The Statesman | September - December 2020

THE STATESMAN |

S E PT E M B E R – D EC E M B E R 2020

FUTURE

PRESIDENTS I

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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 Susanne Ridlen

Robert Altice Teresa Bennett Susan Bradford Rosemary Dorsa Erin Dorsey Eric J. Holcomb Elizabeth Mann Peter Rusthoven Morgan Snyder Rod Taylor

ADVISORY CABINET

William Browne Daniel F. Evans J. Scott Keller John L. Krauss Kimball Harrison Morsman David Sease 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

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

CHARLES A. HYDE President & CEO

GARY LARREATGUI 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

Social Distance, Civic Embrace

President 2020 has been full of surprises; perhaps most profound among them is the widespread revision of priorities in our personal and professional lives, and the rapid changes that have taken place in our homes, communities, and schools.

It is in this context that we as a presidential site, arts and culture entity, and civic organization, have been giving sustained thought as to how we can best continue to serve. Our diligent board of directors, staff, and volunteers continue to believe we have a vital role to play.

We’ve been heartened as engaged citizens like you, visitors from near and far, and thousands of students join us in seeking greater enlightenment about this country of ours—especially in a presidential election year approaching terminal velocity. We’ve been sustained by your kind words and encouragement, and by the generosity of our members, donors, and funders.

But it is not enough just to survive—we are determined to thrive.

Many cultural attractions remain closed, schools and universities are finding in-person options significantly constrained, and leisure travel is all but on standby for months to come. Our ReOpen plan was activated June 19 with complimentary “From the Front Porch” tours. Our outdoor Independence Day Social on July 4 was socially-distanced but well-attended, and our gradual reopening of the president’s residence in July has been a success, with small groups prescheduling their tours through the museum.

That’s a good start. But our plans are bigger, especially for students and educators.

The Presidential Site typically welcomes almost 18,000 students annually from across Indiana and beyond. Since things are in flux this year, we are prepared to host classes outdoors at the museum, schedule school visits as permitted, provide curriculum additions on Canvas, and to interact personally through live stream programs and tours directly with classes.

It’s our promise. Teachers can book their field trip experience now, and we’ll work with them to ensure it happens. Whatever form of instruction the school takes this year, we’re here to serve—onsite, offsite, and online.

Yes—it’s social distance, but more importantly, it’s civic embrace. And our arms are long—reaching far into the community through Future Presidents of America, serving as a voting center, new podcasts, creating new internship opportunities for college students stranded by COVID business cancellations, and more.

Our community has many challenges yet to face, but we’re here to help, and are optimistic for the future. We are grateful for your support in helping make our work possible!

Very sincerely yours,

Charles A. Hyde, President & CEO Cover image: Future Presidents of America alumni convened for National outreach initiative, on March 19, 2020. See the video at www.FuturePresidents.US. Back Row: Olivia Simon (2018), Stuart Anker (2015), Steven Scott (2017), Mitchell Finley (2018) Front Row: Maggie Sears (2017), Jade Thomas (2015), Kennedy Boler (2018), Lissania Perez (2019)

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PLAN YOUR

Calendar

V isit

COFFEE WITH THE CURATOR FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 . 8:45AM (ONSITE EVENT & SIMULCAST ON FACEBOOK LIVE) WICKET WORLD OF CROQUET SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 . 10AM – 4:30PM COFFEE WITH THE CURATOR FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2 . 8:30–9AM (ONSITE EVENT & SIMULCAST ON FACEBOOK LIVE) LIVE! ELECTION DAY TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3 . 10AM – 2PM VOTING CENTER TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3 . 6AM – 6PM COFFEE WITH THE CURATOR FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6 . 8:45AM (ONSITE EVENT & SIMULCAST ON FACEBOOK LIVE) MARY TUCKER JASPER SPEAKER SERIES NOVEMBER 11 . 6PM – 9PM COFFEE WITH THE CURATOR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4 . 8:45AM (ONSITE EVENT & SIMULCAST ON FACEBOOK LIVE) LIVE! FAMILY CHRISTMAS SATURDAY DECEMBER 5 . 10AM – 2PM

Coffee with the Curator

FIRST FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH 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: . September 4 Hats Off!

(onsite event & simulcast on Facebook Live) . October 2 Marching Society

(onsite event & simulcast on Facebook Live) . November 6 Views of an ex-President

(onsite event & simulcast on Facebook Live) . December 4 Making Merry

(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

W E A LT H M A N A G E M E N T. C O M

The 10 Best U.S. Presidents for Financial Innovation and Market Performance John Kador July 02, 2020 WHICH COMMANDERS IN CHIEF WERE THE MOST COMMITTED TO CREATING INNOVATIVE AND WELL-REGULATED MARKETS?

“The financial markets we enjoy today have the fingerprints of every modern U.S. president.

Presidents of both parties have introduced innovations and reforms that make the U.S. markets the most robust and trusted in the world.

But, which presidents were the most committed to creating innovative and well-regulated markets?

Wealth Management ranked the 10 presidents boldest in their recognition that markets that protect investors serve everyone’s interests.

To make it a bit easier, we considered presidents from Benjamin Harrison (earlier presidents presided over a country that didn’t have a significant national financial market) to Barack Obama. (Donald Trump’s administration is too recent to properly evaluate.)

5. Benjamin Harrison 23rd President Term: March 4, 1889 to March 4, 1893 Annualized Compound Market Performance: -1.4% per year Benjamin Harrison served one term, sandwiched between Grover Cleveland’s two non-consecutive terms. Harrison put big monopolies, such as John D. Rockefeller’s Standard Oil Trust, in the cross-hairs of anti-trust legislation.

Main achievements: • The Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890, the first federal law to regulate giant corporations.

Despite its flaws, the legislation enabled future presidents such as Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson and Franklin Delano Roosevelt to curb the ability of giant corporations to set prices and restrain competition;

THE INDIANA LAWYER

Vote by mail in today’s election?

You can still get a sticker Associated Press and IL Staff “Even if you mailed in your ballot and will not be visiting a polling place for Tuesday’s Indiana primary, you can still get a commemorative “I Voted” sticker from the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced the monthlong delay of the primary and closure of many polling sites, including the one at the Harrison home at 1230 N. Delaware St. in Indianapolis.

However, the historic residence wants to make sure Hoosiers can still show their civic pride on Election Day. So the home of the country’s 23rd president is offering free curbside pickup of its special “I voted” stickers.

From 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., voters can walk, jog or pull up in front of the site and get a sticker.

For those who cannot make the journey, the museum is also offering a print-at-home sticker file. The whole family can join the fun with these stickers which are labeled “Future Voter,” “I Voted @ Home,” “I Made My Parents Vote,” and “I Voted (It’s In The Mail).”

After getting or printing a sticker, voters and future voters are invited to share their photos on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter using #IVotedWithHarrison.

Nearly 550,000 voters requested mail-in ballots statewide — more than 10 times the number of those ballots cast during the 2016 primary, after coronavirus concerns prompted officials to delay the primary from its original May 5 date.

• First president to preside over a federal budget of more than $1 billion.”

Many counties have drastically slashed their numbers of polling sites that will be open Tuesday, prompting worries about possible voter confusion and long lines for voters.”

Read the full article at wealthmanagement.com.

Read the full article at theindianalawyer.com.

• The McKinley Tariff Act of 1890; and

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Renominate Benjamin Harrison: An interview given in Washington, D.C., on May 31, 1892 INDIANAPOLIS (IND.) JOURNAL , JUNE 1, 1892

Below is an excerpt from an interview conducted of Mr. Frederick Douglass in Washington D.C. on May 31, 1892. Harrison appointed Frederick Douglass to Ambassador of Haiti and this piece speaks to the mutual respect these two eminent statesmen developed for each other. Watch for future articles and programs that explore this friendship more deeply.

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s he had promised at the time of his retirement from public office the previous fall, Douglass remained acutely interested in politics, particularly as it affected black Americans. On the afternoon of 1892 a week before the start of the Republican National Convention of 1892, an unidentified correspondent of the Indianapolis Journal interviewed Douglass at his residence in Washington D.C., Douglass had just accompanied President Benjamin Harrison to Rochester, New York, where the latter had presided at the dedication of a soldiers’ Monument on Memorial Day. The two men had arrived back in Washington that morning via an overnight train from Rochester. The Journal correspondent sought out prominent blacks including Douglass, Blanche K. Bruce, Henry F. Chatham, John R. Lynch, and W. Calvin Chase, to learn their opinion regarding the likely renomination of Harrison for a second term. Douglass attended the Republican convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as a spectator and encouraged black delegates to back Harrison.

That fall, he campaigned for Republican ticket in New York and elsewhere. New York Tribune, 30, 31 May 12 June 1892.

Washington, May 31, – There can no longer be any doubt, if any there has been, as to who will have the support of the colored delegates in the Minneapolis convention. It is the unqualified belief of the four great colored leaders of the country located at present in Washington -the venerable patriot, Fred Douglass; ex-United States Senator Blanche K. Bruce, of Mississippi; Congressman Henry P. Cheatham, of North Carolina; and ex-Congressman John R. Lynch, of Mississippi – that the colored delegates will, as they have good cause to, support the President in the convention.

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Your correspondent, this afternoon, called Fred Douglass at his home, which is upon a prominent elevation in Anacostia, near this city. Mr. Douglass accompanied the President to Rochester and participated in the decoration-day exercises, just after an extended trip through the South. As he talked he could look down over the city of Washington, with its one hundred thousand colored people, who almost worship him. The breezes from the peninsula of Maryland blew about his shoulders his long, white, fluffy locks till, at times, he appeared the embodiment of all that could be pure and wise in man. “I shall attend the Minneapolis convention,” said Mr. Douglass, who has lost none of his vivacity of manner and vigor of speech, “and will depart from here on Friday. I am on the wrong side of seventy-five years of age. So that no one can say truthfully that I am actuated by selfish motives; I could not accept a political position if it were offered to me. I am going for the purpose of doing what I can to bring about the renomination of President Harrison.

He has done more for the colored men in the way of offices than any President we ever had. He has done more than any president to give the colored man fair recognition in private life and protect his home and family. To my mind we never had a greater President.

The position taken by President Harrison upon the election bill, called by our enemies in the South the force bill, should endear him to the colored people as long as he lives, and they should revere his memory when he is dead. To the President the credit is due for creating the bill in the first place, and then pushing it through the House and almost through the Senate. His moral influence, as well as his official endorsement and assistance, were behind the measure.”

“Do you think the colored people in the South very much desire the adoption of that bill?” was asked.

The old white haired colored patriot raised up from the rustic chair in his elevated yard, as he said, his eyes flashing earnestly with every word; “That bill meant protection to the lives of every colored voter in the South; It meant as fair political and personal treatment as is given the colored or white men at the North; It meant uniformity of the elective franchise.”

Want to read the full article? Find the link at PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org.

“His moral influence, as well as his official endorsement and assistance, were behind the measure.”

FREDERICK DOUGLASS

– Frederick Douglass speaking on Benjamin Harrison’s role on the Force Lodge Bill T H E STAT E S M A N | PAG E 7

HARRISON IN HIS

Own Words

TO THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DECEMBER 3, 1889

“When and under what conditions is the black man to have a free ballot?

When is he in fact to have those full civil rights which have so long been his in law? When is that equality of influence which our form of government was intended to secure to the electors to be restored? This generation should courageously face these grave questions and not leave them as heritage of woe to the next.”

DID YOU HARRISON’S WHITE HOUSE

Know?

JANUARY, 1890

In 1890 Benjamin Harrison welcomed the first woman White House staffer. Alice Sanger was a typist and stenographer from 1890–1894 that crossed paths with Harrison at his law firm in Indianapolis.

He then hired her to join his White House staff in January of 1890 as the presidential secretary. This was seen as progress in terms of women being represented in government, especially at the time of the women’s suffrage movement. In 1894 she then moved on to work for the United States Post Office Department and is credited as being the originator of the US holiday Flag Day. Learn more about Alice Sanger and other influential women of the late 19th century at our new exhibit “The Road to Suffrage,” open through December 31, 2020.

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MISS ALICE SANGER

A MOMENT

in Time

1888 January 18, 1888:

July 4, 1888:

Granddaughter Marthena Harrison born in Omaha, Nebraska.

Harrison officially receives notification of his nomination and accepts at his Indianapolis home.

March 20, 1888:

July 11, 1888:

at Chicago Marquette Club banquet Harrison is lauded as a candidate with “head full of brains…born fighter” and the Republican’s hope “against the Democracy, the flesh and the devil.”

Granddaughter Mary Lodge McKee born in Indianapolis, Indiana.

July 13, 1888:

June 19–23 & 25, 1888: 9th GOP Convention held at the Civic Auditorium in Chicago, IL. Harrison won the nomination on the 8th ballot.

Lew Wallace begins to dictate a campaign biography entitled: “Life of Ben Harrison by the Author of Ben Hur,” which is published on September 1, 1888.

August 17, 1888:

the Harrison Marching Club (later the Columbia Club) forms.

November 6, 1888 : Election Day

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Looking for a safe place to vote and socially distance on Election Day? If you are a Marion County registered voter, you are eligible to vote at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site voting center (or any one of the voting centers in Marion County). Just be sure to do your civic duty on November 3, whether you’re voting by mail, in person or helping at the polls as a poll worker. Find out more at the Marion County Election Board website at vote.indy.gov.

Learn more about the intersection of voting technology and voting rights at “Protect the Vote,” open through November 4, 2020 in the Special Exhibit Gallery of the Welcome Center .

SOCIAL DISTANCE, CIVIC EMBRACE

FUTURE PRESIDENTS

F

of America

TM

uture Presidents of America is a week-long youth leadership camp created to engage the next generation of community leaders while developing confidence, civic literacy and good citizenship to reveal the exceptional character that makes for great presidents and great leaders—yesterday, today and tomorrow. While our 2020 cohort has been rescheduled for 2021 (as a double class), we want to highlight some of our remarkable alumni from the program over the past 5 years.

MAGGIE SEARS (2017) INDIANA UNIVERSITY, SOPHOMORE

“What Future Presidents of America taught me is that communication is about more than just being right but rather being engaged. With an open mind striving to better a community: a nation with adept civic literacy. This program reinforces critical professionalism and civility that will ultimately shape a generation to be the best that it can be. And while my time in FPA only lasted a week, its impact will surely last me a lifetime.”

JADE THOMAS (2015) PARK TUDOR, SENIOR

“Benjamin Harrison exceeded the standards of bravery, courage, and leadership…our twenty-third president was a rarity. He designed his own destiny, fought for his beliefs, his values, Harrison stood by his men on the battlefield, not as a general, but as a leader in the true sense of the word. He saw their deaths not as a fatality, but a bullet wound in his own heart. Benjamin Harrison recognized an issue and sought after a solution. For the presidents, the generals, the men that dare attempt to follow him, I have a challenge: Make yourself great not anything else.

So, I guess the best thing that FPA taught twelve year old me, and is still teaching me, I guess, is that there is not just one way to be a leader, and that being a great one really isn’t possible. There’s no instruction manual for leadership, no template.

Our leadership is informed by our experiences with others, our inclination towards learning, and that one time, the first of many, that we decide to bite the bullet and just speak.”

KENNEDY BOLER (2018) NORTH CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL, JUNIOR

“FPA, for me, is proof that there are adults, leaders, who care about helping youth develop the necessary skills and obtain the appropriate experience it takes to be a successful leader in all business aspects. I walked into this program not thinking that the youth in our community were listened to, or even had the ability to make significant change; I walked out of FPA feeling empowered, having made great connections, and knowing that the time is now to take my future, as a leader, to the next level.”

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LISSANIA PEREZ (2019) RIVERSIDE HIGH SCHOOL, SENIOR

“My experience at FPA allowed me to hear first-hand stories of starting at the bottom and succeeding at the top. Because of FPA, I see myself running for positions I would’ve never thought before. I built relationships with people who I now consider mentors and maybe even friends. My name is Lissania Perez and I am a proud FPA alumni.”

OLIVIA SIMON (2018) AVON HIGH SCHOOL, JUNIOR

“To me, FPA is an amazing camp filled with so many interesting opportunities! In this camp, I have been able to meet so many interesting people not only in politics, but also plenty students in high school who are very intelligent and kind! I’m so thankful for this camp because of the people I’ve met and the amazing experiences I’ve had at FPA. This camp has made me a better person and it inspires me to work harder every day. FPA is an amazing camp that has changed my life for the better.”

STUART ANKER (2015) WABASH COLLEGE, SOPHOMORE

“My name is Stuart Anker and I am 19 years old, as well as a graduate from the inaugural class of the Future Presidents of America. In November 2017, I rebuilt the historic fence on the back of the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site to fulfill my Eagle Scout Project. To this day, I continue to give back to the Presidential Site whenever the opportunity presents itself. I enjoy studying economics and history and hope to attend some form of post-graduate education, either law or business, after my time on Wabash’s campus. I like to attribute much of my interest in history to the Future Presidents of America.”

STEVEN SCOTT (2017) UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL, SOPHOMORE

“For me, FPA is a leadership building camp. It allows the students to either start or build their leadership skills for school activities, within their family, with their peers, and the ultimate goal, for life.”

MITCHELL FINLEY (2018) CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL, JUNIOR

“Future Presidents of America embodies leadership, chiefly the ability to lead by example. Using U.S. history and politics, the program allows the Future Presidents to develop qualities necessary in a successful leader.”

Want to get involved, or share the program with a young leader in your life?

Find out more at FuturePresidents.us.

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FROM THE

1

Collection

WOODEN CAMPAIGN AX

1888

“Slayer of Free Trade” wooden ax from Onondaga County, New York.

The county seat is Syracuse, NY. Free trade was a hot topic in 1888 and New York was a swing state.

Grover Cleveland claimed NY as his home state as did Benjamin Harrison Vice Presidential candidate Levi P. Morton. Harrison was more popular in upstate New York while Cleveland carried the New York City area. Ultimately New York gave its 37 electoral votes to Harrison in 1888. This wooden ax is part of our collection and is handmade with the painted inscription: “Onondaga Co. May 6.

115” and “Slayer of Free Trade.”

2

HARRISON BANDANNA

1888

Another popular slogan in the 1888 campaign was “Protect to Home Industry” and can be seen on this bandanna at the top above an image of Benjamin Harrison in the center. An eagle, flags, and stars adorn the colorful bandanna. At the bottom right we see an image of Harrison in the Civil War on horseback and to the left an image of the first home that the Harrison family occupied in Indianapolis. This is a wonderful example of a cotton bandanna popular campaign memorabilia in the period. It was saved by the Harrison family (Elizabeth Harrison Walker descendants) and came to the museum in 2007.

3

PHOTOGRAPH OF THE 1888 CAMPAIGN BALL

1888

Photograph mounted on heavy board shows 1888 Campaign Ball with D. E. Brockett standing to the left. Below image is the following information: “D. E. Brockett, Cumberland, MD. / Designer and Builder” and “Wm. B. Holmes, Publisher / 775 Broadway, N. Y.” (to the right). Below this in the center: “Harrison and Morton Campaign Ball. / (Copyright 1888.)” Lower and on either side at the bottom: “Old Allegany in 1840 / Started the ball for Harrison; / In ‘88 as they did then, / We roll it on for Gallant Ben. / Roll along, Roll away,” / Keep the ball in motion; / The spirit of our men is up / From Rocky Hills to Ocean.” This is only part of the campaign slogans on the ball. The Campaign ball was rolled from Cumberland, Maryland to Indianapolis some 5,000 miles. It was built of steel-ribs and canvas-covered sphere was 42 feet in circumference and 14 feet in diameter.

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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 more than 17,000 students each year possible.

PAT R I C K RO E W E S T L A FAY E T T E I N T E R M E D I AT E SCHOOL W E S T L A FAY E T T E , INDIANA

For over 9 years, Patrick has been bringing his class to the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site

I Want to learn more about educational programs for the students in your life?

Go to bhpsite.org/ learn/education/ to find out more today!

“My name is Patrick Roe, and I am a teacher with 12 years of experience. I teach 4th grade at West Lafayette Intermediate School and have taken my class to the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site for the past 9 years. In fourth grade, we are very likely to attend approximately 10 different field trips throughout the year, and we try to cover as many historical sites as possible, such as the Feast of the Hunter’s Moon, Connor Prairie, the Tippecanoe Battlefield, and the State Capitol building. The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site is by far one of our most popular destinations. The historical interpreters do an incredible job engaging my students. Simply put, they make history come alive in a real and tangible way that has a profound effect on my class as they follow President Harrison’s literal footprints through some of the most important locations in his life.

We love the Settlers and Surveyors program, as it throws children into the critical decisions that pioneers had to make when settling our state. The students thrive as they are faced with the challenges of the time period and do a remarkable job using their critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Some would characterize Benjamin Harrison as a less than memorable president, but once students learn about how he still affects their daily lives, through saluting the American flag everyday during the Pledge of Allegiance to summer vacations to our National Parks, children quickly learn what an important role he played in the history of Indiana and the United States. Simply put, the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site is an unforgettable experience that is not to be missed, and a gem of Indiana history!”

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SPECIAL THANKS TO

Our Partners

Thank You To Our Supporters

I

n the first half of this year, we were asked as Hoosiers and good citizens to socially distance and hunker down to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. Yet— that didn’t stop our friends and supporters from opening their minds, hearts, and generosity to us as we had to shutter our doors for a few months.

As newly-elected President Benjamin Harrison embarked for the White House from his home on Delaware Street in March of 1889, one of the last things he told his friends and neighbors was: “I love this city.”

We share his sentiment and would like to extend sincere appreciation to several contributors that have been extra generous this year: The Lacy Foundation, The Dorsey Foundation, Kroger, REI Real Estate Services, Renew Indianapolis, Tinker Coffee, and The Questers.

We would be remiss if we didn’t especially acknowledge our Volunteer Association for their generous purchase of china to be used for our special events.

Thank you for your ongoing support! Join us as we say without pause, hesitation, or reservation: I love this city.

Last but certainly not least, we would like to extend especially grateful recognition of

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Tom C. Huston for all of his years of service to the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. Tom retired from serving on the Collection & Exhibit Committee this year. He served on the committee from 1997 to April 2020 and was also a board member from 1997 until January 2005.

Tom is a member of the American Political Item Collectors and is always a great source of information and often loans artifacts for exhibits from his private collection. Tom’s service is greatly appreciated and his wisdom will be missed at our meetings. Thank you Tom!

New! Get your podcast history fix with Six Degrees of Benjamin Harrison podcast.

5 EPISODES NOW STREAMING!

VOLUNTEER

Report

T

he entire museum has been open for almost a month and along with visitors coming back to the Presidential Site, so too have our fantastic volunteers! We are offering three tours a day with a maximum of 6 people per tour, to ensure social distancing and provide a healthy and safe environment to staff, volunteers and guests. The volunteers have been instrumental in ensuring those guidelines are adhered to while working to balance a safe but also people friendly and interactive tour experience at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site.

I cannot thank them enough!

While not all of our volunteers have returned, we certainly hope to see them soon, and we have created a plan that allows us to operate safely and only with volunteers who feel safe and comfortable returning to the site and interacting with our staff and visitors.

We had our Annual Volunteer Event on July 29th, and elected our new Volunteer Board! Ellis Hall will be the new President. Sherry Nagel-Smith will be our new Vice President. John Teskey has taken over the role of the Secretary! I want to thank them for their willingness to take this responsibility on and we look forward to their tenure on the board.

I also then want to thank Martha Buehner who has been our President for the last two years, and Mike Back who was our Secretary for four years.

It was fantastic working them on the board and I am looking forward to our continued relationship as they remain on with our volunteer core as docents.

We also had some amazing summer help with three of our interns, two of them having been in FPA in years prior. Eleanor Gamble, who is now back at Notre Dame for her senior semester. Maggie Sears, who is continuing on with us for the next school year. And of course Molly Beausir, who was an intern at the Presidential Site last year and will also continue on with us for the next two school semesters. They were instrumental in helping us reopen and get visitors comfortable in being back at the Presidential Site.

Thank you so much! – Daniel K. Bennett, Experience Manager

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COMING

S oon

Special Events WICKET WORLD OF CROQUET* SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 10:00 AM– 4:30 PM

Don your face masks and 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 thousands of children each 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.

Ready to reserve your ticket? Go to PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org/ visit/events and register your team today.

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OUR CO MMI T ME N T

Presenting Sponsor

This will be a socially distanced event with the health and safety of participants, volunteers and staff at the forefront. Learn more at PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org.

* Check our website for any changes due to current health restrictions

COMING

S oon

Special Events 15TH ANNUAL MARY TUCKER JASPER SPEAKER SERIES A CONVERSATION WITH MO ROCCA WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2020 6:00 – 9:00 PM

Indiana Roof Ballroom

(In-person and virtual packages available!)

The Speaker Series supports the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site’s mission to increase participation in the American system of self-government by sharing the life stories, arts, and culture of an American President.

Event proceeds help the Presidential Site share innovative civic education

and outreach programs with more than 30,000 children and adults each year. The event annually welcomes 300 prestigious guests to enjoy a dinner and a nationally recognized speaker.

This year’s program will honor those men and women who sacrifice so much for our country.

On Veteran’s Day, join us at Indiana Roof Ballroom to celebrate our country’s heroes— putting their lives on the line to save ours. New this year: there will be an opportunity to attend virtually as well as in person!

Register today at President BenjaminHarrison.org/visit/events.

Featured Speaker EMMY WINNER MO ROCCA is an award-winning journalist, history enthusiast, correspondent for CBS Sunday Morning, host of The Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation, author of Mobituaries, a fun engaging look at forgotten stories from our country’s history. He is also a frequent panelist on NPR’s hit weekly quiz show Wait, Wait…

Don’t Tell Me! Mo spent four seasons as a correspondent on Comedy Central’s The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.

Mo Rocca prizes unusual bits of American history trivia, especially those on the subject of United States presidents.

Following the program, Mo will be signing copies of his new book, Mobituaries, which chronicles “great lives worth reliving.”

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