May - August 2019 Statesman

Th e Stat e s m a n

M ay - A u g u st 2 0 1 9

Glitz & Glamour IN THE WHITE HOUSE

A P U B L I CAT 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

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Andrea Neal, Chair Carolyn E. Anker, Vice Chair

Susan Bradford, Treasurer Howard J. Lacy IV, Secretary

Michael W. Wells, at large James Wallis, Past Chair

Robert Altice Teresa Bennett Rosemary Dorsa Thomas P. Ewbank Brian Hewitt Eric J. Holcomb Donna Oklak Peter Rusthoven Ed Simcox Morgan Snyder Nikki Woodson

HONORARY DIRECTORS

EX-OFFICIO

William A. Browne, Jr Daniel F. Evans, Jr J. Scott Keller James Kirsch John L. Krauss Kimball Harrison Morsman David Sease

Robert H. Everitt George Geib Stan Hurt Jamia Jasper Jacobsen Thomas King Boris Meditch James Morris Susanne Ridlen ADVISORY CABINET

Martha Buehner PRESIDENT & CEO Charles A. Hyde

STAFF CHARLES A . HYDE President & CEO

MARGARET SALLEE Director of Operations

JENNIFER CAPPS VP of Curatorship & Exhibition

BETHANY GOSEWEHR VP of Development

ROGER HARDIG VP of Education

DAVID PLEISS Director of Learning Resources

KIERSTIN CARNAHAN Special Events & Marketing Manager

JULIO ZEPEDA Facilities Manager

GARY LARREATGUI Weekend Super visor

LUKAS RAMEY Volunteer & Experience Manager

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

“Success Worth Emulating”

A

s Presidential Site members and supporters, you have a special appreciation of our work in history and civic education. You know many of the ways we’re trying to elevate the importance of good citizenship, and increase public participation in the American system of self-government.

But it’s still easy to forget that others in the wider world are paying attention, and draw inspiration from our initiatives, programs, and events.

From the President

and creativity of our staff; to the careful planning and allocation of resources by board leadership and our supporters; to our genuine interest in making our country a more just and equitable place; and to the fact that most people in this world, like Dr. Scarpino and many of you, understand and appreciate the importance of substance over style and meaningful achievement over empty gestures.

In this issue of The Statesman magazine, you’ll find many examples of exciting exhibits, I was reminded of this recently on two events, and programs which highlight our different occasions, one as an unsolicited extraordinary presidential collection and compliment and the other our staff’s ability to make history as unexpected national relevant to conversations we’re “What you attention. having today. But it’s also are doing with the important to remember On the national front, that these public-facing School for the Blind is we were invited last fall opportunities are more one of the most innovative by the Smithsonian than they appear and Magazine online to are carefully planned to examples of teaching share the story of how through a public history achieve larger missionand why we became driven objectives. lens that I have heard a voting center. The resulting article, “Why Hoosiers like the 23rd of in years.”

Museums Should Be president have long Proud Polling Sites” prided themselves for was picked up across their heads-down-andthe country. This call get-to-work mentality, to action among our but too often we take American museum for granted why such and presidential site work is worth prioritizing peers generated and investing in. In the significant interest coming year, look for and was shared on us to publicly share social media over why the Benjamin 2,600 times.

Harrison Presidential Site is deserving of Locally, Dr. Philip your support, what it’s Scarpino (Director of doing to help advance Public History and applied civic and history Director of Oral History education in Indiana, Tobias Center for Leadership Excellence and how we think we’ll become recognized at IUPUI) reached out to us respecting locally and nationally as a model of success our New Avenues Collaborative 3D worth emulating. collections initiative with the Indiana School for the Blind & Visually Impaired. We look forward to sharing more about our He said, “What you are doing with ambitious plans, and want each of you to be the School for the Blind is one of the part of making it a success. We’ll be sure to most innovative examples of teaching give it the full attention it deserves! through a public history lens that I have heard of in years.”

Very sincerely yours, These examples speak more broadly to our innovative and impactful programs; the extraordinary thoughtfulness

Charles A. Hyde, President & CEO

FRONT COVER: A dinner plate from the Presidential Site’s collection of original Harrison White House China

Plan Your Visit

CALENDAR G A R D E N PA RTY M ay 2 3 . 5 p m - 6 : 3 0 p m WI C K E T WO R L D O F C R O Q U E T * June 1 . 10am - 4:30pm N ATU R A L I Z AT I O N C E R E M O N Y July 3 . 10am I N D E PE N D E N C E DAY S O C I A L July 4 . 1pm - 4pm N I G H T WATC H Pre s e n te d by Ca n d l e l i g h t T h ea t re* J u l y 1 2-1 4 , 1 9 -2 1 . 8 p m ( 2 p m S u n ) L IVE !

PR E S I D E N T H A R R I S O N ’ S B I RT H DAY Au g u s t 20 . 1 0 a m - 3 : 3 0 p m * Reservations required.

COFFEE WITH THE CURATOR First Friday of Each Month

Free for members & guests • $6 general admission • 8:30am - 9am

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:

. . . .

May 3 June 7 July 5 August 2

Seascapes Presidential China Star Spangled Banner Meet the Family

Space is limited so reservations are recommended.

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

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Oct 3, 2018

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Harrison Still in the News

VISIT INDY 10 Things You May Not Have Known About Benjamin Harrison On February 8, Butler student Becca Schmiegel covered this President’s Day feature, extolling the local president who should be remembered

by Hoosiers just as readily as Washington and Lincoln. As Becca pointed out, Harrison “holds a special place in our hearts.” (Visitindy.com)

SMITHSONIAN The Decades-Long Political Fight to Save the Grand Canyon On February 26, Benjamin Harrison was recognized for his efforts regarding preservation:

INDY STYLE The history of Glitz & Glamour in the White House On March 4, Jennifer Capps, VP of Curatorship & Exhibition, told Indy Style about the newest exhibit, featuring two centuries of fashion, glitz and glam! (wishtv.com)

Grand Canyon National Park celebrates its centennial this year– but if had been up to then-Senator Benjamin Harrison, America would have marked that milestone in 1982.

One hundred years earlier, the aheadof-its-time proposal from the future President to designate the park as a national landmark faltered in Congress, the first of many defeats in the Grand Canyon’s surprisingly controversial path to becoming a protected treasure....

“Benjamin Harrison was competing against ignorance,” says Don Lago, author of Grand Canyon: A History of a Natural Wonder and National Park. At the time, “there really wasn’t any political constituency to support a national park; very few people had been there.” (smithsonianmag.com)

2019 PRSA HOOSIER CHAPTER PINNACLE AWARD WINNER Great news! We won an award for the national media campaign for the Presidential Site!

Our entry, Communications Redefined Media Campaign for the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, won the 2019 PRSA Hoosier Chapter Pinnacle Awards and was recognized at the April 10 awards dinner at Indiana Landmarks’ Cook Theatre.

Congratulations to our Media Relations partner Angela Tuell, APR, Principal of Communications Redefined!

New Exhibition

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T

he Executive Mansion sets a standard for fashion, glitz, and glamour.

Presidential gifts bring out the best (impulses) and worst (taste) of the American people while global guests seek to impress.

After all, what kind of bling do you get for the POTUS who has everything?

Our new exhibit offers a sampling of the exuberance and excesses occasioned by the office of the presidency, from elegant apparel to heartfelt folk art, to ostentatious furniture and one-of-a-kind keepsakes. While primarily focused on the rich array of original content drawn from the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site’s own collection, the exhibit highlights photos of items from every presidency. You won’t be able to unsee some of these over-the-top accoutrements! Come to the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site to see our special collection, featuring original Harrison family gifts, gowns, and galas.

FEATURED ARTIFACT

An item on display in the new exhibit is a jeweled cane.

William Henry Harrison received a 37” walking stick, inscribed and dated March 4, 1841, as an inaugural gift.

More gifts, gowns, and gala memorabilia from around the country can be found at the Smithsonian and other presidential sites.

These include:

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Galas Elizabeth Monroe’s topaz necklace

Letitia Tyler’s silver calling-card case

Gifts President Jefferson’s giant cheese from Massachusetts

Abigail Adams’s embroidered leather slippers

Dolley Madison’s French china by Nast.

The gifts received f rom foreign countries are a record of American diplomacy. They can express warmth or even a request for the president. From the practical to the unique, many gifts exemplify the f inest decorative arts and craftsmanship.

President Jackson’s President Fillmore’s President Hayes’s honorary gold box new map of the state “Resolute Desk” from of Wisconsin Queen Victoria

Gowns

Lucretia Garfield’s 1881 Inaugural Ball Gown

Nothing attracts the interest of the American public like a grand affair with a purpose, especially when it features international renown or celebrity. As heads of state and f irst families come to prominence, these affairs become more elaborate.

First Ladies’ clothing shows personal style and glamour, but it can also make a statement. It can promote an agenda, send a message, or reflect the political climate. Outf its are often representative of the events to which they were worn.

Frances Cleveland’s silk evening gown

Lady Bird Johnson’s inaugural gown

Rosalyn Carter’s inaugural gown

Harrison in His Own Words

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FROM THE PRESIDENT’S TRAIN SPEECH TO THE PEOPLE OF WATSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA APRIL 29, 18 91

”We have rid den with great deligh t through this beautif ul valley today. It s eems to me, as we pass e ach ridge or backbone and come into a new valley, that we see somet hing that still more r esembles the Garden of E den.”

DID YOU KNOW? Benjamin Harrison loved the outdoors. After 1872, he visited the nation’s f irst park, Yellowstone, three times.

While serving in the Senate, he helped limit the number of acres leased to hotels, and in 1882 he introduced a bill to set apart land on the Colorado River. The bill failed, but in 1919 the Grand Canyon National Park was f inally created. In 1890, he began a discussion with congress about protecting the great forests of the United States.

His efforts led to the modern forest reserve system.

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Moments in Time: Presidential Preservation

In 1890...

At Harrison’s request, Congress passed the Forest Reserve Act in 1891, granting the president the power to establish forest reserves. Harrison set aside land in Wyoming to form the nation’s first forest reserve. He used the act 17 times, protecting land in Colorado (including Pikes Peak), Oregon, California, Washington, New Mexico Territory, Alaska Territory, and Arizona Territory. In 1907, forest reserves were renamed “national forests.” Here is a sampling of President Harrison’s environmental milestones f rom 1890 alone: JUNE 21

Sitka National Historical Park was designated as a federal park by Harrison SEPT 25

Rock Creek Park in Washington, D. C., was created

AUG 19

Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park were created OCT 1

The Yosemite Reserves Act was passed

SEPT 25

Sequoia National Park was established

OCT 1

General Grant National Park was established

In 1889, at the Harrison’s Presidential Egg Roll

In 2019, at the Harrison’s Presidential Egg Roll

O

n June 16, 1865, three long years after their departure, Benjamin Harrison and the 70th Indiana Volunteer Infantry came home – or more specifically, the 63 percent of the men who survived the ordeal (out of the Infantry’s 1,021 volunteers, 188 were killed, and another 194 were wounded). A rousing reception was held at the State House, and Harrison was prominent amongst the speakers.

His service in the War – particularly his valor during the March to Atlanta – won him the rank of Brigadier General, cemented his reputation as a war hero, and positioned him for a bright future.

Indianapolis experienced explosive growth during the war years. During a brief furlough in October 1864, Harrison said he “felt myself almost a stranger in my native town, lost in a labyrinth of new and eloquent buildings.”

He swiftly returned to the routines of everyday life: rejoining his law firm on the corner of Meridian and Washington, as well as resuming his post of Supreme Court Reporter, elder at First Presbyterian Church, and husband and father at the family home on Alabama Street.

Befitting his newly acquired eminence, Harrison was one of the leaders in the delegation that welcomed General Sherman and later, General Grant, to Indianapolis in 1865. His occasional public addresses during this time attracted much attention, and the glitter of public office became increasingly tempting. He considered running for the US House in 1866, but decided it would take too much time away from family. Harrison, a selfdescribed “drudge,” attempted to combine a full-time law practice while continuing with the responsibilities of the Supreme Court Reporter. This heavy workload caused him to fall victim to exhaustion in April 1867, and he required several weeks of convalescence. He learned to delegate routine responsibilities, and found time to campaign for Republican candidates in Indiana and Ohio for the 1868 election.

Harrison’s legal reputation soared thanks to his involvement in two highly-publicized trials. He was the prosecutor in one of the most sensational murder trials in Indianapolis history, that of Nancy Clem, who stood accused of perpetrating the “Cold Springs Tragedy” in the death of Jacob

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and Nancy Young. His formidable cour troom dynamics secured a co nv i c t i o n for secondd e g r e e murder. The subsequent overturning of the verdict on appeal did nothing to diminish his reputation. He was later appointed by President Grant to lead the defense in Milligan v. Hovey, which sprang out of the ex parte Milligan case. Lambdin Milligan was convicted by a military court for his ties to a pro-Confederate group.

The Supreme Court ruled that military courts should have no jurisdiction over civilians, and ordered Milligan’s release.

Milligan then sued the tribunal for false imprisonment. During the trial, Harrison argued that the tribunal acted in good conscience in ambiguous circumstances to protect the Union. Though the jury decided in favor of Milligan on technical grounds, he was awarded not the $500,000 in damages he asked for, but a mere $5.00.

Harrison ran a spirited campaign as the Republican gubernatorial nominee in 1876, but narrowly lost in the general election to James “Blue Jeans” Williams. But the incoming Hayes administration regarded him as a valued ally. He made his first visit to the White House in June 1877, and returned the favor by hosting a reception for the President at his home in October 1879.

Hayes later appointed him to the newlyformed Mississippi River Commission.

When Indianapolis became engulfed in a series of crippling nationwide railroad strikes in 1877, Harrison organized a Committee of Public Safety, and sponsored negotiations between the strikers, railroad officials, and public officials. He agreed that the strikers had legitimate grievances but made it clear that violence would not be tolerated. Although rioting broke out in many major cities, Indianapolis remained peaceful throughout the crisis.

The sudden death of Oliver Morton in November 1877 made Harrison the de facto leader of the Indiana GOP. At the

Clockwise from top: Benjamin Harrison, Blue Jeans Williams, Nancy Clem, and Ulysses S. Grant

Pathway to the Presidency: From Statesman to Executive

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Clockwise from top: Benjamin Harrison, Blue Jeans Williams, Nancy Clem, and Ulysses S. Grant

deadlocked 1880 Republican Convention, he helped to swing the Indiana delegation to James Garfield on the 35th ballot, providing the momentum that gave Garfield the victory on the following ballot.

Harrison accompanied the nominee in a campaign trip through New York, where he met future Presidents Chester Arthur and William McKinley.

President-Elect Garfield offered him a cabinet post, which he declined in favor of an Indiana Senate seat, which he won in 1881.

At that time, a Senator’s effectiveness was significantly determined by his ability to dispense patronage (i.e., federal jobs) to his supporters, which of course, required the President’s approval. Harrison rightly expected to get his consideration. But Garfield’s assassination placed Arthur in the White House, who preferred to deal with Walter Gresham, Harrison’s arch-rival in the state party.

Senator Harrison came fully into his own during the Cleveland administration. The President’s frequent vetoes of pension bills for Civil War veterans and their widows provoked a strong reaction from him, and he became their strongest Congressional advocate. His Senate speech in support of Isabelle De La Hunt of Cannelton IN, who was removed from her position as Postmaster for allegedly engaging in “offensive partisanship,” created a sensation.

In 1886, Harrison canvassed throughout Indiana to win a GOP majority and a second Senate term. He almost overcame the effects of the Democratic gerrymandering but fell just short of obtaining a victory.

During those years, Harrison experienced many of the joys and sorrows of life: in the latter category, the death of his brother Irwin in 1870 (the only sibling he was close to), and the death of his father in 1878 (and the subsequent horror of the “resurrectionists”).

Among his joys were the marriage of his two children, the birth of three grandchildren, and the construction of the stately $27,000 mansion on Delaware Street in 1875.

“It is impossible to know precisely when Benjamin Harrison began seriously to consider the notion that he could follow in his grandfather’s footsteps to the White House,” wrote biographer Charles Calhoun.

He flirted with the idea in the late 70s and early 80s. But it was James G. Blaine’s announcement that he would not be a candidate in 1888 that gave Harrison his

opportunity. A February 1888 speech given in Detroit, in which he declared himself a “rejuvenated Republican,” stirred such enthusiasm that he decided to seek the nomination.

Harrison’s campaign manager Louis Michener worked behind the scenes to secure support, particularly targeting former supporters of Blaine.

Eight candidates were placed in nomination at the Chicago convention, and Harrison emerged victorious on the eighth ballot.

On June 25, while at his downtown law office, he received a telegram from Michener telling him that, “You are put in command.”

Harrison’s characteristic equanimity abandoned him; he nearly fainted and needed to lie down for several minutes. Regaining composure, he rushed home to tell Caroline, but she already had several hundred supporters gathered in their front yard. One observer noted that Harrison greeted many people in the crowd by name.

Delaware Street now became “ground zero” of the GOP effort, as Harrison launched the most active front porch campaign up to that time, giving multiple extemporaneous speeches a day to delegations from across the nation. When the crowds grew too large to be accommodated, he walked to University Park (where his statue now stands), accompanied by Michener, to deliver his addresses.

Four months later, Election Day arrived.

Harrison, along with his son-in-law Robert McKee and several friends, monitored the results in the library via telegraph, while Caroline entertained her friends in the Sitting Room. The candidate retired at one a.m., cautiously optimistic, and the next morning, as biographer Harry Sievers wrote, “Benjamin and Carrie Harrison were now people of destiny.”

---Gary Larreategui, Weekend Supervisor

From the Collection: First Family Fashion

Mary Harrison McKee 1889 Inaugural Parade Suit The outf it consists of four pieces: bodice, skirt, hooded cape, and a matching hat.

It is green gray wool with cream silk trim.

Llama fur trims the left side of the skirt.

A heavy braid and silk covered wooden beads trim out the bodice, skirt, and cape.

This f ine suit probably kept Mary warm during the cold March inauguration.

Caroline Harrison 1889 Inaugural Parade Dress Caroline’s parade dress is made of dark olive green faille trimmed in brown velvet. The bodice is trimmed with metallic and crystal beads, velvet, and beaded cording around the neck and cuffs, with puff sleeves. The skirt is also trimmed with metallic and crystal beads and a ruffled duster in brown velvet.

The label says J. F. Smith, Washington, D. C.

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Special Thanks Mac McLaughlin, son of renowned preservationists Roll and Linda McLaughlin, donated four chairs. One pair of parlor chairs dating f rom the 1860s are “balloon-back” style with carved f ruit and nuts. Another parlor chair is circa 1840s and features open arms, carved rose on the back crest, and a serpentine f ront. An almost matching parlor chair, also dating to the 1840s, has an elaborate over-all cresting piece and a central rail with etched rose.

Jane Nolan donated a Cleveland/ Thurman bandanna and two Indiana Cavalry reunion ribbons, one f rom 1888 and one f rom 1898.

Mary Harrison McKee 1891 Evening Cape This evening cape was worn by Mary Harrison McKee when she was presented to Queen Victoria’s Court of Saint James in 1891. Ostrich feather trim adorns the cuffs and neck and continues down the f ront center of the cape to the bottom hem. A trim of bronze openwork braid in the design of flowers and leaves borders the f ront and cuffs. It is cream silk faille, which, unfortunately, has been damaged by light exposure. The cape was displayed in the L. S. Ayres department store window for an extended period in the 1950s.

This piece was conserved through funding from the Lockerbie Questers.

Visit the “Glitz & Glamour in the White House” to see these dresses today!

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Summer Experiences for Local Youth

Future Presidents of America Where did the last year go? I can’t believe it is almost summer, and summer brings one of the most rewarding weeks of the year to the Presidential site for me. June 24th starts the fifth year of Future Presidents of America Youth Leadership Camp.

This marks the third year of having 11 Superintendent Scholars representing each of the public school districts in Marion County. It is always a fascinating week. The Presidential Site plays host to dynamic youth (aged 12 to 16 years old) f rom all over the city. They come together as a cohort of 20 young leaders to hear stories f rom community and national leaders while taking part in a range of diverse activities and debates. Professionally, I can think of nothing in my 26 years at the Presidential Site that I am more proud of than to have been a part of Future Presidents. The opportunity to share and learn with youth who are impacting their cities, colleges, and communities, continues to be the highlight of my year. While we use the Presidency and Benjamin Harrison as a lens of understanding, this camp is really about leadership. The diversity of offerings allows for a range of experience and concepts to ponder. From sharing lessons of conflict resolution to hearing stories f rom leaders about overcoming adversity (personally and professionally), this will be a memorable week.

---Roger Hardig, VP of Education

LAST CHANCE! My Country ‘Tis of Thee Summer Camp Did you know that President Benjamin Harrison’s father was a congressman--or that his grandfather was the famous “Old Tippecanoe,” William Henry Harrison? If not, it would surprise you to know that his great grandfather was a Signer of the Declaration, Governor of Virginia, and close personal f riend of George Washington.

From the f irst Benjamin Harrison in the New World (a Jamestown councilman documented in 1633) to the modern era, this family has made an impact upon the growth and trajectory of the great American experiment.

The 2019 summer experience for ages 9-12 is the day camp “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” a week based on the many influential generations of the Harrison family. From the f irst day, imagining ourselves in Jamestown, to the f inal day, pretending to be new immigrants at Ellis Island, this camp involves a lot of role play, interaction with enactors, and traveling to local historical locations of interest. There will be games, movies, marching outside, and much more. I look forward to the fun we will have at this exciting camp, f rom 9am to 4pm, July 15-19. Limited to 20 participants; sign up at PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org today!

---David Pleiss, Director of Learning Resources

Building a Legacy begins with YOU

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Did you know you can endow the 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 selfgovernment. This thoughtful act, which has little or no current financial impact on you, may result in the largest and most lasting one-time gift you ever make to the Presidential Site.

We want to thank you now. Our Legacy Society provides lifetime recognition to donors who have included the Presidential Site in their estate plan. All you need do is tell the Presidential Site that your plan is in place and that you have no objection to being publicly listed in the Legacy Society honor roll. If you have questions or would like more information on giving options, contact the Development Office at (317) 631-1888 or development@bhpsite.org.

---Bethany Gosewehr, VP of Development

GIVING THANKS

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

The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site is thankful for the support of our funders and partners. This spring, we would like to highlight a few of our most impactful grants supporting educational programming and the preservation of President Harrison’s beautiful home.

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MY COUNTRY ‘TIS OF THEE With their gift, Kiwanis Foundation of Indianapolis has made it possible to create a new day camp for students ages 9-12. “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” is a new, educational summer day camp at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site that combines fun and history through the lens of our nation’s 23rd President, Benjamin Harrison, and his family.

HISTORIC STRUCTURES REPORT We are in the final stages of our Historic Structures Report and would like to extend an extra special thank you to the Arthur Jordan Foundation, the Department of Historic Preservation and Archaeology,* and the Indiana Landmarks Marion County Historic Preservation Fund for providing critical funding that allowed us to conduct this impactful work.

*This project has been funded in part by a grant f rom the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service’s

Historic Preservation Fund administered by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology. The project received federal f inancial assistance for the identif ication, protection and/or rehabilitation of historic properties and cultural resources in the State of Indiana. However, the contents and opinions contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of the Interior. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, or disability in its federally assisted programs. If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility as described above, or if you desire further information, please write to: Off ice of Equal Opportunity, National Park Service, 1849 C Street, NW, MS-2740, Washington, D.C. 20240.

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Volunteer Experiences

Our Volunteers: Impact By the Numbers 2018 was a spectacular year for the Presidential Site. We entertained and educated over 29,000 guests with greater frequency than ever before.

In order to achieve this feat, we had to rely on our incredible volunteer corps even more. We were fortunate to add 15 new volunteers and interns in 2018, bringing our total volunteer corps to 165 active members. In 2018 alone, the volunteers donated a staggering 15,093 hours! This unbelievable number pales in comparison to all the intangibles the volunteers bring to the Presidential Site, from their expertise and support, to their friendship. As with all nonprofits, we rely on our volunteer corps to keep the institution running smoothly, and we are lucky to have one of the best volunteer corps in the city!

Want to Get Involved?

Did you know the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site has a variety of internship opportunities for college students?

We offer internships in Education, Curatorship & Exhibition, Development, Event Management, and more! We have a flexible structure to help you earn college credits no matter your program’s or university’s requirements. If you or someone you know is interested, please contact me!

Did you know the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site is actively looking for new volunteers? We have a variety of volunteer opportunities from leading tours for both adults and children, to working in our gift shop, to helping 100 new citizens become naturalized.

Volunteering at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site is an awarding and influential endeavor.

---Lukas Ramey, Volunteer & Guest Experience Manager

If you are interested, please contact me at lramey@bhpsite.org or call (317) 631-1888.

Coming Soon: the Wicket World of Croquet

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WICKET WORLD OF CROQUET

June 1 . 10am - 4:30pm 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 highimpact 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 allwhite 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 Kierstin Carnahan, Special Events and Marketing Manager: (317) 631-1888 or events@bhpsite.org.

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Coming Soon: Night Watch

19 JU LY 12 - 21 20

In July 2019, watch as Candlelight Theatre presents the riveting thriller, Night Watch by Lucille Fletcher.

Unable to sleep, Elaine Wheeler paces the living room of her Manhattan townhouse, troubled by unsettling memories and vague fears. Her husband tries to comfort her, but when he steps away for a moment Elaine screams as she sees (or believes she sees) the body of a dead man in the window across the way. The police are called, but f ind nothing except an empty chair. Elaine’s terror grows as shortly thereafter she sees still another body – but by now the police are skeptical and pay no heed to her f rantic pleas. Her husband, believing Elaine is close to a breakdown, suggests that she should commit herself to a sanitarium for treatment. From this point on, the plot moves quickly and grippingly towards its riveting and chilling climax.

PERFORMANCE DATES AND TIMES

July 12-13, 19-20, 2019 Friday and Saturday performances - 8pm curtain Sunday matinee - 2pm curtain

TICKETS

$44.95 Presidential Site Members and Students $49.95 Adults

ENJOY EXCLUSIVE SEATING AND A SPECIAL FOOD & BEVERAGE PAIRING WITH THE EVENING’S PERFORMANCE

This program will sell out! Purchase your tickets at PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org or by calling (317) 631-1888.

Season tickets are available now! (Not recommended for chidren under 10)

THANK YOU TO OUR SEASON PARTNERS:

Vo lu m e 4 5 , I s s u e 1

1 2 3 0 N o rt h D e l awa r e St r e e t, I n d i a n a p o l i s , I N 4 6 2 0 2