The Statesman
May - August 2018
Six Degrees . of .
Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site
A PUBLICATION OF THE BENJAMIN HARRISON PRESIDENTIAL SITE
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 Mariama Carson Rosemary Dorsa Thomas P. Ewbank Brian Hewitt Eric J. Holcomb Donna Oklak Peter Rusthoven Ed Simcox Morgan Snyder Nikki Woodson
HONORARY DIRECTORS Eugene M. Busche George Geib Stan Hurt Thomas King Boris Meditch Susanne Ridlen ADVISORY CABINET William Browne Daniel F. Evans Robert H. Everitt Jamia Jasper Jacobsen J. Scott Keller James Kirsch John L. Krauss James Morris Kimball Harrison Morsman David Sease
EX-OFFICIO
BENJAMIN HARRISON Robin Bankhead PRESIDENTIAL SITE
PRESIDENT & CEO Charles A. Hyde
STAFF Charles A. Hyde
David Pleiss
President & CEO
Director of Learning Resources
Margaret Sallee
Delia Robertson
Director of Operations
Special Events & Marketing Manager
Jennifer Capps
Julio Zepeda
Bethany
Gary Larreategui
Roger Hardig
Lukas Ramey
VP of Curatorship & Exhibition
Gosewehr VP of Development
VP of Education
Facilities Manager
Weekend Supervisor
Volunteer & Experience Manager
Special thanks to the more than 150 volunteers who make our work possible!
“Making Connections”
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From the President
investment of one-on-one time for our staff and volunteers, it’s what we’re ideally positioned to do well. Newly reaccredited by the American Alliance of Museums (see page 5), we have the credibility, partnerships and vision to move forward successfully. Whether as a polling site, serving 18,000 school children each year, innovating with our 3D collection, championing Future Presidents of America, or performing theatre A legendary jurist once told me that without barriers, we will mentor, foster, as a Presidential Site we have special promote, partner, and inspire. permission—if not a special We see these activities as the obligation—to call people full expression of civic to their civic duty, and “History is not an leadership, a spectrum to speak to the grand engagement tradition of American abstraction, and civics are better of bursting into brilliance. statesmanship, public modeled than taught.” We will activate this service and patriotism in a presidential site and museum in direct, active and authentic way. a way that puts us on a course to be the most innovative, impactful, and civicallyThis is much harder than it sounds. engaged presidential site in the United As so many of us know, history is not an States, and become a national model of abstraction, and civics are better modeled success. than taught. Efforts to mass-produce good citizens have largely failed because At its core, our work will be to ensure they have forgotten the human element. that small civic spark called DUTY is No generation—and especially not this caught, kindled, cultivated and brought generation—is satisfied with the simple into full blaze. As Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb articulated, we bear the torch for injunction to “do as I say, not as I do.” civic leadership and “good citizenship like no We at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential other, helping light the fire in the hearts of a new Site endeavor to model good citizenship, and generation.” intend to directly and measurably increase public participation in the American Come discover the closeness of your system of self-government through flesh- “degree of separation” from the Harrison and-blood interaction: students leading, story, and let’s make new connections you voters voting, juries serving, public servants might never have imagined! educating, and educators engaging. Very sincerely yours, Ultimately, it’s about applied history and applied civics: where some see separation, we’re focused on showing the connections Charles A. Hyde that bind us together into a cohesive President & CEO polity. While this requires a significant n its surface, the new exhibit, Six Degrees of Benj. Harrison, playfully explores the surprising and unexpected connections between America’s Hoosier president and our country’s remarkable history. But once you spend some time exploring the great stories and rich vein of accompanying artifacts, I think you’ll see a greater purpose at work.
What is this symbol?
NEW! In this (and future) editions of The Statesman, look for this “3D” designation. These items can be viewed from any angle at PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org.
Plan Your Visit
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CALENDAR LIVE! Primary Day May 8 . 10am - 3:30pm Wicket World of Croquet* June 2 . 10am - 4pm Future Presidents of America Camp* June 25 to June 29 . 9am - 4pm Naturalization Ceremony July 3 . 9am - 10am Independence Day Social July 4 . 1pm - 4pm Civil War Day Camp* July 16 to July 20 . 9am - 4pm “The Trial of Nancy Clem” Presented by Candlelight Theatre* at Indiana Landmarks July 20 & 21 I 27 I 29 Performances starting at 8pm Sundays at 2pm Lunch & Learn with Dr. Dan Miller August 15 . 12pm - 1pm LIVE! President Harrison’s Birthday August 20 . 10am - 3:30pm *Reservations required.
COFFEE WITH THE CURATOR First Friday of Each Month
Free for members & guests • $6 non-members • 8:30am - 9am
Join us for a stimulating 30 minutes at our monthly First Friday event! While you enjoy coffee and donuts, 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 4 June 1 July 6 August 3
Favorite Sons Ellis Island Primary Sources Daughter of the Revolution
Space is limited so reservations are recommended. Find out more by calling 317.631.1888 or visiting PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org.
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Harrison Still in the News
. FOX 59 In the February 19 highlight “Families explore the home of Benjamin Harrison for President’s Day,” Olivia McClellan observed that “Families and friends gathered inside the home of Benjamin Harrison on Monday, where they toured ten unique rooms full of history and original artifacts,” adding that “Organizers held guided-tours every half hour and visitors were able to ask questions and hear stories from a Benjamin Harrison reenactor.” In an interview, President and CEO Charles Hyde said “I’d hope for visitors that are coming to see what’s in this place, that they’re coming away not just with a sense the era that he lived in and the personal things that they surrounded themselves with, but really get a sense of personality and how a person like this comes to be.”
. WHAT’S YOUR SIGN? Have you seen the new state line signs popping up across Indiana? Look for this special recognition of the only president elected from Indiana on your next interstate travels. If you can (safely!) get a picture, send it to us and we’ll feature some of our favorites in the next issue of The Stateman.
WISH TV 8 In her report entitled “Celebrate Presidents Day at Indy landmark, home of only U.S. president elected from Indiana,” Julia Deng of WISH TV 8 featured visitors marking “Presidents Day with a uniquely authentic celebration at an Indianapolis landmark steeped in American history: the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site.” In an interview, our Benjamin Harrison enactor Charles Braun called his role as Harrison in the Presidents Day reenactment something he is “most proud of” and urged Indianapolis residents to also take pride in their remarkable history.
GREAT NEWS! The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site has again achieved accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the highest recognition afforded the nation’s museums. Accreditation signifies excellence to the museum community, to governments, funders, outside agencies and to the museum-going public. The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site was initially accredited in 2003. Of the country’s estimated 33,000 museums, only about 3 percent are accredited. The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site is one of 26 museums accredited in Indiana.
Harrison’s Six Degrees of Presidents
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enjamin Harrison shared physical proximity to at least 14 other Presidents, who he either met in person, observed from a distance, or was observed by from a distance. A casual scroll through 44 Presidential biographies suggests that only John Quincy Adams (with 15 connections) surpassed Harrison in the number of direct encounters with Chief Executive peers. Harrison, like Adams, had a biological head start by virtue of a Presidential forebear. The young Benjamin was frequently a visitor to William Henry Harrison’s North Bend estate, and acquired some portion of his early education in his grandfather’s extensive library. Biographer Harry Sievers relates an amusing incident in which an eight-year-old Benjamin needed his grandfather’s intervention to extricate him from a misunderstanding after helping himself to a Cincinnati merchant’s apples.
President-elect Abraham Lincoln, en route to Washington, spent the night of February 11, 1861 in Indianapolis when Harrison was part of the welcoming committee. On February 12, 1898, 37 years later, he vividly recalled his encounter at the Lincoln Day banquet in Chicago. “Before us stood our chosen leader, the man who was to be our pilot through seas more stormy and through channels more perilous than ever the old ship went before…He seemed to me to be conscious of all this…but so strong was his sense of duty, so courageous his heart, so sure was he of his own high purposes and motives…that he moved forward calmly to his appointed work.”
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Indianapolis. Harrison dined that evening with Grant at the Bates Hotel, and served as his “mounted escort” during an afternoon parade. In May 1871, Grant, recognizing Harrison’s legal talent, appointed him to represent in the government in the ex Parte Milligan case, on the issue of whether civilians could be justly tried by military tribunals. Harrison first became acquainted with Rutherford Hayes during the 1876 Presidential campaign. The Harrisons made their first visit to the White House as Hayes’ guests in June 1877. On June 28, 1879, Hayes appointed Harrison to serve on the newly-formed Mississippi River Commission. Our Delaware Street mansion first opened its doors to a President on October 2, 1879, when the Harrisons hosted a reception for President and Mrs. Hayes. Harrison first met James Garfield on September 21, 1876, during the Ohio Congressman’s visit to Indianapolis to participate in a veterans’ parade. On June 6, 1880, just before the Chicago convention opened, Harrison met privately with Garfield, and offered to place his name in nomination. Garfield, having pledged to support Sen. John Sherman, declined. Harrison then played a pivotal role in breaking open the deadlocked convention on the 35th ballot by swinging the Indiana delegation to Garfield. Harrison later accompanied Garfield during a campaign trip to New York, and on August 3rd in NYC met future Presidents Chester Arthur and William McKinley. [Shortly after joining the Senate, Harrison crossed paths on several occasions with a furtive young man named Charles Guiteau, who was lobbying for the post of French ambassador. Harrison’s testimony during Guiteau’s trial suggested that Garfield’s assassin appeared perfectly sane, contributed to his conviction and death penalty].
On May 24, 1865, Harrison marched, along with 60,000 other soldiers who served under Gen. Sherman, in the second day of The Grand Review of the Armies. Andrew Johnson, along with future President Ulysses Grant, stood foremost in the reviewing stand. Although Harrison’s political sympathies were with Johnson’s arch-enemies, the Radical Republicans, he paid a perfunctory tribute to the 17th President during his “Trip to Unify” at his hometown of Greenville, TN on April 14, 1891: “Your distinguished fellow former citizen Andrew Harrison’s relationship with Chester Arthur Johnson [shows] what an aspiring young man may was as distant as his relationship with Garfield was close. Arthur seemed oblivious toward do against all adverse circumstances in life.” the Indiana Senator, strongly favoring Judge On September 26, 1865, Harrison got a closer Walter Gresham, Harrison’s arch-rival look at Grant as a member of the committee within the state GOP, for matters relating to that welcomed the victorious general to patronage. When Arthur appointed Gresham
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as Postmaster General in 1883, he asked Harrison to deliver to news to him (adding insult to injury). Harrison supported James G. Blaine over Arthur at the GOP convention in 1884. Harrison first achieved national prominence as a Senatorial critic of Grover Cleveland. Harrison’s dramatic speech on the Senate floor on March 26, 1885 in support of Isabelle de la Hunt (an Indiana war widow and postmistress abruptly dismissed from her post by Cleveland) had the effect of “going viral,” with thousands of copies of the speech distributed nationwide. There are no reports of Senator Harrison meeting with Cleveland during his Presidency, and they seem to have met only twice, during the 1889 and 1893 inaugurations.
evil in the world between sunrise and sunset.” But as President, Roosevelt set his pique aside as he laid a wreath on Harrison’s Crown Hill gravesite on Memorial Day 1907, and paid a moving tribute in a letter to his widow Mary Lord Dimmick: “He was my old chief.” Harrison met William Howard Taft while visiting Cincinnati in August 1889. He was sufficiently impressed to appoint him as the US Solicitor General a month later, which brought the 32-year-old Taft to Washington for the first time. Harrison found him to be such pleasant company that he extended an open invitation that he could visit the White House as often as he liked. On December 16, 1891, Harrison nominated Taft to Sixth District of the newly-formed US Circuit Court, allowing him to return to Cincinnati. Taft later credited Harrison for making his “career possible.”
On May 16, 1895, Harrison attended the semicentennial anniversary of the New Jersey Historical Society in Newark, NJ and accepted a gold memorial badge. He then settled back to enjoy the keynote address by Princeton professor Woodrow Wilson, which “traced the As an Ohio Congressman, William causes which gave pride to the hearts of citizens in McKinley was the sponsor of the Tariff Act their country.” of 1890 (aka the McKinley tariff), one of the Harrison dedicated a Revolutionary War most significant legislative acts of the Harrison monument in Bennington, VT on August administration. McKinley chaired the GOP 19, 1891, with state legislator John Coolidge delegation that went to the White House in and his 19-year old son Calvin Coolidge in the June 1892 to offer the nomination to Harrison crowd. In his autobiography many years later, (a photograph of this event, with Harrison Coolidge wistfully recalled, “As I looked on him and McKinley seated together, is displayed in and realized that he personally represented the glory our third floor ballroom). The two men were and the dignity of the United States, I wondered not close, however. McKinley biographer how it felt to bear so much responsibility, and little Margaret Leach described their relationship thought that I should ever know.” as “coldly political,” although McKinley delivered the principal eulogy at Harrison’s While serving his brief stint as a Stanford funeral (the first President to pay such homage law professor in the spring of 1894, Harrison to a predecessor). attended a baseball game one afternoon that the Stanford team was hosting. He walked On May 13, 1889, Harrison met with his past the 19-year-old student assigned to collect newly-appointed Civil Service Commissioner admission. The student was compelled to Theodore Roosevelt. Though their initial pursue the former President to collect the fee meeting went well, Roosevelt frequently of 25 cents. Harrison graciously purchased chafed under Harrison’s cautious approach additional tickets to future games. Years to civil service reform. With characteristic later, Herbert Hoover related this incident in grandiloquence, he privately attacked his autobiography, stating that it was “my first Harrison. On April 21, 1900, Harrison, sharing contact with a great public man.” a platform with NY Governor Roosevelt, __ Gary Larreategui, Weekend Supervisor reminisced over their relationship: “The only trouble I ever had with managing him...was that it seemed to me he wanted to put an end to all the Want to learn more? Visit the 2018 exhibit Six Degrees of Benj. Harrison!
Harrison in His Own Words
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FROM THE PRESIDENT’S COLORADO SPRINGS TRAIN STOP SPEECH:
“From Maine to Californi a, from the no rthern line of Michigan, wh ere it is wa shed by the water s of the Sau lt Ste. Marie, t o the Savann ah, I have trave rsed this br oad land of our s, and out o f all this jou rneying, out of all this min gling with our people, I hav e come to be a prouder and , I hope, a b etter American.” April 25, 1891
DID YOU KNOW? You will see a treasure trove of Americana in the new Special Exhibit Gallery feature “A Trip to Unify.” One such item, a magnificently detailed silver and copper plaque from the city of Glenwood Springs, Colorado, reveals a symbolic blending of national and state pride. It was presented to President Benjamin Harrison on his historic nationwide train trip. The engravings feature local fauna: a ram, a bear, and a deer, while the copper center design is emblazoned with the Colorado State Seal. It resembles a coat of arms with the top banner displaying the word “President.” Under this is the mysterious national Eye of Providence with two banners on either side, one reading “United” and the other “States.” below the Eye are the mountains, hammer and pick reflecting the unique work and resources in Colorado, and a banner reading “NIL SINE” and “HUMINE.” Benjamin Harrison’s name is just above the final lowest banner which reads “AND PARTY.”
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A Moment in Time
In 1862...
After meeting with Governor Morton in July, the promising young Indianapolis attorney Benjamin Harrison enlists in the army and opens his law office as a recruiting station. By the year’s end, he has formed the 70th Indiana Volunteer regiment and is made a full colonel.
The Civil War Battles of Shiloh (April) and Antietam (September) stand out in this bloodiest year in our nation’s history. On April 16, Lincoln signed the Emancipation Act, abolishing slavery in D.C., and the Pacific Railway Act on July 1, to improve lines of support for the Union Army. On August 9, the Battle of Cedar Mountain was the first documented battle at which Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, served as a field nurse. On April 20, Louis Pastuer completes his first purification test in France, confirming that temperature changes can kill bacteria in wine. On November 4, Richard Gatling patents the machine gun (which is later used by the Union Army in 1864). On May 1, Alexander Parkes presents the first man-made plastic (Parkesine) at the London International Exhibition.
In spite of the unseasonably cold weather, almost 100 participants enjoyed Family crafts, face painting and more at the Presidential Egg Roll event on March 24. Special thanks to community partner King Park Development Corp for their support.
Announcements
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EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FUTURE PRESIDENTS OF AMERICA It’s official! We are at full capacity for the 2018 Future Presidents of America youth leadership camp, a fun and innovative one-week summer camp for smart, engaged young adults that builds individual confidence, civic literacy and good citizenship. These young leaders (ages 12-16) will learn firsthand through special interactive sessions, conversations with preeminent civic leaders and statesmen, up-close experiences with historic artifacts and thought-provoking discussions about the challenges and opportunities facing every president—from our country’s heroic 18th century origins through the 23rd president and into the 21st century. The Future Presidents of America class of 2017 with speaker Konye Obaji Ori of the Civic Foundation Institute.
We look forward to introducing eleven young leaders who have been specially selected as “Superintendents Scholars” by the Superintendents of the eleven districts in Marion County. We are very excited to welcome some of the best and brightest students that our community has to offer! Thanks to the Lilly Endowment, Inc. and Precision Rings Incorporated for their program support.
DID YOU KNOW? The Advanced American Seminar for alumni of previous Future Presidents of America Youth Leadership Camps is coming up. This three day intensive experience will take place on June 13, 14, and 15, convening most days at the Indiana State Capitol. Each day will feature a different branch of government, offering an in-depth look inside our American system of self-government in action. Thanks to the Lilly Endowment, Inc. and Wing Arts and Humanities Fund for their program support.
REGISTRATION OPEN!
July 16-20, 9am-4pm . Ages 9-12 In July, we will be offering our Civil War Camp for 9-12 year olds. This camp will be highlighted by interaction with Civil War re-enactors, drill practice, and other aspects of a soldier’s life in the Union Army, utilizing fun activities including enlistment, marching, daily camp life, field surgery and early photography. Trips will be taken to destinations such as the War Memorial and Crown Hill Cemetery. Register today at PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org.
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Spring Grant Partner Spotlight
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enjamin Harrison Presidential Site is thankful for the support of our funders and partners. This spring, three special grants are supporting educational programming for children and students: Junior League of Indianapolis, Indiana Humanities, and PNC Foundation. With their gift, the Junior League of Indianapolis has made it possible to expand our In Pursuit of Pride: A 4th Grade Field Trip to Remember. This free program builds civic pride and shares handson history adventures with students through a day-long trip to visit the Presidential Site, the Indiana Statehouse, and the Indiana State Library. A Humanities Initiative Grant from Indiana Humanities with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities is underwriting some of the costs associated with a new pilot program: New Avenues Collaborative. Old Whiskers This program is being designed in partnership with Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired to create a two-part curriculum consisting of students first interacting with 3-D scanned and printed artifacts and concluding with a visit to the home of America’s Hoosier President. It will be a unique opportunity for visually impaired students to better engage with the museum and have a hands-on learning experience.
Escapes! A T RU E W H I T E HOUSE TA L E By Donna Griffin | Illustrated by Gary Varvel
Finally, a gift from PNC Foundation will enable the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site to create and distribute early literacy preschool classroom kits in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Madison, Marion, Putnam, and Shelby counties. The kits will be developed around the Old Whiskers Escapes! children’s book that will be published in fall 2018. Old Whiskers Escapes! is a children’s picture book that tells the true story - reported by newspapers of the day - of President Benjamin Harrison’s pet goat that lived on the White House grounds. (This book is written by Donna Griffin and illustrated by Gary Varvel and is available for preorder on Amazon.) Thanks to all of our generous supporters for helping us educate Indiana’s youngest citizens!
BUILDING A LIFE LEGACY BEGINS WITH YOU Our ability to meet our mission and expand our impact and reach is made possible by the generosity of members, friends, and supporters. Planned giving, like endowment support, further advances our ability to plan for the future in sustainable ways. If you’re considering including the Presidential Site in your estate plans, here are some ways you can help: • Looking for Real Impact? We make it Straightforward and Meaningful 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. Special naming opportunities, memorial gifts, endowment and restricted gift options are available. • Let us Thank You Now Our Legacy Society provides lifetime recognition to donors who have included the Presidential Site in their estate plans. All you need to do is notify us that your plan is in place, and give us permission to include you in our Legacy Society Honor Roll.
Your gift is a vote of confidence in educating the next generation of good citizens. If you have any questions or would like to further discuss or explore giving options, contact Bethany Gosewehr, VP of Development, at (317) 631-1888 or bgosewehr@bhpsite.org.
From the Collection
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The Presidential Site is proud to announce 3D printable and fully viewable Harrison artifacts, available for viewing now on our new website. Here is a selection:
HUNGARIAN POTPOURRI JARS This is a matched pair of lovely porcelain rose jars (Potpourri jars) with octagon shape. Filled with dried rose petals, they are Hungarian and with gold lion on top. The lions are painted with a rough finish gold paint, with their mouths open and one paw up on a bright and smooth gold ball. Ornately painted, it has red, blue, and dark yellow flowers with green leaves and vines on white with gold trim at top. “Fischer / Budapest” is incised on the bottom. This probably indicates Moritz Fischer who owned Herend Pottery. A letter from Mary Lord Harrison states they were a gift from an Hungarian friend.
PLASTER STATUE OF BENJAMIN HARRISON This plaster statue of Benjamin Harrison is a caricature, circa 1895 - 1900. It is made of white plaster with a light gray paint coating. On back of base is written “For a couple / of Darn Good Ska_____ / with compliments of the Perpetrator.” On the base top next to Harrison’s right foot is the word “Copyright.” Harrison is standing with his right hand in his pocket and his left arm bent at the elbow, and he is wearing a double breasted coat buttoned. The statue was made by Frank Allen Jr., a neighbor who lived at the northeast corner of 13th & Delaware Street in Indianapolis.
CENTENNIAL WALKING STICK FOLK ART The Centennial Walking Stick or cane was presented to Benjamin Harrison as he was the Centennial president, 100 years after George Washington. Made by an unknown artist, the hand carved images (head and shoulders in relief) of all the Presidents from Washington to Benjamin Harrison are carved around the surface with a name below each. They circle the cane coming down to Harrison on stained white pine. The carved handle is an animal head design. Three of the presidents’ names are misspelled: Madison, Hayes, and Arthur.
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Volunteer Spotlight
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ith over 150 volunteers supporting our work, we have many remarkable people to be grateful for. Here are a few of their stories: ROBIN BANKHEAD
Robin wears many hats for Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. As the Volunteer Board Chair, she also serves on the Board of Directors. She helps with special events, leads walk-in and school group tours, and plans volunteer appreciation events. We are grateful for her willingness to lead and support the Presidential Site in so many ways!
OREN COOLEY
Oren has been giving tours at Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site for over 25 years. He is one of the Presidential Site’s strongest advocates, and is always willing to lend a helping hand. Recently, he helped the Development Department with securing a grant from Garfield Park Master Gardener Association for our beautiful historic gardens. Thanks, Oren, for all you do!
DON SAXON
Don is a very dedicated docent and volunteers at least once a week. In addition to walk-in tours, Don is great with school groups! He lends a helping hand (or, shall we say, lens) with photography services at events when needed. You can occasionally find him in the Welcome Center or helping with Candlelight Theatre. His wife, Carol, is also a volunteer. Always reliable and ready to help – thank you, Don!
CALLING ALL STUDENTS! Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site is interviewing summer 2018 undergraduate interns to bring great writing skills, creativity, and enthusiasm to our small, agile team! Internships are available for special events, education programs, development and fundraising, museum curatorship, communications and marketing, and visitor experience. Interested applicants can contact Volunteer & Experience Manager Lukas Ramey at lramey@bhpsite.org.
Exhibit: Six Degrees of Benj. Harrison
Six Degrees
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. of .
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B nja min H a r r have i s oin n Presidential Site hatedoes Benjamin Harrison common with Frederick Douglass, UNIVERSITY PARK Marilyn Monroe, and the tag inside your shirt? In Albert Ralston’s city plan,
In the new exhibit, explore unusual and extraordinary ways in which our 23rd president connects to other popular figures and our modern world. Here is a peek inside:
MARILYN MONROE MarilynMonroe(bornNorma Jeane Mortenson) is connected to Benjamin Harrison through Jacob Monroe, her greatgrandfather on her mother’s side. According to Juliana Szucs, a genealogist from the site Ancestry.com, Jacob Monroe enlisted in July of 1862 in the 70th Indiana Regiment which was led by Benjamin Harrison. According to the Indiana State Archives, Jacob was injured on May 16, 1864, one of 140 injured during the Battle of Resaca. Fortunately for his descendents and future film buffs, this native Hoosier survived his wounds and the war!
the four acre park in downtown Indianapolis was originally set aside for a university between Pennsylvania, Meridian, Vermont, and New York Streets. It opened as a city park in 1876, and Charles Niehaus designed the statue of Benjamin Harrison that was installed there in 1908.
JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY James Whitcomb Riley, the “Hoosier Poet,” was a friend to the Harrison family and composed several poems in their honor. Harrison and Riley were involved with many of the same organizations and clubs. Riley visited the White House on several occasions, where Harrison asked him to give a recital in 1892.
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GENERAL LEW WALLACE Lew Wallace was a contemporary of Benjamin Harrison and a fellow lawyer, soldier, and statesman. He is remembered as the author of Ben Hur, the best selling book of the 19th century. It has remained in print ever since. Lew Wallace wrote a campaign biography of Benjamin Harrison for the 1888 campaign. It was playfully suggested at the time that the author of Ben Hur would be well suited to tell the story of “Ben Him.” His brother William Wallace was Harrison’s law partner.
STUDEBAKER Henry and Clement and Studebaker co-founded their company in South Bend, IN. They were originally blacksmiths and wainwrights. President Benjamin Harrison ordered five of their carriages for the White House garage. Clement served on Harrison’s inauguration commitee and, later, his Pan American Conference committee. In 1889, Clement completed construction on his South Bend mansion and named it Tippecanoe Place after Harrison’s grandfather, the hero of the Battle of Tippecanoe.
Now Open!
FREDERICK DOUGLASS In June 1889, Douglass accepted President Harrison’s offer to serve as ambassador to Haiti, a post held until July 1891. Douglass became one of the first African-Americans to serve as a U.S. Ambassador. Upon returning from Haiti, Douglass worked toward Harrison’s re-election in 1892.
ANDREW CARNEGIE Carnegie was one of the pre-eminent business titans of the 19th century and carefully cultivated relationships across many industries. After Harrison’s election in 1888, he gave the incoming president an 18-gallon barrel of scotch whiskey from a then unknown distiller called “Dewars.” Its delivery to President Harrion in the White House created a national stir, with detractors questioning its provenance and use in the temperance era. The attached note said that the contents were intended “for emergencies.”
PURDUE UNIVERSITY Benjamin Harrison served on the Purdue Board of Trustees from 1895 to 1901. Harrison Hall was named after him in 1966. He is still described on the Purdue website as “the most famous man to serve the University board. During his tenure as a trustee, Harrison gave the benefit of his vast experience in public life and world affairs.”
VIRGINIA SIGNERS Benjamin Harrison is related to five of the Virginia Signers. His 4th great-grandfather Benjamin Harrison II is the great-grandfather of three of the Signers: Benjamin Harrison V, Richard Henry Lee, and Francis Lightfoot Lee. The fourth related Signer is Carter Braxton, a 1st cousin 3 times removed. The fifth Signer is Thomas Nelson, who is a 2nd cousin 2 times removed. Braxton is the grandson and Nelson is the great grandson of Robert “King” Carter; President Benjamin Harrison’s 3rd great-grandfather.
See these connections and more from now until December 30 in the third floor exhibit gallery.
Coming Soon
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oin 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 18,000 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 from Goose the Market, and more! Want an award 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! A Porch Party ticket gets you entrance to this wicketly fun event, delicious charcuterie from Goose the Market, tasty libations from Sun King Brewery, and more! Advance registration is required. Register now as this event will sell out!
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Coming Soon
THE TRIAL OF NANCY CLEM PERFORMANCE DATES AND TIMES July 20, 21, 27, & 29, performances 8pm Sunday matinee - 2pm curtain
Written by playwright in residence James Trofatter, this summer feature will be performed on the Cook Theater Stage at Indiana Landmarks, directed by Sue Beecher. At this full length production, you will revisit the true crime story of the notorious and nefarious Nancy Clem, following the story of the century as Benjamin Harrison prosecutes the suspected murderess. Did she really murder her business partner and his bride in cold blood? Why was she carrying $8,000 cash on her when she was arrested? Will she be the first woman convicted of murder in Indiana? You be the judge! Performances will sell out! Reservations strongly suggested.
Volume 44, Issue 2
1230 North Delaware Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202