The Statesman
May - August 2017
Political
Animals
A Publication of the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site
Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site Board of Directors Carolyn E. Anker Jason T. Konesco James Wallis, Chair Mariama Carson Donna Oklak Andrea Neal, Vice Chair Rosemary Dorsa Julian Ridlen Susan Bradford, Treasurer Daniel F. Evans Peter Rusthoven Howard J. Lacy IV, Secretary Thomas P. Ewbank Ed Simcox Michael W. Wells, at large Brian Hewitt Nikki Woodson David Sease, Past Chair Eric J. Holcomb EX-OFFICIO PRESIDENT & CEO Robin Bankhead Charles A. Hyde HONORARY DIRECTORS Eugene M. Busche Stan Hurt Boris Meditch Andrew J. Paine, Jr. Susanne Ridlen
ADVISORY CABINET William Browne Robert H. Everitt Jamia Jasper Jacobsen J. Scott Keller James Kirsch
John L. Krauss Susanah M. Mead James Morris Kimball Harrison Morsman Virginia Z. Willkie
Special thanks to the more than 100 volunteers who make our work possible!
Staff Charles A. Hyde President & CEO
David Pleiss Director of Learning Resources
Margaret Sallee Director of Operations
Sierra Troitsky Special Events Manager
Jennifer Capps VP of Curatorship & Exhibition
Julio Zepeda Facilities Manager
Bethany Gosewehr VP of Development
Gary Larreategui Weekend Supervisor
Roger Hardig VP of Education
Lukas Ramey Volunteer Experience Manager
Cover image from Judge magazine, Vol. 14, No. 352, “Harrison Leads His Party.”
Presidential Pets and Political Animals
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n unusual spectacle unfolded earlier this year as our 45th president prepared to take the oath of office: publications from the New York Times to the Los Angeles Times were asking, “Will Donald Trump have a presidential pet?” Perhaps this is because at heart most of us are political animals of one stripe or another. Every action taken in office becomes imbued with meaning, so for a president, answering this question can be as popular—or perilous—as picking a cabinet position.
From the President
Harrison found himself caricatured alongside a zoo of political animals, including a raven, elephants, tigers, ducks, dogs and donkeys. The Harrisons also found themselves as part of a burgeoning national interest in the inner lives of the presidents and their families. Whether this was captured through photographs (see Frances Benjamin Johnston in the New Women of the Harrison Era exhibit in the Welcome Center) or through stories (read the full tale of President Harrison’s “footrace” with Whiskers the goat on page 8), these accounts captivated public interest.
In some ways, a president’s interactions with pets came to represent the “political animal” within. A friend of President This issue of The Statesman explores Harrison’s recounted his natural the many ways the American people affection for dogs: “He saw every dog on his have expressed their wild side through proxies in the animal kingdom, and fought walk and spoke to it so kindly that the dog would tooth and claw in the process. For example, trot by his side or behind him....(w)e were walking most of us know that the eagle has come downtown one morning when Harrison spoke to a to embody the greater influence and ideals stray half-starved dog that was passing us timidly, of our country today...but forget Benjamin but when the dog heard Harrison’s voice and looked in his face, it trotted by his side for a mile or Franklin’s insistence that a turkey more...” was of nobler disposition. And In Republicans and Democrats spite of political Whether a stray on the have been characterized street, presidential pet, or as elephants and donkeys differences, they animal, it reminds for almost 150 years, represent a common political us that the public figures respective symbols which have been as embraced by humanity and the bonds we choose to represent us are, at heart, people. Like all party loyalists as they’ve been of affection. of us, they must deal with both mocked by political opponents. mundane and elevated tasks and, at the end Presidential pets embody the better angels of of the day, meet another president’s maxim: political life. While four-legged friends have “If a dog will not come to you after having been used to political ends (Harding’s Laddie looked you in the face, you should go home Boy, FDR’s Fala, or Kennedy’s Charlie), more and examine your conscience.” often than not they remind us of the softer side of our presidents and their families. In At a time of national political upheaval and spite of political differences, they represent international uncertainty, I hope you’ll join a common humanity and the bonds of us for this joyful exhibit that highlights the lighter side of our national heritage— affection. whatever your political animal! Many presidential histories recount that the Harrisons were animal lovers, and embraced Very sincerely yours, a White House menagerie that included dogs, cats, two opossums, an alligator, birds, horses and a mischievous goat named Whiskers. During his term of office, President
Charles A. Hyde, President & CEO
Plan Your Visit
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Calendar Wicket World of Croquet* June 3 . 1pm Naturalization Ceremony July 3 . 10am Independence Day Social July 4 . 1pm to 4pm President Benjamin Harrison’s 184th Birthday August 21 . 10am to 3:30pm Victorian Villains Presented by Candlelight Theatre* October 13, 14, 20, 21, 22 Performances starting at 6pm Sunday at 2pm
*Reservations required
Coffee with the Curator First Friday of Each Month Free for members & guests • $6 non-members • 8:30 - 9am
Join us for a stimulating 30-minute event at our monthly first Friday event! Enjoy a good cup of coffee and fresh doughnut holes while exploring 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 5 June 2 July 7 August 4
Time for Tea First Fashion Declaration of Independence The Harrisons in Paris
Space is limited so reservations are recommended. Find out more by calling 317.631.1888 or visiting PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org.
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. Indianapolis Business Journal In his February article A Presidential Lesson in Statesmanship, publisher Greg Morris featured the Presidential Site’s January-April 2017 Statesman article “A Tale of Two Elections.” . Tribune Star In February, the exhibit New Women of the Harrison Era was recognized as an innovative partnership between the Presidential Site and IUPUI. . Chicago Post-Tribune Columnist Joan Dittmann covered the Presidential Site as a weekend getaway destination in a full length feature including an interview with President & CEO Charles Hyde.
Harrison Still in the News
The new Presidential Site exhibit Presidential Pets was discussed on the nationally syndicated program Pet Pals, which was aired on Channel 8 on Sunday, March 19. The website announced the episode: “Let's talk politics . . . er, ah, no, not really . . . but let's talk “Presidential Pets!” Reporter/photographer Adam Dunn has a fascinating tour of the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site with an extensive display of critters who have been in the White House over the years. Not just dogs and cats, either . . . fascinating!”
. Curbed Washington DC In the March article Rock Creek Park: A Short History, contributor Jamie Benedi outlines the 1890 “christening” of this urban (now national) park by President Harrison. . CBS New York In the January segment Presidential Pets Have Prowled the White House for Centuries, Claire McLean of the Presidential Pet Museum highlighted Harrison’s goat Whiskers.
This spring, Inside Indiana Business with Gerry Dick interviewed museum President & CEO Charles Hyde about the Presidential Site’s New Century eCollection initiative. This partnership with the University Library and School of Informatics at IUPUI will digitally capture over 6,000 nationally significant artifacts (in 2D and 3D) and make them publicly available. Watch the member eNews for more exciting information in the coming months! Special thanks to the RB Annis Foundation for their generous support!
Political Animals long with such indispensable Shortly after the of patriotic emblems as flags, Declaration Independence, committee anthems, and postage stamps, a consisting of John members of the animal kingdom are Adams, Thomas often selected to serve as symbols of Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin national pride and sovereignty.
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Nearly 80 countries have formally adopted some variety of fauna as their official symbol. Nations generally select a creature indigenous to their region, but that is not a requirement, as the lions of Britain and Belgium will attest. In fact, the chosen animal does not need to currently exist (e.g., the Dodo of Mauritius), or to have ever existed (e.g., the Chinese dragon, the Scottish unicorn).
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attempted to devise an official seal for the new nation. (Despite the scene charmingly depicted in the musical 1776, Adams did not advocate for the eagle nor did Jefferson suggest the dove. Franklin, however, did push for the turkey). They were unable to agree on a design, so the project was tackled by two subsequent congressional committees, and the results of all their labors was turned over the Secretary of the Congress, Charles Thomson. According to Elizabeth Nix,
The first animal officially adopted in America as a national symbol was not the eagle, but the rattlesnake. Reptilian “Thomson chose what he iconography became thought were the best elements popular around the of the various designs and time of the American made the eagle—which had Revolution, as in the “Join beenintroducedbyartisticallyThomson’s original sketch of the or Die” cartoon depicting inclined Pennsylvania lawyer national seal , c. 1782 the States as serpentine William Barton in a design segments in need of submitted by the third committee—more prominent… unification, or the famed Gadsden flag (“Don’t Thomson also recommended that the small, white Tread on Me”) designed by Gen. Christopher eagle used in Barton’s design be replaced with an Gadsden in 1775. That same year, Benjamin American bald eagle, and Congress adopted this Franklin advocated for the snake: design on June 20, 1782.” [The rattlesnake] may therefore be esteemed an The eagle proved a popular choice, a symbolic emblem of vigilance—She never begins an attack, nor, representation of the qualities our new nation when once engaged, ever surrenders: She is therefore most idealized: strength, far-seeing vision, an emblem of magnanimity and true courage… she and nobility. The bird was not without its never wounds till she has generously given notice, detractors, however. Franklin wrote: even to her enemy, and cautioned him against the danger of stepping on her.—Was I wrong, Sir, I wish that the bald eagle had not been chosen as in thinking this a strong picture of the temper and the representative of our country, he is a bird of bad moral character, he does not get his living honestly.... conduct of America? Besides he is a rank coward…He is therefore by no The Continental Congress officially adopted means a proper emblem for the brave and honest. . . of the rattlesnake in 1778 when it approved the America.. . . the turkey is in comparison a much more design for the official Seal of the War Office. respectable bird, and withal a true original native of At the top center of the Seal, a rattlesnake bears America….. a banner which says “This We’ll Defend.” The rattlesnake symbol has been in use by the US Political parties as well as nations have sometimes been represented by animals. Unlike Army to this very day.
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Political cartoonist Thomas Nast’s first use of the elephant and donkey as Party symbols, c. 1874 nations, however, Party symbols have been typically designated not by legislative or executive decree, but by the less exalted ranks of political cartoonists. The most famous such symbols are of course the Republican elephant and the Democratic donkey. Like much of America’s political cartoon iconography, they owe their origin to Thomas Nast. An ardent Republican, Nast began in the 1870s to use what he considered the brash and undignified donkey to depict Democrats, while the stately and majestic elephant stood in for the GOP. While it is not clear when other artists first began to draw the pair, it is obvious that both creatures lent themselves to the sort of comical caricature that a cartoonist would find irresistible. By the late 19th Century, cartoonists across the political spectrum used both animals on a regular basis to depict the two major parties. Interestingly, while the Republican Party has officially adopted the elephant as its logo, the Democrats have yet to do
the same for the donkey. A few other Party animals have arisen in America, such as the Tammany Tiger (also a Nast creation) and the Bull Moose for Theodore Roosevelt’s 1912 Progressive Party. But the truly immortal merger of the animal and Presidential worlds came about in the aftermath of a Mississippi hunting trip in November 1902 when President Roosevelt refused to shoot a defenseless black bear. Cartoonist Clifford Berryman depicted the incident, which inspired Russian-Jewish immigrant and toymaker Morris Michtom to craft a small stuffed bear cub, and display it in his shop window as “Teddy’s bear.” After receiving Roosevelt’s permission to use his name, Michtom launched the Ideal Novelty and Toy Company to produce and distribute the first of many millions and millions of Teddy Bears, to the never-ending delight of children (among others) throughout the world. ___Gary Larreategui, Weekend Supervisor
Harrison in His Own Words
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First Presidential Proclamation Protecting an Animal Species (March 21, 1889)
A Proclamation No person sh all kill any otter, mink, marten, sable , or fur-seal , or other fur-bearing animal, with i n the limits of Alaska Te rritory, or in the water thereof... s Now, therefo re, I, Benjam in Harrison, President of the United States, persuant to the above-re cited Statutes, her eby warn al l persons against ente ring the wa t ers of the Behring’s Sea within the d ominion of the United States for t he purpose of violating the provisio ns of said section...
Did You Know? Grandson Benjamin Harrison “Baby” McKee’s famous pet goat caused quite a stir in Washington. According to an April 1892 article, Baby McKee asked for a billy goat and a red wagon. The President first vetoed the idea, but eventually relinquished to his wishes. The Washington Star gleefully shared the tale of President Harrison in a race with the goat cart to save his grandson from a hazardous street excavation on Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House. The clerk of the treasury department recounted: “...the goat started down executive avenue at a brisk cantor.... The president...started on a walk behind the cart. When the goat heard footsteps behind him [he] ....broke into a genuine run. For an instant they were neck and neck, but finally the president gave a spurt and, by a brilliant coup, caught the bridle of the fleet-footed billy goat.” Learn more about Baby McKee and Whiskers at our special exhibit “Presidential Pets,” now open!
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A Moment in Time: Presidential Pets
Harrison family pet “Dash� the collie on the White House grounds in 1890. 1789
1829
1863
1893
1913
1940
1961
1985
2008
The White House, 1890__ The Harrison’s son Russell is pictured here with Jack the dog and Whiskers the goat as well as
the Harrison grandchildren: Mary Lodge McKee, Benjamin “Baby” McKee, and Marthena Harrison.
NEW EXHIBITION
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Now Open!
This new exhibit is a celebration of America’s favorite VIPs - as in Very Important Pets. This is political yapping, catty behavior, and back scratching we can all get behind! Whether it’s Mr. Whiskers the goat or Fala the dog, you’ll enjoy a grand adventure through 200 years of amazing and adorable executive companions. Enjoy vignettes of these loveable “political animals!” President Abraham Lincoln He is the first president known to bring a cat to the White House. Two kittens were a gift from Secretary of State William Seward. They were named Dixie and Tabby. President Lincoln doted over the cats, so much that he once fed Tabby from the table during a formal dinner at the White House. Mary Todd Lincoln later proclaimed it was “shameful in front of their guests.” The president replied, “If the gold fork was good enough for former President James Buchanan, I think it is good enough for Tabby.” He had a special affinity for stray cats and would often allow them to follow him home. His wife said that cats were his hobby.
President Andrew Jackson President Andrew Jackson’s pet parrot Poll was known to fervently curse. At President Jackson’s funeral, the presiding Rev. Norment observed: “Before the sermon and while the crowd was gathering, a wicked parrot that was a household pet got excited and commenced swearing so loud and long as to disturb the people and had to be carried from the house.”
Presidential Parrots First Ladies Martha Washington and Dolly Madison both had pet parrots. Presidents who owned parrots include President Ulysses S. Grant and President William McKinley, who had a Mexican Doubled Yellow-Headed Parrot named Washington Post that could whistle “Yankee Doodle.” President Theodore Roosevelt’s family included a Hyacinth Macaw Parrot named Eli Yale, named after Elihu Yale, the namesake of Yale University. President Coolidge owned a South American tropical parrot called Do-Funny and First Lady Caroline Harrison had an African Gray Parrot named Polly. Polly repeated “Where’s my boy? - Boy - boy - where is that boy,” calling out the same way that the president did while playing hide and seek with his grandson Baby McKee.
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President Franklin D. Roosevelt
President Warren G. Harding
Possibly the most famous “First Dog,” Fala the Scottish Terrier (April 7, 1940 – April 5, 1952), was President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s constant companion from November 1940 until FDR’s death in April 1945. Fala was short for “Murray the Outlaw of Falahill” a Scottish ancestor of President Roosevelt. Fala traveled with President Roosevelt on many trips within the U.S. and abroad.
Laddie Boy (July 26, 1920 – January 23, 1929) the Airedale Terrier was the first “first dog” to be regularly covered in the press. He had his own hand-carved chair to sit in during cabinet meetings. The White House held birthday parties for him and invited other neighborhood dogs to join the party, serving them dog biscuit cake. Laddie Boy was faithful to President Harding. He brought the newspaper to the president at breakfast each morning.
He was also quite the ham and in true dog fashion had a knack for finding the spotlight. As a result, he received significant media attention and sparked a national craze for Scotties. Aboard the USS Augusta, he became pals with Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s poodle Rufus while their masters were signing the Atlantic Charter. Fala was trained to shake hands and stand at attention on his hind legs for the playing of “The Star Spangled Banner.”
President George H.W. Bush Millie, an English Springer Spaniel, was named for a family friend. First Lady Barbara Bush helped Millie write her own book describing the daily life of a White House dog. Millie had six puppies in the White House and two of them also became presidential pets. Millie’s pup Ranger stayed with the family and pup Spot was given to President Bush’s son George W. Bush. In 2001, both “sons” (one human and one canine) came to the White House.
Presidential Opossums Opossums are the only North American marsupials that have called the White House home. President Benjamin Harrison had two opossums named Mr. Reciprocity and Mr. Protection. Their names were a bit of political humor, reflecting Benjamin Harrison’s campaign platforms. Another president, Herbert Hoover, found a small opossum on the White House grounds and grew quite attached to the little creature. They called it Billy Possum and kept it in the pen built for the Coolidge raccoon. Around the same time that he found the opossum, a baseball team in Hyattsville, Maryland, lost their opossum mascot. The team sent a letter to President Hoover asking if they might borrow Billy Possum as a mascot to continue their winning streak. President Hoover obliged and the team reached the state championships. They expressed their appreciation in the following letter: “Dear President Hoover: Please accept the hearty thanks of our association for your kindness in acceding to our request for the use of the White House opossum as a mascot during the closing weeks of school. Having won successively the Prince Georges County high school championships in soccer, basketball, track and baseball this year, we cannot fail to appreciate the value of this little animal as a purveyor of good fortune.”
From the Collection
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Drawing by Caroline Harrison This sketch has a white background with black ink on poster board. It is a drawing of Baby McKee sitting on the grass in the door of a tent with the family dog (Dash) resting on his leg with a bird cage alongside. A chair, tennis racket & ball are on the grass. This was drawn and signed by Caroline Scott Harrison.
Dog Tag This original dog tag, believed to belong to one of the Harrison dogs, is dated May 31, 1898. It was found during the 1997 archaeological dig for the Carriage House behind the Harrison mansion.
Dog Whistle This metal whistle in the shape of a dog’s head has red jewel eyes. The letters “B.H.M.” are engraved on the round ball body with a loop on the top for a chain or string. It belonged to Benjamin Harrison McKee (Baby McKee).
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Volunteer Experiences
New Volunteers: Bringing Knowledge & Support
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olunteers are the backbone of every nonprofit. They bring a high level of experience and dedication that is hard to replicate and their value cannot be fully measured. In 2017, we have been fortunate enough to grow our volunteer corps. We have added eight new volunteers and interns this spring alone. Here is a snapshot of some of our newest volunteers: Rick Milton is a retiree from the state Department of Environmental Management. He loves history, architecture, and talking with guests. He has been a great addition to the Volunteer Corps volunteering twice a week! Marci Daughtery (top photo) is a summer intern from Anderson University. She is studying public history and plans to attend graduate school. Marci will be helping many staff members with various projects over the summer. Jackson Reeves (2nd photo) is a high school student and grandson of one of our long-time volunteers. Jackson will be helping our Special Events Manager Sierra Seevers-Troistky in June, with major events including our annual Wicket World of Croquet, and others in June and July. Baylee Roach (3rd photo) comes to us from Hanover College and is studying to be a high school Social Studies teacher. She will be assisting our VP of Education Roger Hardig with the fantastic camps that he has planned this summer.
Matthew Falcon (4th photo) will be providing assistance to our VP of Curatorship and Exhibition Jennifer Capps on our extensive library this summer. Matthew has vast experience in Library Science working for various educational institutions. He has a Master’s Degree from Wayne State University. Olivia Smith is a senior from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis and will be graduating in May. Until she begins her Master’s Program in Public Affairs, she will be assisting our VP of Development Bethany Gosewehr with many projects this summer. Allie Parker (bottom photo) is a Dean’s List Butler University student. She will be helping our Special Events Manager Sierra Seevers-Troistky this summer. Interested in sharing some of your time and talent? You can let us know here: volunteer@bhpsite.org.
Did You Know? The Independent Sector, the national membership organization bringing together a diverse set of nonprofits, foundations and corporations, has calculated a national average for the value of volunteer time. According to their most recent analysis, each volunteer saves their organization an average of $23.07 per hour. For the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, that equates to a value of $230,000 in 2016. ___ Lukas Ramey, Volunteer Experience Manager
Announcements
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Educational Opportunities 2017 brings several new initiatives for history lovers of all ages and from all walks of life.
. My Country tis of Thee is a new program series that will offer 4 new programs (and a tour of the museum as the 5th engagement piece) for low income senior citizens. These programs are based on the broad themes of American history connected to the Harrison family. Our programming partner for this grant is the Concord Neighborhood Community Center, and the initial round of programming starts in April. Participants will be asked to journal their life stories associated with these important topics, and their reflections will be saved for posterity. This program is made possible by a generous grant from Central Indiana Senior Fund, a CICF Fund. . In July, we will be offering our first ever Civil War Camp for 9-12 year olds. This week long non-residential 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. This very active camp will utilize fun activities including enlistment, marching, daily camp life, music, field surgery and early photography. Trips will be taken to destinations such as the War Memorial and Crown Hill Cemetery. This program has been made possible through a grant from Indiana Humanities in cooperation with the National Endowment for the Humanities. . Also new this summer is the Senior Seminar for alumni of previous Future Presidents of America Youth Leadership Camps. This three day intensive experience will take place on June 14, 15, and 16, convening at the Indiana State Capitol. Each day will feature a different branch of government, offering an in-depth look inside our American system of selfgovernment in action. . As we prepare for the 2017 Future Presidents of America, eleven young leaders 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!
Welcome, Bethany! We are excited to announce Bethany Gosewehr as our new Vice President of Development. Bethany joined our team on March 27, and is excited to blend her passion for presidential history with her 15 years’ experience in the non-profit and public sector to grow the impact and sustainability of the Presidential Site. As we move forward, we congratulate and wish safe travels to Bethany’s predecessor and our friend Ashleigh Graves-Roesler, who accepted a posting in the Ukraine with the Peace Corps!
P r e s e n t e d by t h e L ac y F o u n dat i o Cnoming Soon Page 17
S a t u r d a y, J u n e 4
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2017 Wicket World of Croquet
Saturday, June 3, 2017 Registration begins at 11:00am • Tournament begins 12:00pm
Join us for one of the most fashionably unique events in Indy! As a player, you will enjoy a lovely afternoon of croquet, complementary beverages, a gourmet summer luncheon, entertainment, and auction – dressed in white, of course! You can choose to participate in either the leisure or competitive brackets, depending on how seriously you would like to participate. Looking for a fun opportunity to play as a group? Fill a bracket of six teams of two (12 total players) with friends, family, or coworkers and it’s like getting one team for free! And the best part is, you can play together all day! Feel like wearing white and party without playing croquet? Spectators can purchase porch party tickets and enjoy all the day has to offer, including food and beverages. Your support plays an important role in this wicketly delightful Indianapolis tradition. And, as a bonus, it supports a wonderful cause – proceeds from the Wicket World of Croquet event help support the Presidential Site in sharing programs and tours with more than 19,000 children each year! Grab your dress whites and sign up to play now, before the spaces are completely filled!
Spring Pop-Up Garden Party May (Date TBA) • 5:30 - 6:30pm
Spring has sprung at the Presidential Site and the gardens are decorated with beautiful blooms! Join us for this special “pop up” event to celebrate the splendor of the Presidential Site’s gardens and our heritage peonies in their prime flowering season. We’ll have great company and some light refreshments, so bring a friend and enjoy a lovely evening at the Presidential Site! This event is a pop-up event and the date will be arranged with 3-5 days notice as an RSVP once the flowers are approaching their peak so you can see them at their best. Stay tuned via our eNews or on social media via Facebook and Twitter!
Coming Soon
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Summer E xperiences
Independence Day Social Tuesday, July 4 • 1:00-4:00pm • FREE! This Independence Day, visit the home of America’s Hoosier President for a patriotic celebration full of fun for the whole family! Families can play vintage games like hoops and graces or croquet on the scenic south lawn or sign the Declaration of Independence Ice cream is $3 per scoop of $5 for a double. Children can participate in activities like face painting and crafts, and a balloon stilt artist and band will be on-site to make the 4th of July celebrations especially memorable. Plus, enjoy a special 1st floor tour of the museum and meet President Benjamin Harrison and First Lady Caroline Harrison!
Naturalization Ceremony Monday, July 3 • 10:00am
The Presidential Site is proud to host the summer Naturalization Ceremony in partnership with the Federal Court for individuals who have qualified for United States citizenship. Families and friends of these celebrants will be present to witness this exciting day. You’re invited too! Judge Sarah Evans Barker will preside over the court ceremony that will take place in a tent on the South Lawn with seating available for 400 people. Parking will be available along Delaware Street (free and non-permit).
President Benjamin Harrison’s 184th Birthday Monday, August 21 • 10:00am-3:30pm
Come celebrate Benjamin Harrison’s 184th birthday with birthday cake and free walk-thru tours of the home’s first floor! The annual presidential birthday wreath-laying ceremony will take place at Crown Hill Cemetery on Saturday, August 19 at 10:30am. Wreath ceremony guests should meet at Harrison’s grave in Section 13.
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Coming Soon
NEW!
Announcing the 2017 - 2018 Candlelight Theatre Season After 14 years of partnership, the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site and Candlelight Theatre are proud to announce an expanded season of theatre performances, consisting of four unique performances written or adapted by resident playwright, James Trofatter in collaboration with Creative Director Donna Wing. The season will begin in October with patron favorite, Victorian Villains, directed by James Trofatter. Guests will experience a progressive theatre performance within the Harrison mansion itself, each room revealing a spooky new scene. It’s perfect for an eerily fun Halloween outing!
Cold Bloo The company’s newest holiday tradition, ‘Twas the Night Before..., directed by Heather Wing, will show in December 2017. This popular performance will include beloved characters from holiday lore and introduce new festive friends. With the mansion frosted in all its holiday finery, it’s a fun way to get in the spirit of the season for the whole family!
Murder in Triplicate, directed by Donna Wing, will be the company’s spring show. Salon-style performances in April 2018 will include a trilogy of one act plays, each performed in a different room of the mansion, complete with candlelight, historical artifacts, and the rich ambiance of President Harrison’s original furnishings. In summer 2018, the Presidential Site and Candlelight Theatre will add a special performance, The Trial of Nancy Clem directed by Sue Beecher, on the Cook Theatre stage at Indiana Landmarks. At Candlelight Theatre’s first feature stage performance, patrons will revisit the true crime story of the notorious and nefarious Nancy Clem. Will she be the first woman convicted of murder in Indiana? Season tickets are available now! For more information, please call 317.631.1888 or go to PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org
Volume 43, Issue 2