winning team each evening. O U R CO MMI T MENT Presidential Site events will abide by all public health and safety requirements, with small group sizes and mask requirement for all participants. To find out more about our commitment to protecting the health of our visitors, staff, and volunteers, visit our website at PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org.
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COMING
S oon
Special Events WICKET WORLD OF CROQUET SATURDAY, JUNE 5TH 10:00 AM–4:30 PM
Join us for one of the most fashionably unique events in Indy! Don your game whites and hit the court for a wicketly competitive day of historic elegance and modern indulgence. This grand Indianapolis tradition supports a wonderful cause – proceeds from the Wicket World of Croquet will help the Presidential Site share high-impact educational programs and tours with more than 17,000 children this year! Don’t miss your chance to experience (or learn) croquet as it was meant to be played! Register as a team of two for a leisure or competitive tournament. All teams will receive entrance into the tournament, use of fine equipment, drinks from Sun King Brewery, lunch, and more! Awards for looking wicket good! Everyone knows croquet requires all-white dress attire, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be creative. Prizes will be awarded for best dressed participants. Don’t play but want to stay? The Porch Party is for you! Come enjoy an unforgettable day on the grounds of the Presidential Site. Your ticket guarantees lunch and snacks, Sun King beer, a silent auction, and all sorts of wicketly fun activities. Advance registration is required. This is a rain or shine event. Find your tickets at PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org. OUR COMMITMENT: This event will be Covid 19 compliant.
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