THE STATESMAN
|
JANUARY — APRIL 2024
LIFE IN T H E White House
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 Gracia Johnson Floyd George Geib Stan C. Hurt Jamia Jasper Jacobsen Thomas King James Kirsch John Krauss James Morris Kimball Harrison Morsman Susanne S. Ridlen
Donna Oklak, Chair Robert Altice, Vice Chair Jeremy Davis, Treasurer Morgan Snyder, Secretary Latoya Botteron, At Large Brian Hewitt, Past Chair Carolyn Anker Teresa A. Bennett Robert Biggs Lisa Boncosky Rosemary Dorsa Erin Dorsey Eric J. Holcomb Will Lonnemann Konye Ori Lucille Pittard Rod Taylor
ADVISORY CABINET
William A. Browne, Jr. Lloyd Crowe Whitney Ebmeyer Daniel F. Evans J. Scott Keller Howard “HJ” Lacy IV Elizabeth Mann Jenry Morsman Andrea Neal Peter Rusthoven David Sease Kameelah Shaheed-Diallo Ed Simcox James Wallis Michael W. Wells
EX-OFFICIO
Ellis Hall, Volunteer Association President PRESIDENT & CEO
Charles A. Hyde
HONORARY DIRECTORS
Robert H. Everitt Thomas P. Ewbank
S TA F F
MOLLY BEAUSIR Russell and Penny Fortune Project POTUS Presidential Fellow
LINDSEY BECKLEY Special Events & Marketing Manager
DANIEL BENNETT Director of Museum Experiences
CARCHELLE BETHEL Director of Finance and Operations
JENNIFER CAPPS VP of Curatorship & Exhibition
GRACE FORNEFELD Volunteer & Relationship Coordinator
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 LARREATEGUI Weekend Supervisor
ALEXIS PRICE Social Media & Content Coordinator
SHANÉT WALLACE Special Events Coordinator
JULIO ZEPEDA Facilities Manager
FROM THE
Indiana’s Most Famous Front Porch
President
During three long years of service in the Union army as a citizen soldier, Benjamin Harrison witnessed war’s devastation from the front lines. His return to civilian life was not easy. As the country struggled to rebuild after the Civil War, he also had to rebuild his professional career and family life as he and his family had known it before the war.
It was with this in mind that Benjamin and Caroline Harrison purchased land north of Indianapolis in 1868, and by 1874 began construction on a house that would become synonymous with the Harrison name, and help catapult Indianapolis into the national spotlight. The Presidential campaign of 1888 signaled a new era for the city and the state. In a feat yet to be replicated, this Hoosier by choice would make his case for the highest office in the land from his home’s front steps. This entryway would later become part of the larger front porch he’d add post-Presidency— and serve as an entry point to Indiana’s relevance on the national stage. Over the past 150 years the house has become a point of pride—a place that simultaneously represented the state’s national stature, but also its modest and stolid grandeur. Without exaggeration, this is Indiana’s most famous front porch, and most iconic residence. We look forward to celebrating with you in 2024 the 150th anniversary of construction beginning on the Harrison’s home. It is the entry point—the front porch, if you will!—to history and civics education for tens of thousands of school children each year, and over 30,000 total visitors from across the city, state, country, and world each year. We serve as the front porch to civil civic discourse through programs like Off the Record, Presidential Speaker Series, and Future Presidents of America. We serve as the front porch of good citizenship through annual partnerships like the Naturalization Ceremony with the Federal Court, serving as a Voting Center with the Marion County Election Board and special programs like A Pledge is a Promise and Banner Year. And we serve as a front porch for historical understanding through special public programs and events like Independence Day Social, Juneteenth Foodways Festival, President’s Day Live and more. It’s no wonder then—for nearly 500 consecutive days and counting—why we’ve remained at #1 “Things to Do” in Indy on TripAdvisor by user reviews. We’re excited about the year ahead, and making great use of the more than $6 million in capital campaign improvements we’ve completed in time for the new year in recognition of our 150th anniversary celebrations. Together, we have a legacy worth celebrating, and we’re grateful for all YOU do to help make our important work possible. Very sincerely yours,.
Charles A. Hyde, President & CEO Cover image by Lindsey Beckley, adapted from an 1890s photo of the White House.
T H E STAT E S M A N | PAG E 3
PLAN YOUR
Calendar
V isit
JANUARY 2024 COFFEE WITH THE CURATOR FRIDAY, JANUARY 5 . 8:30AM–9:00AM EXHIBIT OPENING: LIFE IN THE WHITE HOUSE THURSDAY, JANUARY 25 . 5:30PM–7:00PM
FEBRUARY 2024 COFFEE WITH THE CURATOR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2 . 8:30AM–9:00AM HOOSIER (H)ARTS* SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10 . 7:00PM–9:00PM PRESENTED BY CANDLELIGHT THEATRE* LIVE! PRESIDENT’S DAY MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19 . 10:00AM–2:00PM MARCH 2024 COFFEE WITH THE CURATOR FRIDAY, MARCH 1 . 8:30AM–9:00AM EXHIBIT OPENING: DEATH IN THE WHITE HOUSE THURSDAY, MARCH 21 . 5:30PM–7:00PM PRESIDENTIAL EGG ROLL SATURDAY, MARCH 23 . 9:00AM–10:30AM APRIL 2024 COFFEE WITH THE CURATOR FRIDAY, APRIL 5 . 8:30AM–9:00AM MURDER, MYSTERY, AND MIRTH* APRIL 19–20, 26–28 PRESENTED BY CANDLELIGHT THEATRE* PERFORMANCES START AT 8:00PM FRI–SAT, 2:00 PM ON SUNDAY * 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 5 Life in the White House . February 2 . March 1 . April 5
OFFICIAL COFFEE OF THE PRESIDENTIAL SITE
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(onsite event & simulcast on Facebook Live)
Will you be my POTUS?
(onsite event & simulcast on Facebook Live)
Death in the White House
(onsite event & simulcast on Facebook Live)
Not to be “Eclipsed”
(onsite event & simulcast on Facebook Live)
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 INDIANA CITIZEN
‘Bigger Things’: Future Presidents of America gives teens confidence, leadership training
T H E S AT U R D AY E V E N I N G P O S T
The History of the National Christmas Tree
Marilyn Odendahl, Indiana Citizen
Don Vaughan, The Saturday Evening Post
"Sabo seized the opportunity to participate in the annual Future Presidents of America summer camp at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site in Indianapolis the summer of 2021. Being surrounded by students from other schools who had different perspectives and digging into a curriculum that introduced her to community leaders and engaged her in a variety of activities, she said forced her to think before she spoke.
"The White House has experienced numerous firsts around the celebration of Christmas, sometimes establishing holiday traditions that spread nationwide. Benjamin Harrison, in 1889, became the first president to set up a holiday tree inside the White House for the pleasure of family, staff, and visitors. Five years later, Grover Cleveland replaced the decorative candles traditionally used to illuminate the White House tree with a string of electric lights, an innovation made possible by the introduction of electricity to the White House in 1891. The public took notice, and before long, family Christmas trees around the country were similarly decorated. It wasn’t until 1923, however, that a Christmas tree was placed in proximity to the White House for the public to enjoy. That tree, complete with lights and decorations, came to be known as the National Christmas Tree, and this December will mark a century since that first tree lighting, and 100 consecutive years of a cherished ceremony. A Christmas tree for the people was the brainchild of Lucretia Walker Hardy, acting director of the D.C. Community Center Department. On November 30, 1923, Hardy reached out to C. Bascom Slemp, secretary to President Calvin Coolidge, regarding a national Christmas celebration. “Hardy wanted to place a tree on the White House grounds, but First Lady Grace Coolidge suggested that it might be best if it was held on the Ellipse near the White House,” notes National Park Service archivist David Krause. “The tree was a 48-foot balsam fir gifted to President Coolidge by Middlebury College in Vermont.” Read the full article on SaturdayEveningPost.com.
“I was very, very partisan,” Sabo said, describing herself before the camp. “I was like, ‘I believe this, this and this; there’s no other way. If you don’t believe this you’re wrong.’” The views of her FPA classmates and the stories from the speakers “forced me to take a step back and really realize … that’s not how you can accomplish things.” Since the summer of 2015, the Future Presidents program has welcomed about 20 students, ages 13 to 16, for a weeklong exploration of civics, history and leadership. The students learn about governance and civility through lessons on local history and the Constitution and are also taught public speaking skills and proper table etiquette. Also, each day, leaders in business and government visit to share their personal stories. The Harrison site’s Roger Hardig, vice president of education, and Jennifer Hodge, Gracia Johnson Floyd Presidential Fellow, enlist the speakers, develop the curriculum and nurture the students. Both have experience in teaching and have long given tours to elementary school children but, Hardig explained, they saw young teens mired in a “desert of opportunity.” As the country recognizes the importance of an informed and engaged populous on National Civics Day on Oct. 27, the Future Presidents program is teaching its students how to be active citizens." Read the full article at indianacitizen.org.
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LIFE IN T H E White House
By Aubrey Miles, 2023/24 New Century Curatorial Fellow
I
n the hectic world of American politics, the line between public and private lives gets blurred, especially when it comes to the First Family. The special exhibit, Life in the White House, opening on January 25th, will highlight the Harrison family’s experience of living in the White House during Benjamin Harrison’s presidency from 1889-1893.
Mary Lodge McKee and Mrs. Mary McKee on White House lawn with dog.
The exhibit examines how the family balanced their private lives with the public role of being the First Family. Benjamin was a devoted family man who worked to rechart the course of American politics but did not enjoy the public life he was thrust into. In spite of Caroline Scott Harrison’s unease with the press, she was committed to her public role and invested her time in various social causes while reimagining what the White House could represent to the American people. Their family time in the Executive Mansion, surrounded by children, grandchildren, and other loved ones, represented a transition of public participation in the “inner life” of the White House. Holidays became dualistic affairs with public and private celebrations. The Easter Egg Roll tradition continued under the Harrison administration, with a private family celebration held the day before. There were other celebrations just for the family including the baptism of Mary Lodge McKee, daughter of Mary Harrison McKee, in the Blue Room during a private ceremony to avoid the intrusion of the press. The private residence portion of the White House was not in good condition when the Harrisons moved in. It was infested with rats and there was not enough space to separate private family life from the official offices of the Executive Branch.
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Mrs. Mary McKee on the White House lawn with son Benjamin Harrison “Baby” McKee.
This prompted Caroline to lobby Congress for funds to make improvements and repairs to the Executive Mansion. Caroline was the first First Lady to manage her own project, and even hired an architect to help with her planning. Congress ultimately declined her proposal, but they did grant her money to help with the preservation, restoration. and electrification of the White House. Despite their busy schedules, President and Mrs. Harrison always made time for their family, many of whom lived with them or nearby in Washington. Mary Harrison McKee and her children moved into the White House, with Russell Harrison and his family coming and going throughout the years. The newspapers took a liking to the family and published many stories about them, specifically about Benjamin and his grandchildren. One even shared how the President chased "Baby" and Mary McKee down Pennsylvania Avenue after their pet goat took off running with the children in tow. This exhibit draws from letters, personal journals, and artifacts from the Harrison collection to explore what life was like for the Harrison family in the White House. There were joyous times and times of great sorrow with comedic relief provided by a cast of characters, including a menagerie of pets, ferrets, and grandchildren. All of these stories are a window into the Harrison family life at the White House, and to our larger shared story of the American Presidency. T H E STAT E S M A N | PAG E 7
LIFE IN T H E White House NEW CENTURY CURATOR PARTNERSHIP Life in the White House was created through a collaboration between Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site and the IU Indianapolis 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 intern, Aubrey Miles, would like to thank the following for their assistance.
THANK YOU! Thank you to the Collections and Exhibition Committee: • Ellis Hall • Whitney Ball • Erin Dorsey • Scott Keller • Sue Ridlen • Diane Crabtree • Jayne Hoffman • Susie Sogard • Michael McQuillen • Jennifer Capps • Lindsey Beckley • Roger Hardig Thank you to the faculty of the Museums Studies Program at IU Indianapolis: • Laura Holzman, Ph.D. • Lois Silverman, Ph.D. • Holly Cusack-McVeigh, Ph.D. • Elizabeth Kryder-Reid, Ph.D. Thank you to the staff at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site: • Jennifer Capps, VP of Curatorship & Exhibition • Charles Hyde, President & CEO • Lindsey Beckley, Special Events & Marketing Manager • Julio Zepeda, Facilities Manager Thank you to our additional partners: • Jeanie Pike Hornung (Mrs. Jeffrey) • Kaye Porter Pike Learn more about Life in the White House and the Presidential Site collection at PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org. PAG E 8 | T H E STAT E S M A N
FROM THE
Collection
COLOR PRINT OF CAROLINE SCOTT HARRISON’S WHITE HOUSE PLAN
This hand colored print is mounted on a board (14 9/16” x 10 7/8”) At top center “President’s Park,” to the top left “Mrs. Harrison’s / Suggestion for the / Extension of the / Executive / Mansion / D. C.” and to the right top “General Plan / of Buildings and / Grounds / Showing the / Environment / NW.” Streets are marked including Pennsylvania Avenue and Executive Avenue. On back of board in pencil is written: “Framed Jan 20, 02 / F. D. Owen” Owen is the architect Fred D. Owen. Drawing shows White House in the center with proposed additions, grounds, and surrounding area.
BOOK – WHITE HOUSE PLAN
Bound book is eight pages. On the inside front page: “Compilation/ of the / Ideas and Suggestions / of / Mrs. Harrison / for the Extension of the / Executive Mansion… An appropriate Memorial… /for the laying of the Cornerstone of the present / Executive Mansion on October 13th 1792.” The pages show copies of Owen’s drawings. Also in ink on front page top left “Compliments of / Mr. Fred D. Owen / Jan. 1891” and top right in ink “To Mrs. McKee / Compliments / by Randolph Keim” – Keim was a historian and author and had been appointed by President Grant to make a global tour of American consulates. WHITE HOUSE FABRICS
There are several swatches of fabrics identified by the Harrison’s daughter Mary Harrison McKee as being used in the White House renovations in our collection. Some had notes attached by Mary and one has a calling card from E. S. Yergason, decorator used at the White House by Mrs. Harrison. Note attached from Mary Harrison McKee for the gold velvet fabric stated it was used for State Dining Room draperies in the White House. The striped gold and green drapery or upholstery material was used for covering furniture in the Blue Room. Selected by Mrs. Harrison for the White House. Note attached from Mary Harrison McKee. Note: “ Piece of the same material that was used to cover the Blue Room furniture selected by Mother & the work of redecorating the room was done by Mr. Yergason / Mary H. McKee.” The gold brocade note states: “ Piece of material used in East Room - decorated during Father’s administration by Mr. Yergason.” Also found calling card of Mr. “E. S. Yergason” pinned to piece with “Compliments” written in pencil. T H E STAT E S M A N | PAG E 9
Future Presidents of America alumni joined 440 prominent citizens in attending the Presidential Speaker Series: What I Saw Inside the Presidency featuring Pete Souza on November 9, 2023. Pictured (left to right): Logan Tucker, Fabrigace Gisagara, Marlee Scott, Olivia Welty, Lal Tluang, Paige Fleming, Zoey Kryder, Roger Hardig, KK Sabo, Eleanor Gamble, Jayna Ndiaye, Eden Ridout, Magnus McCallister, and Jennifer Hodge. Special thanks to the Mary Tucker Jasper Endowment Fund for its support of the Presidential Speaker Series.
HARRISON IN HIS
Own Words
FROM THIS COUNTRY OF OURS PUBLISHED 1897 BY CHARLES SCRIBNER’S SONS
In 1897, former president Benjamin Harrison wrote and published “This Country of Ours,” a compilation of articles written for the Ladies’ Home Journal during the years 1896-1897:
“A greater reverence for law is a sore need in this land of ours. Perhaps a better knowledge of what the laws are, how they are made, and how their defects may be remedied in an orderly way, will strengthen the conviction that they must be observed by every one.”
DID YOU
Know?
There were Rats in the White House! Followed by Ferrets! That’s right, the White House had a rodent problem in 1889 when the Harrison family arrived. Every kind of trap was tried and ignored by the pests. A professional rat catcher, with his dogs and ferrets, was hired. He discovered the grounds around were honeycombed with rat holes and tunnels. Caroline wrote to Mary McKee on October 17, 1889: “We have been having a rat hunt all week the ferrets have been at work...” Caroline also wrote to the grandchildren Benjamin and Mary Lodge McKee. She told “Bem” (Benjamin Harrison McKee) “What we have in the White House – Rats!” and in one drawer she found grapes that the rat must have carried there to eat. Caroline goes on to tell them they are sending for a man with ferrets and dogs and that the man is giving them a little dog that she thinks they (especially Mary Lodge) will like to meet that will help keep the rats away. The little dog was likely Jack. There is an 1890 dog license for Jack the Fox Terrier. Jack was a ratter and according to the Washington Evening Star he caught thirty-six rats in thirty minutes! It was also reported that Jack – “completely plowing up a flower bed does not disturb him in the least” if in hot pursuit of the chase. PAG E 1 2 | T H E STAT E S M A N
A MOMENT
in Time
White House Construction and Reconstruction – the first 110 years 1792 – Construction begins on the White House. The cornerstone was laid October 13th and a design submitted by Irish-born architect James Hoban was chosen. 1800 – After eight years of construction, President John Adams and his wife Abigail moved into the still-unfinished residence. 1814 – The White House was set on fire by the British during the War of 1812. 1817 – James Hoban was appointed to rebuild the White House after the fire. James Monroe moved into the building in 1817, and during his administration, the South Portico was constructed. 1829 – Addition of North Portico. 1882 – President Arthur commissioned Louis Comfort Tiffany to redecorate the State apartments and construct a stained glass screen (or wall) for the Entrance Hall. It remained in place a mere nineteen years before being removed and later destroyed. A newspaper article in Washington’s Evening Star on December 19, 1882 discussed the work undertaken in the hall: … What will doubtless be considered the main feature of the interior improvement is the magnificent glass mosaic screen, ... It will have but two doors, the center of the screen being composed of one large panel. The center of this panel consists of a large oval, having four eagles arranged around a central smaller oval, which is a suggestion of the U.S. shield… Tiffany & Co. have never had such an opportunity of showing both sides of the glass mosaic as this will afford, and the effect produced by the lights on both sides… will doubtless be magnificent. 1891 – First Lady Caroline Scott Harrison proposed additions to the west and east for staff, family quarters, and an art gallery. She hired architect Fred D. Owen to draw a preliminary plan. Owen was a cartographer, engineer, and architect working as civilian contractor with the US Bureau of Topographical Engineers. He later worked for the Washington, D.C. Parks Department. Several of his maps and drawing are at the Library of Congress. A newspaper article in The Champaign Daily News on September 10 1895, states that: Mrs. Harrison spoke very fully on the subject, pointing out the absence of sufficient family apartments, the lack of privacy for ladies of the family, want of household conveniences and inadequate accommodations for guest… The plan of Mrs. Harrison is an excellent one and ought to be adopted… 1902 – President Theodore Roosevelt removes the conservatory and builds the West Wing among other renovations. T H E STAT E S M A N | PAG E 1 3
T E AC H E R
JENNIFER HODGE GRACIA JOHNSON FLOYD FUTURE PRESIDENTS OF AMERICA FELLOW BENJAMIN HARRISON PRESIDENTIAL SITE
Feature “I grew up in Tipp City, Ohio which was originally named Tippecanoe City. It took my working at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site to realize that it was originally named Tippecanoe City after William Henry Harrison! It’s a little ironic for me to now work at his grandson’s presidential site!
I spent 18 years directing the Capitol Tour Office, working with thousands of visitors every year, most of whom were 4th graders. Next, I spent 1.5 years as the Director of Education and Outreach for the State Archives. Such a treasure trove of original state documents that exist nowhere else! I retired from the State in 2018 after receiving a Resolution from the House of Representatives and the Senate, as well as the Governor’s Distinguished Hoosier Award. I then became the Gracia Johnson Floyd Presidential Fellow at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, working with Roger to present a civics and leadership experience for 13 to 16 year olds from across the city, state, and occasionally the country! The leaders that we bring to speak to our Future Presidents ever year are not former presidents of the USA but are often presidents and leaders of successful organizations across many fields. The skills, philosophies, and personalities that they share along with the journeys they took to get to the position they enjoy are inspirational. When directly experienced by a young mind, this provides a new level of understanding about what was needed to have led our country. In the expansion of the Future Presidents of America program to Andrew Jackson and Abraham Lincoln museums, we hope to allow more students to experience this inspiration. As we move to build a national group of alumni, to see the similarities and differences in our country’s presidents and the job of presidents wherever it exists and step up to leadership positions themselves. It continues to be a privilege to work with the professionals at the Presidential Site and if you have not visited with your classroom or family, I would highly suggest you do so. It is an amazing place honoring the only President of the United States elected from Indiana!" Applications for the 2024 cohort of Future Presidents of America are available now! Learn more at FuturePresidents.us.
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VOLUNTEER
T
Report
o start, I would like to introduce myself! I’m Grace, and I started in the Volunteer and Relationship Coordinator position in mid-September 2023. I originally came to the Presidential Site volunteering in the beautiful gardens, and now I am an official staff member. I am looking forward to meeting By Grace Fornefeld more current volunteers as well as recruiting new volunteers, and seeing what I can help bring to the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site coming into the New Year! We had the amazing opportunity in late September to host our volunteer appreciation celebration at High Alpha located on Massachusetts Avenue in the Bottle Works District of Downtown Indianapolis. Thanks to the generosity of our hosts, we celebrated on the rooftop with beautiful weather, delicious refreshments and the best company. Most of the staff were present, and we were fortunate to have a Harrison family descendant in attendance, Whitney Morsman. Four awards were presented to some of our most outstanding volunteers this year. Please help me congratulate Jennifer McAvoy for the “Volunteer of the Year”, Don Shapiro for the “Apple of My Eye”, John Teskey for “Special Events”, and Jayne Hoffman for the “White Glove” award. The “Volunteer of the Year” is an award to an individual who has provided unwavering support to the Presidential Site and works to fulfill our mission statement. Jennifer is a regular docent on the weekends, a new member of the Volunteer Association Board, assists with many events, and even gives specialty tours. The “Apple of My Eye” award is given to a volunteer who has gone above and beyond for the education department, assisting with school tours and furthering the education department’s goals. Don has been very helpful with Project POTUS as a citizen juror, and is a new member of the Volunteer Association Board as well. The “Special Events” award goes to a volunteer who has gone above and beyond for special events hosted by the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. This includes; Wicket World of Croquet, Candlelight Theater, Juneteenth Foodways Festival, Presidential Easter Egg Roll, etc. John was an outstanding help at many of the events this year, and is a regular weekend volunteer. The “White Glove” award is given to a volunteer to be recognized for their dedication to the VP of Curatorship and Exhibition’s goals. Jayne is a weekend supervisor, volunteer, curatorial assistant, and committee member. She transcribed an entire diary of the Harrison Family seamstress during their years in the White House. We look forward to another exciting year with our wonderful volunteers! Want to volunteer with us? Learn more at PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org.
Jennifer McAvoy, “Volunteer of the Year”
Don Shapiro, Apple of My Eye
John Teskey, Special Events
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SPECIAL THANKS TO
Our Partners
Special Thanks! We are grateful to the following institution funders and event sponsors for supporting the Presidential Site in 2023: Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation April and Rick Sasso Arbutus Garden Club Arthur Jordan Foundation Baird Private Wealth Management Barnes & Thornburg Bedel Financial Group Books Bourbon & Bacon Brandt Construction, Inc. Brian C. Hewitt, partner Lewis Wagner LLC Cass County Community Foundation CBIZ Somerset CPAs and Advisors Commercial Artisan Cooke Financial Group Dana and Lucille Pittard Emswiller, Williams, Noland & Clarke, LLC Eskenazi Health Foundation ESL-Spectrum Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP F.C. Tucker Company FORVIS Garfield Park Master Gardeners Association Gracia E. Johnson Foundation Gregory & Appel Insurance Guidon Design Inc.
High Alpha Hotel Tango Whiskey Howard J. Lacy IV Image Builders/Rowland Printing Indiana DAR, Inc. Indiana Humanities Indiana University Indianapolis Garden Club Indy Arts Council Ingrid and Kimball Harrison Morsman Intend Indiana INvets Dr. Jamia Jasper Jacobsen Jock Fortune Kroger Lacy Foundation Lilly Endowment Inc. Lisa and Bill Boncosky Louis S. Hensley Jr. Family Foundation Marion County Master Gardeners Association Martha O’Connor & Greg Henneke Maywright LLC Mitch Daniels Leadership Foundation Meridian Foundation Molly & Myrtle National Endowment for the Humanities
Nicholas H. Noyes, Jr. Memorial Foundation Old National Bank Pacers Sports and Entertainment Corp. Peter Rusthoven and Erin Roth Questers, Lockerbie Square #333 R.B. Annis Educational Foundation RATIO Architects REI Real Estate Services, LLC Roberts Distributors LP Summer Youth Program Fund Dr. and Mrs. Gene Sease and Family Sun King Brewing Co. LLC The Dorsey Foundation, Inc. The Fehribach Group The Lonnemann Team with F.C. Tucker The National Bank of Indianapolis The Penrod Society The Policy Circle Tilson HR Tinker Coffee Company Veridus Group Visit Indy WFYI Willkie & Selm Families Wing Fund for the Arts & Humanities
We are also grateful to our many individual donors that make our work possible each year through your generosity.
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. Through a charitable bequest in your will or living trust, you can ensure that the Presidential Site will continue to increase public participation in the American system of self-government by sharing the life stories, arts and culture of an American President. 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 1888 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 1888 Legacy Society honor roll. If you have questions or would like more information on giving options, contact Bethany Gosewehr, Vice President of Advancement at (317) 631-1888 or bgosewehr@bhpsite.org. PAG E 1 6 | T H E STAT E S M A N
Introducing 23 in the 21st Century
As part of the Butler Summer Institute research program, Marissa Flannery, Butler Education and History student and veteran Presidential Site Education intern, tackled a big question: How is Benjamin Harrison’s presidential legacy actually related to issues seen in the present day?
“23 in the 21st Century” is the result of Marissa’s project, connecting POTUS #23 to the challenges and policy questions or today. More information is to come on this initiative, but we wanted to share one of Marissa’s excellent articles featured in her project. Pioneering Preservation During his time in office, 23rd president Benjamin Harrison was committed to land conservation and forest preservation. Harrison was one of the first presidents to create national parks and enact policies that protected land. Although the park system was later cemented and expanded by Theodore Roosevelt, Harrison pioneered the forest and land preservation mission starting in 1890 with the creation of Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park and General Grant National Park which would later become King’s Canyon.
“Land may be protected and preserved unimpaired.” – Benjamin Harrison, 1891, Proclamation 343
Harrison is attributed with establishing the wildlife refuge in Alaska that would become Katmai National Park. As the first president to preserve a prehistoric cultural site with the creation of the Casa Grande Ruin Reservation in Arizona, Harrison proved to be no stranger to preserving history. The Forest Reserve Act of 1891 was put in place after excessive logging and disagreement about public land and forests increased. With this act and his commitment to the American landscape, Harrison stood as a pioneer for preservation and opened up doors for future conservation efforts.
By Marissa Flannery, 2023 Butler Summer Institute intern
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COMING
S oon
Special Events HOOSIER (H)ARTS SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10 7:00–9:00 PM
Experience the enchantment of Hoosier (H)Arts, a one-night-only event that seamlessly weaves together the spirit of Valentine’s Day, the significance of Black History Month, and the captivating allure of poetry and art. This extraordinary evening promises to be a celebration of love, culture, and creativity. Immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience as you step into the historical grandeur of the home of our 23rd President. Indulge in a sensory journey, with a selection of wines from Sip and Share Wines and delectable hors d’oeuvres, accompanied by live music that sets the stage for an evening of elegance and inspiration.
LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE! Purchase your tickets today at CandlelightTheatre.org.
As the night unfolds, traverse through the home, guided by the rhythm of poetry. Discover poignant expressions of love through live readings of Civil War love letters exchanged between Benjamin and Caroline Scott Harrison. Feel the power of words as you listen to the heartfelt verses composed by some of our nation’s most prominent Black Poets. Be captivated by the stirring verses of Indiana’s up-and-coming poets as they share their unique perspectives, promising to ignite your imagination and touch your soul.
SOLAR ECLIPSE RENTAL AVAILABLE!
On Monday, April 8, 2024, the total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. At approximately 3:00 PM, the total eclipse will be directly over Indianapolis. Reserve one of the largest private greenspaces in Downtown Indianapolis for your corporate or private event to view this once in a generation sight! For more details, please contact Special Events and Marketing Manager, Lindsey Beckley, at lbeckley@bhpsite.org or (317) 631-1888. Don’t wait – space will sell out! PAG E 1 8 | T H E STAT E S M A N
COMING
S oon
Special Events MURDER, MYSTERY, AND MIRTH* APRIL 19–20, 26–28 & MAY 3–4 FRI- SAT 8:00–10:00 PM, SUN 2:00 PM
Prepare for an evening of murder and suspense, with a touch of comedy, as Candlelight Theatre presents, “Mystery, Murder and Mirth” on the most unique stage in the city – the home of our 23rd President! The back parlor is the setting for the stage adaptation of “The Inexperienced Ghost” by Paul T. Nolan. Based on the story by H.G. Wells, a pathetic and frightened ghost is unable to return to the spiritual realm. He begs the assistance of a cadre of socially elite snobs where he winds up intruding in a most delicate matter. “The Proposition,” written for stage by James Trofatter, based on the story by Donna Wing, will come alive in the sitting room. A wealthy woman invites her husband’s mistress to tea in order to offer her a most interesting and delicate proposition. But the details of the offer prove to be rather shocking.
*RESERVATIONS REQUIRED Purchase your tickets today at CandlelightTheatre.org.
James Trofatter’s “The House of Sanity” is staged in the dining room. Based on adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe’s dark comical mystery, “The System of Dr. Tarr and Professor Fether,” an inquisitive visitor arrives at an insane asylum that employs a revolutionary new system. The guest soon learns why the “system” has been abandoned by other hospitals. Be part of a legacy that stretches back to the time of Benjamin and Caroline Harrison, who staged plays in their home in the late-1800s!
OFF THE RECORD: BLAZING THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL WEDNESDAY, MAY 1 9:00–11:30 AM
Three years ago we spoke with Hoosiers in the White House — prominent Hoosier citizens that have personally worked in the West Wing of the White House. But what is the road to the White House really like? This year we will speak with a panelists of Hoosiers that have led prominent presidential campaigns. Benjamin Harrison led his campaign from his front porch — what do modern day presidential candidates have to do? Join us in May to find out!
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VOLUME 50, ISSUE 1
COMING MARCH 2024:
Death in the White House
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