The Statesman | January - April 2020

THE STATESMAN

|

JANUARY – APRIL 2020

PROTECT THE

VOTE

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 George Geib Stan Hurt Jamia Jasper Jacobsen Tom King James Kirsch James Morris Susanne Ridlen

Robert Altice Teresa Bennett Susan Bradford Rosemary Dorsa Thomas P. Ewbank 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

Martha Buehner, 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

DAVID PLEISS Volunteer Manager & Education Specialist

MARGARET SALLEE Director of Operations

JULIO ZEPEDA Facilities Manager

Special thanks to the more than 150 volunteers who make our work possible!

FROM THE

Feeling dispirited about the state of our representative democracy?

You shouldn’t.

President Look on the bright side: Did you know that in the last presidential election there were almost 117,000 polling places nationally, operated by 918,000 poll workers? Conducting fair and free elections for a country of 325 million people is no easy task, but as citizens it is well worth investing our time and effort in doing something constructive about it.

Elections have profound implications for our daily lives. It has been estimated that there are a total of 500,000 elected officials across all 50 states, including federal, state, and local government. While these officials may not have the same national profile or influence as a president, their choices while in office impact everything from tax rates to road improvement to public services. They can help elevate a community, or stymie its development.

So when it comes to electing our public officials—from President of the United States to local school board members—it’s of vital importance for people to take their voting seriously. Our new exhibit, “Protect the Vote!” explores how leveraging technological innovation to help ensure fair and free elections has been fundamental to our system of self-government over the past two centuries. It goes hand-in-hand with expanding voting rights and inspiring public confidence in election process. The remarkable artifacts on display tell the story of where we’ve been, where we are, and what the future might hold for us as a nation.

We’re committed to helping inspire everyone to do their civic duty. It is one of the reasons why the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site has generated national attention for serving as a voting center (see the Smithsonian Magazine’s recent featured piece, “Why Museums Should be Proud Polling Sites”). It is also why we’ve called upon our museum peers locally and nationally to do the same. (also see the Indiana Lawyer’s article, “Harrison Home as Polling Site Sets National Example”).

I encourage you in this election year to join us in advancing these efforts, whether through engaging in special exhibits like “Protect the Vote!” (opening January 23) and “Votes for Women: The Road to Suffrage” (opening March 12), supporting our education programs that serve 17,000 students each year, recommending a young leader for Future Presidents of America leadership camp, witnessing the naturalization ceremony, casting your vote at our voting center, or participating in one of the more than 30 different public programs we’ll be offering in 2020.

We’re grateful for your continued support as members, donors, and citizens, and look forward to an exciting year ahead!

Charles A. Hyde, President & CEO

“It has been estimated that there are a total of 500,000 elected officials across all 50 states.”

Cover image: This automatic voting machine instruction model from the 1960s helped voters understand the lever mechanism used to designate candidate choices. Artifact courtesy of the Marion County Election Board.

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PLAN YOUR

V isit

Calendar LIVE! PRESIDENT’S DAY MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17 . 10AM – 3:30PM

I EXHIBIT OPENING: “VOTES FOR WOMEN” THURSDAY, MARCH 12

LUNCH & LEARN WITH DR. JULIE GOLDSMITH WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18 . 12 – 1:00PM “Frederick Douglass and Benjamin Harrison”

PRESIDENTIAL EGG ROLL APRIL 4 . 9AM – 10:30AM

THREE COMEDIES OF ERROR APRIL 17 & 18, 24–26 Presented by Candlelight Theatre* Performances start at 6pm, 2pm Sundays * Reservations recommended.

Coffee with the Curator

FIRST FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH 8:30AM – 9AM 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 3 The Right to Vote . February 7 This Country of Ours . March 6 Suffrage Stage . April 3 Census Counts – Harrison and the family census

OFFICIAL COFFEE OF THE PRESIDENTIAL SITE

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Space is limited so reservations are recommended.

Find out more by calling 317.631.1888 or visiting PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org.

HARRISON STILL

in the News

THE INDIANA LAWYER.COM

Harrison home as polling site sets national example On November 5, 2019, Indiana Lawyer writer Marilyn Odendahl observed: “The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site opened its doors early Tuesday to help facilitate the fundamental activity of representational democracy. Since the May 2015 primary, Harrison’s home on North Delaware Street has been a polling site, giving Indianapolis residents the opportunity to pick their candidates in a place of historical significance. “We recognize special resonance being able to utilize the home of a former U.S. president to open doors to voters,” said Charles Hyde, president and CEO of the Harrison site. “Voting is one of the full expressions of citizenship.”

In a 2018 article for Smithsonian Magazine, Hyde told his colleagues that becoming a polling site had “reinvigorated our institutional commitment to civic engagement and helped us better understand how we can measure and authentically engage our community … .”

Hyde believes the Hoosier president would be pleased to see voters coming once again to his home. “I think he would applaud it,” Hyde said of Harrison. “I think he would be delighted.”

THE INDIANAPOLIS STAR

Indianapolis building gets highest ‘green’ building certification possible On Nov. 29, 2019, Indianapolis Star journalist London Gibson wrote about the newly completed Guidon building, which resulted from the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site’s efforts to find the “highest purpose” for the former FBI Building it owned for almost two decades. The resulting project not only provided expanded administrative offices for the museum but also brought much-needed economic development to the Old Northside neighborhood. Even more importantly, the thoughtful LEED design aligned well with President Harrison’s significant conservation legacy to our country: “In a state that often falls behind in sustainable construction, a new Indianapolis building just completed a $2.6 million effort toward a top-tier “green” office space certification — and it’s the first building in Indiana to do so.

Guidon Design’s new office is the first in the state to reach v4 Platinum, the highest certification possible from the newest iteration of LEED.”

THE INDIANA LAWYER M A R I O N CO U N TY J U D G E S O F F E R CO O L , S WE E T T H A N K YO U TO J U R O R S

On September 4, 2019, Indiana Lawyer writer Marilyn Odendahl observed: “Jody Heeter joined a small crowd when she did not try to get out of jury duty. She had an exhausting day, arriving at the Indianapolis City-County Building at 7 a.m., getting selected, and not finishing until after 9 p.m.

Still, she said she was so impacted by the whole experience that she would gladly serve again.

Sitting through the half-day trial, Heeter felt she and her co-jurors never forgot the defendant was innocent until proven guilty.

In deliberations, all the jurors worked together to reach the verdict, she said. Everyone had an equal voice and all brought different perspectives as they decided guilty or not guilty. “It was a great experience,” Heeter said. “It was a true democratic process.”

Recently, Heeter got another summons — this time an invitation to join judges, other jurors and their families in enjoying some ice cream. The Marion County Superior and Circuit Courts held its inaugural Juror Appreciation Day Aug. 24 at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, just north of downtown Indianapolis.

About 2,100 Marion County residents who sat on a jury between June 2018 and the end of May 2019 were invited to spend part of their Saturday afternoon indulging in sweet treats, yard games, tours of the Harrison home and relaxed conversation. A big tent had been pitched on the side lawn, tables and chairs were scattered underneath, and a cooler filled with little tubs of strawberry, salted caramel, chocolate truffle and other flavors of ice cream was close by.”

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VOTER TURNOUT IN

Harrison’s Day

V

oter turnout for Presidential elections was much higher in the late 19th century. When asked to choose between Harrison and Cleveland in 1888, 79.3% of eligible voters responded, the fifth highest turnout in history. Between 1840 and 1908, turnout averaged 75.3%, and never fell below 65%. But since 1912, turnout has averaged only 55.6%, not exceeding 60% since 1968. Several theories have been advanced to account for this decline: the easier availability of entertainment, the increased complexity of the political process, and a loss of faith in government. However, none of these factors were in play when the decline began in 1912. The true culprits may be two things we generally look upon as highly desirable improvements: the Australian ballot and civil service reform.

During the 1820s and 1830s, more states extended the franchise to non-property owning white males, who were predominantly young, working-class, poorly educated, and highly patriotic. This new class of voters responded with an unparalleled passion to William Henry Harrison, who in 1840 headed up a political campaign that was also an advertising campaign as well; one that was marked by such innovations as nation-wide rallies with attendance in the thousands, mile-long parades, catchy campaign

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slogans and songs, and an omnipresent log-cabin logo. Turnout in 1840 reached 80.2%, as compared to 57.8% in the previous election.

Historian Jon Grinspan suggested that, “Something broke open in the early 19th century, to bring forth the tide of democratic politics and culture.… Elections transformed from usually quiet affairs to mesmerizing spectacles. In the 1820s only a quarter of eligible voters cast a ballot; by 1840, four out of five went to the polls. After the thrilling 1840 campaign… intense popular involvement became the norm. Over the next six decades voter turnout reached unprecedented peaks.”

One Democratic Congressman denounced W.H. Harrison’s tactics as “the silliest political exploitation this country ever witnessed,” but his party was quick to copy them for Polk’s 1844 “Young Hickory” campaign. Political parties thus became powerful instruments of social cohesion for the average male citizen. Nearly all voters proudly identified with one of the major parties, and were enthusiastic participants in torchlight parades and vociferous rallies in which partisan speakers furiously denounced their opponents to cheering crowds, who consumed copious amounts libations that the parties provided free of charge.

Jon Grinspan added, “This wild democracy did a strange double duty, simultaneously electing leaders and providing the most popular form of entertainment.… The result was a captivating contradiction: an idealistic experiment in popular government tied to a brassy, sleazy, fleeting form of show business.”

Voting procedures were different back then, as Columbia University Graduate Professor Michael Schudson explained: “For most of the 19th century, parties distributed at the polls their own ‘tickets,’ listing only their own candidates for office. A voter simply took a ticket from a party worker and deposited it in the ballot box, without needing to read it or mark it in any way. Voting was thus a public act of party affiliation.”

Additionally, the spoils system, in which most government jobs were awarded by the incumbent party, remained in full force. So if your Uncle Fred was the local postmaster, and he served at the pleasure of a Republican President, your family would be highly motivated to vote Republican on Election Day. This system, despite its many virtues, accepted a certain level of corruption, which set Gilded Age reformers to work. Their labor resulted in the Pendleton Act of 1882, the original

“Drain-the-Swamp” legislation, that mandated an increased percentage of government jobs to be awarded by merit rather than political affiliation.

No one mourns for the spoils system today; but it did mean that “Uncle Fred” was not going to get that Postmaster job no matter who won the election, thus reducing his family’s motivation to vote.

Another reform introduced during the same decade was the so-called Australian ballot, a secret ballot, printed by the government and listing all the candidates (instead of by parties). This ballot was used for the first time in Massachusetts in 1888, and was in nationwide use by 1896. Journalist Sarah Laskow wrote, “With no way of verifying who a voter had actually cast a ballot for, parties had less power to coerce or bribe people.”

But the secret ballot introduced a slow process of weakening the individual voter’s loyalty toward their party. Just imagine the difference between cheering for your favorite NFL team on their home field along with 70,000 like-minded fans, and watching the same game on TV by yourself at home. Reforms were necessary, no doubt, but they did take a big chunk of the social element out of Presidential campaigns.

– Gary Larreategui, Weekend Supervisor

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HARRISON IN HIS

Own Words

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S FIRST ANNUAL MESSAGE DECEMBER 3, 1889, WASHINGTON, D.C.

“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?”

DID YOU

Know?

LODGE BILL (1890) The 1890 Lodge “Force Bill” was the Election Bill supported by President Harrison. Introduced by Representative Lodge and Senator Hoar, it was designed to remove the loopholes in the Fifteenth Amendment used by southern Democrats to bar African Americans from the polling sites. The bill allowed the federal government greater oversight, hearkening back to the enforced equality of President Grant’s administration, when blacks were protected at the polls and won congressional seats. Southern Democratic leaders labeled the Force Bill a threat to states’ rights. To Harrison’s deep regret, fellow Republicans agreed to let the bill die, trading it for southern support of the Sherman Silver Purchase Act.

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A MOMENT

in Time

1790:

1920:

The Naturalization Act of 1790 allows white men to vote, even if they were born outside of the United States.

Women were guaranteed the right to vote in all U.S. States by the Nineteenth Amendment. In reality, local restrictions hindered poor and non-white women from voting.

1868: Citizenship was extended to the right to vote to males either born or naturalized in the United States by the Fourteenth Amendment.

1870: Non-white men and freed male slaves were guaranteed the right to vote by the Fifteenth Amendment. Local disenfranchisement based on race began soon after.

1887: Citizenship and the right to vote was granted to Native Americans willing to disassociate themselves from their tribes by the notorious Dawes Act.

1913: Voters were given the right to directly elect senators by the Seventeenth Amendment.

1924: All Native Americans were granted citizenship and the right to vote, regardless of tribal affiliation, now that two thirds were already citizens.

1943: The Magnuson Act loosened restrictions on Chinese citizenship and right to vote nationally, although severe restrictions remained in some states.

1961: Residents of Washington, D.C. are granted the right to vote in U.S. Presidential Elections by the Twenty-third Amendment.

1964: Photos courtesy of the Library of Congress

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

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I

I

I

THE 2019 MARY TUCKER JASPER SPEAKER SERIES, “A LEGACY OF HONOR & SERVICE” FEATURED KEYNOTE SPEAKER BRIAN LAMB ON VETERAN’S DAY, NOVEMBER 11 (PICTURED HERE WITH FUTURE PRESIDENTS OF AMERICA ALUMNI). AS BOTH A NAVY VETERAN AND FOUNDER OF C-SPAN, LAMB WAS AWARDED THE BENJAMIN HARRISON PRESIDENTIAL SITE’S HIGHEST HONOR, THE ADVANCING AMERICAN DEMOCRACY AWARD. THE EVENING ALSO PAID HOMAGE TO OUR NATION’S VETERANS, AND THEIR REMARKABLE DEDICATION AND SACRIFICE IN HELPING PROTECT OUR FREEDOMS.

PROTECT THE

VOTE I I I

SPECIAL EXHIBIT – Opening January 23, 2020

E

ntitled, “Protect the Vote”, the 2020 New Century Curator exhibition seeks to inspire confidence in the electoral process by revealing the advances made to protect and ensure a fair and free ballot. Protected by the Constitution, the act of voting is a fundamental right of all U.S. citizens. At various points in history, the vote has been threatened; requiring changes in technology to more effectively protect it from infiltration and dishonesty. Voting dilemmas for election officials also perpetuated such changes.

While the mechanisms have evolved, so has voting legislation, culminating in the right of every U.S. citizen to vote.

The exhibit explores the evolution of voting technology over time and the political instances which perpetuated those changes. Visitors will take a walk through time learning how people once voted and why advancements have been made. The first explores voting in the United States. Ballot boxes tell the story of early Americans and their hand-written ballots to voice their support of a candidate. But, ballot boxes could be compromised when “stuffed” with multiple ballots cast by the same person, thus leading to more secure voting technology.

Continuing through time, the Blocks of Five scandal, during the 1888 presidential election, represents a need for a “secret ballot” system to be implemented to protect the integrity of an individual vote. Voter privacy is introduced by the Douglas Collapsible voting machine, which is then followed by the iconic Direct Recording “lever” voting machine, two machines featured in the exhibit. With each design, the vote is protected through new, innovative technology promising a free ballot for all citizens.

Modern voting cannot forget the notorious “hanging chad” controversy which threw the nation into an outrage during the 2000 election. The cause of the scandal, Votomatic Vote Recorder, is another featured machine in the

NEW CENTURY CURATOR INITIATIVE

This is a collaborative effort between the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site and the IUPUI Museum Studies Program. Our New Century Curator initiative seeks to afford innovative opportunities for Museum Studies students. This exhibition was made possible with the assistance of many people and organizations. Curatorial Fellow Brianna Jackson thanks the following for their assistance.

Special thanks to the Collections & Exhibitions Committee:

Special Exhibit Gallery. To round out the exhibit, modern debates surrounding voting rights and protecting the vote is highlighted.

The exhibit also details Benjamin Harrison’s support of Henry Cabot Lodge’s Federal Elections Bill, which would have advocated for a fair vote for African Americans in the South.

Harrison’s thought toward equal voting rights for all citizens proves to be an interesting addition to the exhibit.

To tie the exhibit together, Constitutional amendments and legislature passed throughout the nation’s history determining who can vote and at what point in history provides context. To support this context, interesting “firsts” in voting history are also included.

We hope “Protect the Vote” provides a new perspective on a fundamental right. We live in a country where all citizens are unified by their right to vote and make their voices heard. Please consider visiting to learn about the evolution of voting technology, notable political scandals and how the right to vote has changed throughout history in order to include the voices of all United States citizens.

• Andrea Neal, Chair • Diane Crabtree • Scott Keller • Susie Sogard • Tom Huston • Mike McQuillen • David Yount • Martha Buehner • Sue Ridlen Thanks to the staff at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site: • Jennifer Capps, Vice President of Curatorship & Exhibition • Charles Hyde, President & CEO • Dave Pleiss, Volunteer Manager & Education Specialist • Whitney Ball, Special Events & Marketing Manager • Julio Zepeda, Facilities Manager Thank you to the faculty of the Museum Studies program at IUPUI: • Elizabeth Kryder-Reid, Ph. D. • Lois Silverman, Ph. D. • Holly Cusack-McVeigh, Ph. D. Additional support provided by IUPUI School of Liberal Arts Museum Studies Program and IUPUI Office of Community Engagement.

I

– Brianna Jackson, Curatorial & Exhibition Fellow 2019

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FROM THE

1

Collection

ELECTOR AL CO L L EGE BA L LOT 1888

White card with text “For / President of the United States. / Benjamin Harrison / of the / State of Indiana.”

2

REPUBLICAN PRINTED TICKET 1888

Includes 1888 National Republican Candidates as well as State Ticket.

“For President / Benjamin Harrison” “Vice-President / Levi P. Morton” “State Ticket / For Governor / Alvin P. Hovey” etc.

3

BALLOT BOX LATE 19TH CENTURY

Late Victorian era ballot box made of wood, glass, and metal.

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SPECIAL THANKS TO

Our Partners

CONSERVATION OF THE DAR BRADY PHOTO featuring first

President General Caroline Harrison thanks to a generous donation from the Caroline Scott Harrison Chapter NSDAR and help framing the photo thanks to the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site Volunteer Association.

RE-FRAMING OF A PEN & INK DRAWING PHOTO and the beginning of the RESTORATION OF THE BUTLER’S PANTRY

were made possible by the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site Volunteer Association.

CLEANING FOR FIVE BRASS HISTORICAL MARKERS thanks to the Indiana Daughters of the American Colonists, Indiana Daughters of the American Revolution, Caroline Scott Harrison Chapter NSDAR, and Jim & Sherry Nagel-Smith.

TEN PLATES HAND PAINTED BY CAROLINE HARRISON for addition to the collection. Thank you to Tom C. Huston for making this acquisition possible.

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T E AC H E R

Feature

I CYNDI HILL OF SMOKY ROW ELEMENTARY IN CARMEL

n this first profile of what we plan will become a regular series, the Education department will highlight some of the people, schools, and partners that help make our educational outreach to more than 17,000 students each year possible.

We recognize that it takes special effort and there are a lot of options for teachers and schools to choose from for field trip experiences. We are honored to work alongside them, and together help ensure more of our students understand their country’s history and the important role they can play in its future.

–Roger Hardig, Vice-President of Education

For 6 years, Cyndi has been bringing her class to the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site

I

“My teaching career began in 1997 in San Dimas, California. After 5 years in second, third and fourth grades, my family relocated to Indiana. I have been teaching third grade at Smoky Row Elementary in Carmel in our high ability program since 2004. I love the flexibility I have to be responsive to my students’ interests and abilities, as well as their desire to stretch themselves as thinkers. We do a lot of laughing, as well as singing 80’s music in my classroom.

I have three children, two sons in high school, a daughter in middle school, and a sassy schnoodle named Wilbur. I enjoy serving with my church at the Indiana Women’s Prison, as well as reading historical fiction and taking naps.

For about 6 years I have made it a priority to bring my class to the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site for Coming to America. The staff at BHPS is organized and well prepared to welcome my students. Every year my students get real-life application of state standards. Mr. Hardig reads his audience and adjusts the content to make it rigorous, yet accessible to all students. My students also enjoy touring the presidential home, making the combination of the program and tour an unforgettable visit.“ – Cyndi Hill, 3rd grade teacher at Smoky Row Elementary (Carmel)

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S U P P O RT E R

S potlight

Wrapping Up a Great 2019

W

e ended 2019 with 160 total volunteers, who donated approximately 16,000 hours. Based upon an estimate of volunteer time at $24.00 per hour, the Presidential Site volunteers have donated or saved the Presidential Site over $386,000 in 2019. The Presidential Site Board and Staff are grateful for their hard work.

Special Thanks!

We are grateful to the following funders and sponsors for supporting the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site in 2019: 4 Birds Bakery Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation Andrea Neal Anonymous Arbutus Garden Club Arthur Jordan Foundation Arts Council of Indianapolis Ayres Foundation Ball Brothers Foundation Books & Brews Booz Allen Hamilton Brandt Construction, Inc. BRICs Ice Cream Christel DeHaan Family Foundation Commercial Artisan Emswiller, Williams, Noland & Clarke, LLC Equity Financial Garfield Park Master Gardeners Association Goose the Market GPS Lining Gracia E. Johnson Foundation Gregory & Appel Insurance Hewitt Law & Mediation Hilliard Lyons

Hot Box Pizza Hotel Tango Howard J. Lacy IV Image Builders/Rowland Printing Indiana DAR, Inc. Indiana Energy Association Indianapolis Power and Light Indy Hub Ingrid and Kimball Harrison Morsman IUPUI University Library Jamia Jasper Jacobsen Family Fund, a component fund of the Community Foundation of Boone County King Park Development Corp.

Kroger Lacy Foundation Lilly Endowment Inc. Lumatic Imagery Marion County Master Gardeners Association MK Jacobsen DVM Pet Therapy Endowment Fund, a component fund of the Community Foundation of Boone County

Old National Bank Peine Engineering Pinnacle Catering Group Plat Collective PLOW Digital Precision Rings Inc. RATIO Architects REI Real Estate Services, LLC Rettig Hill Winery Rooster’s Kitchen Sease, Gerig & Associates Somerset CPAs Summer Youth Program Fund Sun King Brewing Co. LLC The Anker Family The Dorsey Foundation, Inc. The Emily Fund The Flower Boys The National Bank of Indianapolis Tinker Coffee Company Visit Indy WFYI Willkie & Selm Families Wing Fund for the Arts & Humanities Zink Distributing

Building a Legacy begins with YOU Our ability to meet our mission is dependent on the generosity of friends and supporters. An increased endowment is imperative in providing lasting sustainability.

ENDOW BENJAMIN HARRISON PRESIDENTIAL SITE WITH THE STROKE OF A PEN. Through a charitable bequest in your will or living trust, you can ensure that the Presidential Site will continue to share the life stories, arts and culture of an American President to increase public participation in the American system of self-government. This thoughtful act can become a lasting legacy of your support of 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 the Development Office at (317) 631-1888 or development@bhpsite.org.

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COMING

S oon

Special Events THREE COMEDIES OF ERROR FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 18, 24, 25, & 26, 2020 8:00 – 10:00 PM EST

Join Candlelight Theatre for a unique, salon- style evening of theatre! This trilogy of one-act comedies, rotating through the Presidential mansion, complete with candlelight, historical artifacts and the rich ambiance of President Harrison’s original furnishings, is a one-of-a-kind theatre experience.

BOX AND COX by John Maddison Morton is presented in the master bedroom. Box is a printer. He works all night. Cox is a hatter.

He works all day. Box rents a room from Mrs. Bouncer, a lodging- house keeper, telling her he will only use it in the daytime.

Cox visits Mrs. Bouncer and asks for a room, telling her he will only use it at night. She rents the same room to both of them. Thus, starts a strange series of situations.

ROMANCE IN A FLAT

by Georges Feydeau is staged in the back parlor. This farce by the master of mistaken motive tells the tale of Edouard who is hoping to gain entrée into Parisian society. He calls upon an actress who he believes will fall madly in love with him and will introduce him to the elite.

Unfortunately, he erringly arrives at the flat of a young woman who is expecting her new music teacher.

SUPPRESSED DESIRES

by Susan Glaspell takes the stage in the dining room. The play offers a highly amusing travesty about misapplied psychology. Henrietta’s obsession with psychoanalysis leads to a completely off-the-wall interpretation of a dream and very nearly to a divorce before the absurdity of the situation is realized.

RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED! Purchase your tickets today at PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org.

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COMING

S oon

Croquet WICKET WORLD OF CROQUET SATURDAY, JUNE 06, 2020 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM EST

Join us for one of the most fashionably unique events in Indy!

Don your game whites and hit the court for a wicketly competitive day of historic elegance and modern indulgence.

This grand Indianapolis tradition supports a wonderful cause – proceeds from the Wicket World of Croquet will help the Presidential Site share high-impact educational programs and tours with more than 17,000 children this year!

Don’t miss your chance to experience (or learn) croquet as it was meant to be played!

Register as a team of two for a leisure or competitive tournament. All teams will receive entrance into the tournament, use of fine equipment, drinks from Sun King Brewery, lunch, and more!

Awards for looking wicket good! Everyone knows croquet requires all-white dress attire, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be creative. Prizes will be awarded for best dressed participants.

Don’t play but want to stay? The Porch Party is for you! Come enjoy an unforgettable day on the grounds of the Presidential Site. Your ticket guarantees lunch and snacks, Sun King beer, a silent auction, and all sorts of wicketly fun activities.

Advance registration is required. This is a rain or shine event.

Please direct questions to Special Events and Marketing Manager Whitney Ball at (317) 631-1888 or wball@bhpsite.org.

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VOLUME 46, ISSUE 1

1 2 3 0 N O R T H D E L AWA R E S T R E E T , I N D I A N A P O L I S , I N 4 6 2 0 2