THE STATESMAN |
SEPTEMBER – DECEMBER 2021
I MEET THE I
FUTURE PRESIDENTS
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
BECKY HONEYWELL Capital Campaign Officer
CHARLES A. HYDE President & CEO
GARY LARREATEGUI Weekend Supervisor
JAMIE MITTMAN Volunteer & Relationship Coordinator
ALEXIS PRICE Social Media & Content Coordinator
MARGARET SALLEE Director of Operations
JULIO ZEPEDA Facilities Manager
Special thanks to the more than 150 volunteers who make our work possible!
FROM THE
“What Does it Mean to Be a Leader?”
“What does it mean to be a leader? Is it your character? Or the way you lead people? FPA taught me that It was more than just this. The week-long leadership camp opened my eyes to the true meaning of a leader and how to become one. I couldn’t have done it without the transformative program that allowed me to learn and practice leadership. I will also be grateful for the opportunity to meet some of the most important people in our community and listen to their advice. I am confident in myself knowing what it takes to become an effective leader.” – Alan Medina, Future Presidents of America, Class of 2021, pictured above with Indiana’s First Lady Janet Holcomb
President We find ourselves in an exceptional moment, having surpassed our capital campaign fundraising goal of $6 million, and on the cusp of a major transformation of the Presidential Site. At the forefront of these efforts is an awareness that our community and country are also at a crossroads—trying to better understand our changing roles in the world, and how we can continue to exhibit leadership even as the ground beneath our feet shifts. Into this breach steps a new generation of young women and men who are willing to take up the mantle of leadership and statesmanship—if given the opportunity to learn and lead. As Future President of America alumnus Alan Medina shares nearby, there is something especially powerful in the true meaning of leadership—or as he puts it, in the learning and practice of leadership. It’s a good reminder that leadership is more than just an honorary title or elected office. It’s active involvement and engagement with fellow citizens, meeting our duties and obligations, and it requires constant practice, with many failures and successes along the way. Understanding that this is not an abstraction, and having the opportunity to meet civic leaders in person and hear their stories of success and failure firsthand defines the experience of Future Presidents of America. And in a larger sense, this defines the work that we’re doing at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site.
In our practice of leadership, we’re committed to help model good citizenship, encourage a deeper understanding and respect for history, foster civil civic discourse, and exhibit what the 23rd president called “an independency of thought” informed by facts and understanding. History and civics education are not an abstraction— they are guiding lights that help ensure our American system of self-government shines on as a beacon to the world for generations to come. Your leadership and support is helping the next generation become better citizens—and giving them the confidence to become effective leaders. Very sincerely yours,
Charles A. Hyde, President & CEO Cover image: 2021 Future Presidents of America alumna Katrina Machetta participates in a leadership exercise at Crown Hill Cemetery, imagining the life and death choices every President of the United States must face as Commander-in-Chief.
T H E STAT E S M A N | PAG E 3
PLAN YOUR
Calendar
V isit
SEPTEMBER 2021 OFF THE RECORD: HOOSIERS IN THE WHITE HOUSE* WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 . 9:30–11:30AM INDIANA ROOF BALLROOM
OCTOBER 2021 ONE NIGHT ONLY! THE PRESIDENTIAL SITE AT NIGHT WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27 . 6:00, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30 Free community event (reservations required) NOVEMBER 2021 MARY TUCKER JASPER SPEAKER SERIES* THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11 . 6:00–9:00PM INDIANA ROOF BALLROOM
DECEMBER 2021 LIVE! FAMILY CHRISTMAS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4 . 10:00AM–3:00PM CANDLELIGHT THEATRE’S PRODUCTION OF ’TIS THE SEASON DECEMBER 10, 11 & 12 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: . September 3 Harrison and the Americas (onsite event & simulcast on Facebook Live) . October 1 The Wonderful World of the Presidency (onsite event & simulcast on Facebook Live) . November 5 #85 Presidential Proclamations (onsite event & simulcast on Facebook Live) . December 3 Silver and Gold (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
INDIANAPOLIS BUSINESS JOURNAL
Benjamin Harrison site offers lessons for leadership Jade Thomas
"In late June of 2015, I walked down the concrete steps into the classroom of the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, hands bunched into the folds of my purple summer dress. I was nervous. I was 12 years old, so, let’s be honest, when was I not nervous? I didn’t know much about the site, much less what the upcoming week would entail. As more students trickled in, Future Presidents of America’s leader, Roger Hardig, closed the door and handed us our first primary-source document. It was a letter from members of an Elvis Presley fan club begging for him to be exempt from the draft. It was a pretty silly document in a seemingly innocuous moment, but I remember it clearly because it solidified the mission of the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. History and, by extension, our present lives are wholly dependent and composed of not the extraordinary, but the ordinary, the ridiculous and the faintly melancholic. The Future Presidents of America camp was important to me because I learned that all the good I can do is possible even in the most mundane, small moments. Like when we attended our first naturalization ceremony on the presidential site’s lawn or stared in wonder as archivists explained the methodical process of preservation.
INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS
Harrison Presidential Site to Offer Citizenship Classes Wes Mills
“The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site in Indianapolis is launching a series of classes to help immigrants earn their U.S. citizenship. The historic site is partnering with the New York Historical Society to offer the free courses to green card holders and prepare them for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services naturalization exam. The historic center says the Citizenship Project is a major initiative to help the thousands of immigrants in Indiana who are eligible for U.S. citizenship each year. The six-week long course focuses on civics and history. The courses are led by expert museum educators at the Presidential Site. The center says thanks to an anonymous gift, there is no charge for participation, but registration is capped at 20 participants. The organization says since the test is administered in English, the classes are also in English.”
I learned that, because history is bound by the ordinary, our leaders don’t have to be sensational. The best thing it taught 12-yearold me, and is still teaching me, is that there is not just one way to be a leader and that being a great one really isn’t possible. Greatness implies that actions should be admired or mimicked, but everyone has admirable traits. There’s no instruction manual for leadership. There is no template. Our leadership is informed by our experiences with others and our inclination toward learning." Thomas just graduated from Park Tudor High School. She spoke at the groundbreaking event for the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site’s capital campaign on April 29. T H E STAT E S M A N | PAG E 5
Old Glory
NEW VISION CAPITAL CAMPAIGN PROGRESS REPORT
Together, We’re Doing Amazing Things
T
his summer, as a part of the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site’s Old Glory, New Vision capital campaign, we appealed to prospective donors’ sense of “Hoosier-ness”. We pointed out that from Cole Porter to Madam C.J. Walker to Eli Lilly, people from Indiana have a habit of doing amazing things. Author Kurt Vonnegut may have said it best: “Wherever you go, there is always a Hoosier doing something important there.” And we reminded them that only one Hoosier has ever ascended to the highest office of the land: Benjamin Harrison. Citizen soldier, statesman, conservationist, and African-American voting rights advocate, Harrison stands tall. And throughout the last 16 months, we’ve asked you – and hundreds of individuals, families, and organizations – to join us in doing something important: engage in the Old Glory, New Vision capital campaign. As a donor. As a volunteer. As an advocate. And like all Hoosiers, you answered the call. And did amazing things. We are excited to report that we have officially exceeded our $6M campaign goal! Community support for this campaign has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are incredibly grateful. Thank you for joining us in doing something so important – helping preserve and enhance an invaluable piece of Hoosier history with local relevance and national significance. You have supported our mission to increase public participation in the American system of self-government by sharing with visitors from across the country and across the globe the life stories, arts, and culture of an American president. And it’s important to note that our visitors learn more than history. They gain insight into what it means to be an engaged American citizen. Some even become one. From hosting immigrant naturalization ceremonies to serving as a county voting center, the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site is a vital force in Hoosier civic life. We will never be able to thank you enough, but we are excited to meet the commitments we’ve made, and to fully live up to our vision to be the most innovative,
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inclusive, and civically engaged presidential site in the country. We’re also happy to report that construction has officially begun. As you read this, work is underway for the much-anticipated JohnsonFloyd Family Presidential Commons, made possible through the generosity of Gracia Johnson Floyd, the Stan and Sandy Hurt Presidential Promenade along with inlaid presidential medallions along the promenade underwritten by the Efroymson Family Fund; the Charters of Freedom, made possible through the generosity of Elaine Kops-Bedel and Eric Bedel; Citizenship Plaza; and the Neighborway, a walkway planned to connect Pennsylvania and Delaware Streets. Thanks to the generosity of Georgianne Neal and Andrea Neal, a unique feature being added to Citizenship Plaza is the Book of History. Set on its own pedestal underneath a cherry tree within the Plaza, the interactive stainless steel book will pay tribute to the over 1500 naturalized citizens who have taken the oath of citizenship since the Presidential Site, in partnership with the Federal Court, began hosting the ceremonies in 2003. Beginning in the second quarter of 2022, the next phase of this historic capital project will begin: renovation, restoration, and continuing upgrades in President Harrison’s residence. This work will follow the recommendations and guidelines set out in the over 400-page Historic Structures Report, a thorough analysis of the conditions of the home and a guide for future planning, maintenance, and restoration work completed by Ratio Design in 2019. First and second floor residence enhancements will include surface analysis and the updating of historically accurate wallpaper and
“We’re excited to report that we have officially exceeded our $6M campaign goal!” carpet, wood floor repairs, plaster repairs, and the restoration of the kitchen pantry cabinet and walls. On the third floor, a new research library is planned – the Harrison Family Presidential Research Library – made possible through the generous support of Benjamin Harrison’s descendants, along with muchimproved exhibit and storage space. The HVAC system is being replaced, and even the lighting will provide improved protection for the historic items located in the space. Planned completion for this campaign phase is set for first quarter, 2023. Thanks to all of our capital campaign supporters, visitors, and volunteers, these investments in the Presidential Site’s future will serve as a beacon to the neighborhood, the city, and the state. Every single day, our gateway will pay homage to the founding principles of our American system of self-government, serving as both an educational resource and symbol to all those who understand we must work together to ensure a more perfect union, with liberty and justice for all. Benjamin Harrison famously said, “Great lives do not go out. They go on.” You have helped ensure the spirit of civic engagement his life inspired will endure for generations to come. For more information about the campaign and making your own contribution, visit www.OldGloryNewVision.org. T H E STAT E S M A N | PAG E 7
HARRISON IN HER
Own Words
CAROLINE HARRISON
SPEECH TO THE DAR’S 1ST CONTINENTAL CONGRESS AS PRESIDENT GENERAL
1892, WASHINGTON, D.C
“It may be in the future that other difficulties shall arise it would be a rare society if everything should move along smoothly and I can only commend a little patience…"
DID YOU
Know?
CAROLINE HARRISON – MANY FIRSTS
Caroline Harrison was destined to be a leader. Her parents believed in education as a cornerstone and that it should be available to all. While she was First Lady, Caroline told a reporter at the White House that she remembered a happy childhood at Oxford, Ohio. Her father was somewhat anxious about Caroline’s lively behavior. In a letter to his wife while she was visiting relatives in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, he wrote, “Tell Caroline she must try and act the lady now, and leave off her romping and venturesomeness [sic].” Caroline received her degree in music, art, and literature from the Oxford Female Institute in 1852. Caroline worked for the welfare of all people and was active in support of orphanages serving on the Board of Managers of the Indianapolis Orphans Asylum for thirty years. She worked with the Washington City Orphan Asylum and served on the board of the Garfield Hospital. She was active with the Medical Fund for John Hopkins Medical School – serving as the Chairman of the Washington Committee of the Women’s Fund for the school. She agreed to do so, as they agreed to admit women to the school. As First Lady, Caroline was very concerned with the living quarters at the White House. Caroline was the first First Lady to manage her own project and even held a held a press briefing. She lobbied Congress to completely remodel and expand the White House. The bill did not pass, but they gave her funds to make needed improvements, including electrification. She completed one of the first comprehensive inventories of the content of the White House, unearthing the chinaware of former presidential administrations. She gave the first public address of a First Lady at the initial annual meeting of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) of which she served as the first President General. Caroline regarded the DAR as a potentially “Powerful political force for women.” PAG E 8 | T H E STAT E S M A N
A MOMENT
in Time
The Executive Mansion 1790
The United States Congress ordered that a city be built to house the American government.
1792
President George Washington picked the spot for the President’s House as it was originally called. He asked Irish immigrant and architect James Hoban to design the original building. Construction began and the corner stone was laid October 13, 1792.
1800
President John Adams is the first to occupy the Executive Mansion.
1807
Benjamin Henry Latrobe drawing – Latrobe designed the White House porticos. He emigrated in 1796 and spent much of the next fourteen years working on projects in the new national capital.
1814
During the War of 1812, the British burned Washington setting fire to the Executive Mansion on August 24, 1814.
1815–1817
Architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe and James Hoban contributed to the design and oversight of the reconstruction.
1817
President James Madison moves back into the reconstructed Executive Mansion.
1824 & 1829
The south and north porticos are constructed.
1891
First Lady Caroline Harrison proposed additions to the west and east for staff, family, and art gallery space, but was denied funding and only given funds for improvements to the main building. The Harrisons had electricity installed for the first time.
1901
The Executive Mansion is officially called “The White House.”
1902
Theodore Roosevelt hired McKim, Mead & White to carry out expansions and renovations adding the West Wing.
1909
The Taft Oval Office is built as part of an expansion of the West Wing.
1940s
The White House became one of the first wheelchair-accessible government buildings in Washington when modifications were made for President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
1948–1952
Harry S. Truman finds the White House in imminent danger of collapse and begins overseeing the repairs, requiring the complete dismantling of the interior.
1961
First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy begins a historic renovation of the White House interiors collecting artifacts that had previously been at the White House.
1969–1974
First Lady Pat Nixon refurbishes the Green Room, Blue Room, and Red Room. President Richard Nixon creates the modern press briefing room over the old swimming pool.
2001
Pennsylvania Avenue closed after the attacks on 9/11/2001.
2013
President Barack Obama had a set of solar panels installed on the roof of the White House. T H E STAT E S M A N | PAG E 9
#24 with #23 Basketball legend and business leader Tamika Catchings caught up with the 2021 class of Future Presidents of America on July 5, 2021. During this week long program, participants have an opportunity to meet and learn directly from civic leaders, statesmen and stateswomen, as they share their stories of challenges and success during their notable careers. Want to learn more, or encourage a young leader in your life to apply for 2022? Visit FuturePresidents.us.
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. We want to highlight our remarkable students from both of this years’ cohorts (who participated in two cohorts across two weeks due to public health guidelines):
2 0 2 1 (Cohort A)
DEVION ELLIS WARREN CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
KATIE ESSEX SOUTHPORT HIGH SCHOOL
PAIGE FLEMING NORTH CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
BEN HYDE LAWRENCE NORTH HIGH SCHOOL
KATRINA MACHETTA SPRING, TEXAS
WILLIE MAYS CRISPUS ATTUCKS HIGH SCHOOL
ALAN MEDINA PURDUE POLYTECHNIC
STEPHEN OLAWUNI PIKE HIGH SCHOOL
TASIA OSILI ST. RICHARD'S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL
HIGH SCHOOL
APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR 2022
ROBYN PATE ST. RICHARD'S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL PAG E 1 2 | T H E STAT E S M A N
KATHRYN (KK) SABO ST. RICHARD'S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL
You can apply for 2022 Future Presidents of America Youth Leadership Program, June 27th – July 1st!
2 0 2 1 (Cohort B)
YAHYA AMJAD LAWRENCE CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
SASHA-ROXIE BASS BROWNSBURG EAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
MARINNA BOGATOV WARREN CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
MAGGIE BONCOSKY BREBEUF JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL
BROOKE BROWN
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP EDGEWOOD INTERMEDIATE
MEDESSA FAGNON BEN DAVIS HIGH SCHOOL
CALEB GREEN
NATE LIANG SYCAMORE SCHOOL
SOPHIE LIANG SYCAMORE SCHOOL
JAYNA NDIAYE PIKE HIGH SCHOOL
GRACE RABUCK NORTH CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN
JUNIOR HIGH
LOGAN MCCLEESE PERRY MERIDIAN HIGH SCHOOL
ARIANNA SHINAULT WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL
LAL TLUANG FRANKLIN CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
We'd like the opportunity to tell you more. Please contact the VP of Education, Roger Hardig, at rhardig@bhpsite.org or call (317)631-1888, or visit FuturePresidents.us.
T H E STAT E S M A N | PAG E 1 3
FROM THE
T
Collection
he Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site collection is honored to include artifacts from numerous presidents through the centuries. These artifacts are connected to the family in different ways and saved through the years as valued treasures. Early presidential signatures in our collection are on letters and documents mostly connected to William Henry Harrison. The signature of Washington is on a letter dated May 27, 1777, to General Anthony Wayne. John Quincy Adams signed the appointment of William Henry Harrison as envoy to Columbia in 1828. One of Benjamin Harrison’s most valued documents is his Civil War commission signed by Abraham Lincoln. Five of the presidential signatures are on Naval Commission certificates for John Parker, husband of Elizabeth Lord Parker (sister of Mary Lord Harrison). The five commissions are signed by Grant, Garfield, Arthur, Cleveland, and McKinley. Other documents with important signatures include a crazy quilt, personal calling cards, menus, and letters. Soon you will be able to see these presidential signatures along with other presidential signatures gathered on the Stan & Sandy Hurt Presidential Promenade.
GEORGE WASHINGTON
BENJAMIN HARRISON
JOHN QUINCY ADAMS
GROVER CLEVELAND
WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON
WILLIAM MCKINLEY
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
THEODORE ROOSEVELT
ULYSSES S. GRANT
WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT
JAMES GARFIELD
CALVIN COOLIDGE
CHESTER ARTHUR
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SPECIAL THANKS TO
Our Partners
Thank You To Our Supporters
T
he last eighteen months have been turbulent as COVID numbers continued up and down throughout. We would like to take this moment to thank you for standing by our side and continuing to support us through the uncertainty. We are thankful for the support of the Indy Arts and Culture Restart & Resilience Fund: An Arts Council of Indianapolis program made possible by Lilly Endowment Inc. The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site is also a grateful recipient of operating funds through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed by Congress in March 2020 through funding from Indiana Arts Commission, Indiana Destination Development Corporation, Indiana Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the United Way Nonprofit Restart grant. The repairs to the exterior of the residence that is happening as part of the Old Glory, New Vision capital campaign has been financed in part with Federal funds from the U.S. Department of the Interior – National Park Service. We are pleased to thank the Department of Natural Resources – Division of Historic Preservation and Archeology for their support in the maintenance and preservation of this National Historic Landmark property with a $50,000 matching Historic Preservation Fund grant. Please note: the contents and opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of the Interior, nor does the mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Department of Interior.
JOIN
US FOR
#Givingtuesday2021! The last year and half has shown us that while realities and circumstances can change but EXPERIENCES live forever in our hearts. Since 1966, the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site has shared the legacy of America’s Hoosier President – Benjamin Harrison – with the world. Yet there are many who have not had the opportunity of appreciating this unique time in history, and engaging with the inspiration and perspective it provides to our world today. On Giving Tuesday, November 30, 2021, we are raising funds to expand the opportunities for more children, youths and adults to experience this legacy and unique piece of American history.
GIVE THE EXPERIENCE. Live. Learn. Lead. Please help us spread the word at PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org on Facebook @BenjaminHarrisonPresidentialSite on Instagram @PresBenjaminHarrison on Twitter @PresBenHarrison
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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 thousands of students each year possible.
DR. CATHERINE HAGERMAN PANGAN ELEMENTARY SCIENCE AND SOCIAL STUDIES EDUCATION PROFESSOR BUTLER UNIVERSITY
Want to learn more about educational programs for the students in your life? Go to bhpsite.org/ learn/education/ to find out more today!
“Eleven years ago when my son was in Kindergarten, he came home from a field trip and said, “Mom! You have to check out this amazing place we visited!” That summer, my son introduced me to the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site and I was hooked! As an elementary science and social studies education professor at Butler University, now my undergraduate students get to experience the unique relationship to history the house inspires. When my education students realize they get to have class in a President’s home, it piques their interest. Some remember the house when they were young learners, but most are not sure what to expect. Before our visit, they complete a “6 Degrees of Separation” activity where they root around to explore personal connections to Benjamin Harrison. Some find that they were in the same fraternity as President Harrison, many are shocked to discover that the top floor used to be a dormitory for past Butler students. The excitement builds for our visit! Cue Roger Hardig, Vice President of Education, who not only welcomes the future educators with his outgoing and warm demeanor, but shares personal stories of being an education major himself, and what brought him to the site for a career. To engage the students from the beginning, Mr. Hardig shares two letters written to US presidents, one to Eisenhower and one to Jimmy Carter. These letters were written by children and they spur powerful discussions about historical eras, people, and personal connections to leadership. The activity also reinforces Ken Burns’ quote “History doesn’t repeat itself, but it rhymes.” It provides a dynamic lens for my college level learners to get their creative juices flowing for their future classrooms. We then experience the interactive workshop, “Coming to America” from a teacher and student perspective. We simulate the activity by building background knowledge through primary resources, find our “new identities” from an adapted ship’s manifest, create passports, and explore aspects of traveling across the ocean from different economic statuses. Mr. Hardig emphasizes the connection to today’s immigration
PAG E 1 6 | T H E STAT E S M A N
VOLUNTEER
and how to develop rich conversations with students by using the past. The home tour is next and as my students have commented, it is not your boring “old dead guy” tour, but a transformative experience that expands their ideas about how to make history come to life for their future students. Thanks to the vibrant docents who make each group feel linked to the past through stories and hands-on artifacts to other time periods and movements, the college students leave the tour motivated to learn more and use resources they haven’t thought of before. They also reflect about how easy it is to weave Benjamin Harrison’s life and the ideas he promoted like environmentalism, women and Black voting rights, federal education funding, and the arts, to standards across disciplines in integrated ways. I have visited the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site 29 times and I cannot wait for my 30th visit this fall. We feel so fortunate to be able to experience the site and build relationships with the staff and administration whose innovative approaches will keep the future young learners excited about this “amazing place” for decades to come.”
Welcome!
JAMIE MITTMAN Volunteer and Relationship Coordinator
Report
J
amie Mittman is the new Volunteer and Relationship Coordinator at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. She is an alumna of IUPUI. She graduated from the Kelley School of Business with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy with a Master’s in Philanthropic Studies. She is also an alumna of Alpha Sigma Alpha, Theta Zeta sorority. She is thrilled to be a part of the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site team and can’t wait to work with volunteers as we showcase this historic site to our exceptional community. She volunteers with several organizations around Indianapolis including, Bosma Enterprises and Girls on the Run of Central Indiana. Finally, one personal goal of hers is to see all 50 states! Want to get involved as a volunteer? Opportunities include tour docent, welcome center ambassador, special events and activities all year long. Email Jamie Mittman at jmittman@bhpsite.org and find out more today.
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COMING
S oon
Special Events OFF THE RECORD: HOOSIERS IN THE WHITE HOUSE WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2021 9:30 – 11:30AM INDIANA ROOF BALLROOM Reservations Required
Pop culture tells us we have powerhouses like Claire Danes of Homeland keeping our national security in check or leaders like Martin Sheen of The West Wing or Kiefer Sutherland of Designated Survivor being put to the test with unthinkable daily political dilemmas. But, what’s it really like? Join us for an insightful and completely ‘Off-The-Record’ conversation with some of Indiana’s leaders who have spent time working inside the walls of the White House, working directly with presidents, including Reagan, Bush, Clinton and Obama. Registration and networking will begin at 9:30 AM. The program commences promptly at 10:00 AM.
MARY TUCKER JASPER SPEAKER SERIES THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021 6:00 – 9:00PM INDIANA ROOF BALLROOM
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. New this year: there will be an opportunity to attend virtually as well as in person! Past speakers include Brian Lamb, Iconic Political Cartoonists (Mike Luckovich, Michael Ramirez and Gary Varvel), Paula Kerger, Ron Chernow, Michael Beschloss, and Richard Norton Smith. Find out more and purchase your tickets at PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org. PAG E 1 8 | T H E STAT E S M A N
COMING
S oon
Special Events TAPS: A MUSICAL SALUTE VETERANS DAY SALUTE TO ALL AMERICAN VETERANS PAST AND PRESENT ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021
The Presidential Site is honored to continue the new tradition we began in 2020 to help call the community together with a musical salute in tribute to ALL VETERANS, those still with us and those who have passed on. 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 Armed Forces broadcast from the Presidential Site. At 9:00 pm EST, a lone bugler from the Indiana National Guard will sound Taps at the Presidential Site to honor all veterans who have passed on and we hope will be joined by musically-inclined citizens statewide. We hope the bugle call inspires everyone who hears it to pause and reflect on the dedication and important service of our veterans, and how their efforts have helped preserve the American system of self-government we enjoy today. Please join us in this honoring of veterans past and present—and if you are a veteran, please know how grateful we are for your service!
’TIS THE SEASON BY JAMES TROFATTER
DECEMBER 10 & 11 PERFORMANCES BEGIN AT 6:00PM AND RUN EVERY HALF HOUR UNTIL 8:30PM DECEMBER 12 PERFORMANCES BEGIN AT 2:00PM AND RUN EVERY HALF HOUR ENDING AT 4:30PM
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
Purchase your tickets today at CandlelightTheatre.org.
The winter holidays are full of many rich cultural traditions that help bring us together in a common celebration of generosity, joy and family. Come join us as we share these traditions with characters that leap from the pages of history and legend through wonderful folklore and compelling stories. Be guided from room to room in the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site to meet some of our most beloved holiday personalities, alongside lesser known tales and stories that will help enliven and inform your appreciation of the season. We hope you can make time in your busy schedule to treat yourself to this unique holiday experience. The performances are approximately 60 minutes long. T H E STAT E S M A N | PAG E 1 9
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