The Statesman
September -December 2017
“Duties
to the
C ountry �
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
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
Delia Robertson Special Events & Marketing 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: “Battle of Resaca,� by G .H. Blakeslee (Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site Collection)
“Duties to the Country”
T
From the President
his issue is focused on one of the most difficult periods in our country’s history, and shares a glimpse of the role that future president Benjamin Harrison played in the Union’s victory in the Civil War. Unfortunately, the conflict did not end with the war, and to this day it can evoke deep passion and discussion. Lincoln’s stirring words and leadership as president helped articulate the enormous sacrifice in lives and resources during this time of struggle. His call to look to our greater obligations as citizens has echoed down to today. Benjamin Harrison was one of more than 2 million men who served in the Union Army. On July 1, 1862, Indiana Governor Oliver P. Morton pledged to aid Lincoln’s call for 300,000 new reinforcements. So when Morton privately shared his difficulty meeting Indiana’s troop quota, the young lawyer offered, “If I can be of any service, I will go.” That very day Harrison set about raising a regiment from this community. He was given a commission and when the regiment was complete, the newly appointed Colonel Harrison had raised 1,000 recruits for the 70th Indiana.
his wife Caroline and two young children, though he faced the challenge many of our veterans do today returning to civilian life. This is a remarkable story well worth sharing another day. But time and again throughout his career, he continued to answer the call to service—as a citizen, veteran, senator, candidate for governor, president and senior statesman. The lessons of history are evergreen, and we at the Presidential Site recognize the value of looking back to think forward. The stories of the women and men who made difficult decisions more than a century ago affect us yet today, and we need to give equal weight to the decisions we make now, knowing they will have consequences a century hence. As you’ll see on pages 6 & 7, Harrison understood this uncommonly well, asserting: “There are duties to the country that rest upon us... These are times of unrest. Let discussion go on. Let its waves beat; there is a purifying influence in the storm. But let us say, in common with the great body of our fellow citizens, ‘Violence must not be introduced;’ and let us without a thought of partisanship now, as we had done then, stand by the constituted authorities of our country always.”
“The lessons of history are evergreen”
He now had to turn these citizen soldiers into seasoned troops. By day, he marched and drilled his men; by night, long after taps had sounded, he studied and perfected himself in the tactics of war. Imposing discipline would prove to be one of Harrison’s most arduous tasks, but his reputation became that of a strong leader who earned respect through action.
For Harrison’s personal valor at the battles of Resaca and Peachtree Creek—leading his men from the front as they charged their Confederate opposition and overtook the artillery—he was promoted to Brigadier General. Returning to Indianapolis after the war, Harrison was gratefully reunited with
It is this expectation of “duties to the country,” and unwavering sense of purpose that has helped motivate and inspire Americans since the founding, and informs our work today. Let us each do our part as citizens, whether serving in our schools, places of worship, government, military, businesses, and cultural institutions, to ensure that the idea of a “government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” We’ll be here to help. Very sincerely yours,
Charles A. Hyde, President & CEO
Plan Your Visit
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Calendar Mary Tucker Jasper Speaker Series* A Conversation with Paula Kerger October 19 . 6pm Victorian Villains Presented by Candlelight Theatre* October 13, 14, 20, 21, 22 Performances starting at 6pm Sunday at 2pm LIVE! Election Day November 7 . 10am to 3:30pm Civil War Dinner* November 15 . 6pm to 9pm LIVE! Family Christmas December 2 . 10am to 3:30pm A Candlelight Evening on Delaware Street* December 7 . 5:30pm to 9:30pm ‘Twas the Night Before... Presented by Candlelight Theatre* December 15, 16, 17 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: . . . .
September 1 October 6 November 3 December 1
Alma Mater Columbian Exhibition Quilt Crazy Sleigh Ride
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 July article Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site Goes High-Tech with 3-D Printing, Jared Council reported on the Presidential Site’s efforts to digitize its collection of 10,000 artifacts. . WISH TV-8 In June, a WISH-TV segment previewed the museum’s Civil War Camp, announcing that “History buffs should look no further for their summer plans.” . Associated Press In May, the AP featured on the wire the creation of the museum’s innovative initiative to capture artifacts in both 2D and 3D imaging. The story was shared on dozens of media outlets nationally.
Harrison Still in the News
Naturalization Ceremony: National & Local Coverage The BBC, WISH-TV, CBS4Indy, Indy Star, Daily Kos, Fox 59, WIBC, Herald Bulletin, and WRTV-Indy were all present for the Naturalization Ceremony on July 3rd at the Presidential Site. In the Indianapolis Recorder, an article entitled “You Are America” by Ebony Marie Chappel reported that “On a balmy Monday afternoon, a crop of new American citizens, their family members and friends gathered on the lawn...” Judge Sarah Evans Barker told the participants: “We draw courage and inspiration from your stamina... This is not the first time our country has been divided on important issues. But the important thing is that we continue to find ways to bridge those gaps.”
. Indiana Magazine of History In June, Gloria Lopez and Dawn Bakken featured the New Women of the Harrison Era exhibit in an eight page article entitled “Guns, Puzzles, and Selfies.” Curatorial Fellow Katelyn Coyne was interviewed about the content and her invaluable experience at the Presidential Site through a joint initiative with IUPUI.
Ben Hur & Ben Harrison? Did you know that there is a connection between the author of Ben Hur and President Harrison? The famed Indiana author Lew Wallace was tapped to write Benjamin Harrison’s presidential campaign biography in 1888. While copies have been difficult to come by in the past, thanks to the General Lew Wallace Museum & Study in Crawfordsville, the work will be reissued later this fall. It’s a surprisingly enjoyable read, chock full of firsthand accounts by some of the people that knew Harrison best. Pick up your copy in our Museum Gift Shop in the Welcome Center, and look for the special introduction written by our President & CEO, Charles Hyde.
Primary Sources: “Duties to the Country”
H
arrison delivered this speech in Cincinnati on May 2nd, 1894, after a dinner with the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. He offered a firsthand account of a battle scene and a glimpse into his character. ....Now I waited until ’62. There was a great many reasons why I did not care to go to war. I went in with that large contingent of the army who responded to the call of Mr. Lincoln in the summer of 1862. Whatever other advantage you may have – those of you who responded in ’61, in experience and length of service, and in the credit that is due to those that make a prompt response over those of us who deferred our going – we may say this for the volunteers of ’62, they did not enter the army without a serious scene of the frightful and gigantic character of the contest in which they were to take part. The disasters on the Peninsula to the Army of the Potomac, the retreat of Buell, the invasion of Kentucky by Kirby Smith, every thing then seemed to be untoward. The clouds hung low, and the men who went in ’62 may excuse their delay, in part, at least, by the consideration that they went when the seriousness of the contest and the uncertainty of its issue was most apparent. (Applause). The crossing of the Chattahoochee brought us near to the consummation of the Atlanta Campaign. Many of you participated. It was, in its duration, in the difficulties that were overcome, in the battles that were fought, in the military results that were achieved, one of the greatest campaigns of the war. Atlanta was the objective point, and when we crossed the Chattahoochee, we had passed the last serious natural barrier in the way of our advance. Peach Tree Creek was an ugly little stream – one of those sluggish streams characteristic of that country – with steep banks and miry bed, extremely ugly to be in the rear of an army that might be under the necessity of retiring. On the morning of July 20th, the division of the Twentieth Corps to which I was attached crossed a bridge which had been constructed by Newton’s division of the Fourth Corps, which had crossed the day previous. The other divisions of the corps
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crossed lower down, upon a bridge that had been constructed by our own pioneers...Crossing Peach Tree Creek, we found ourselves upon a flat, narrow stretch of bottom land upon a hot July day, the sun beating fearfully upon us, and without shade in which to rest ourselves. The division covered the space between Newton’s division of the Fourth Corps and the Second Division of our own corps. Both of these divisions were sheltered somewhat by timber, the division on our right in quite heavy timber. Newton’s division, on a ridge, less heavily timbered. The entire front of our division was an open cultivated field. Rising from the flat upon which we first rested were two hills – one a foot-hill, covered with small bushes sparsely scattered about it, the other higher and commanding it and the whole stretch of the stream, clear, unencumbered, with a fence running along the top of it. It was one of the rare occasions of the Atlanta Campaign when we had a view of any considerable section of a fight....But at Peach Tree Creek, from a high plateau on the right of these intersecting streams to which General Cox has referred, there was a clear, fine view of the whole front of our division and of a portion of the front of Newton’s division. In the edge of the timber, at the left of the line of the Second Division of the Twentieth Corps, a battery was stationed. Riding up upon that plateau while I was forming my line, I met there General Hooker and some of his staff, who had ridden to that point to get a view of the field of the contemplated attack. We had not waited long until the rebel attack developed. It was a fine sight to stand upon that knoll in the corn knee high, just as the farmer’s plow had left it, and look over the field and see the long, and at first steady, and then rushing, advance of the enemy as they drove toward us, three lines pressing on to the attack. We had a skirmish line on the ridge, a New York regiment – I think, the Seventy-eighth – from one of the other brigades that had occupied this line; steady sturdy fellows they were. They clung to the piles of rails they had placed for their defense until the rebels were upon them. I had detailed two companies, something like a hundred men, though not by companies, armed with Spencer rifles, to relieve the New York regiment in our front after the fight began. They were ordered to occupy a mill that stood on the smaller stream about on the line
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with the crest of the higher hill. And so we are here, my venerable “We are They hurried into it. The friends (laughter), still today, as then, a band of brothers battery on our right passing the remnant was firing to the devoted to the flag, and every influence of our lives and of our days in the left oblique across all the strength of arm and mind consecrated to maintaining pursuit of private our front. The ends, but not, I am Seventy-eighth in all our communities that respect for the law, that decent sure, forgetful yet observance of the rights of other men on which our that there are duties New York, with its gallant officers, were to the country that still social and political life depends.” holding toughly to the skirmish rest upon us. Each, according to line; the Spencer riflemen in the mill were pumping his own intelligence and conscience, differing in this their deadly fire into the advancing foe. Dropping, political theory or that from one another, we are still dropping, dropping, I could see them as they came today, as then, a band of brothers devoted to the flag, on, and their line shaken, wavering, while officers and every influence of our lives and all the strength with drawn swords pressed their men forward. of arm and mind consecrated to maintaining in all Now a color dropped to the ground as the color- our communities that respect for the law, that decent bearer was shot, and was quickly caught up; the observance of the rights of other men on which our other lines came more steadily on. It was obvious to social and political life depends. (Applause). the most untutored and inexperienced eye that just that moment of wavering, just when the line was These are times of unrest. Let discussion go on. shaken, was the time to charge, and the order was Let its waves beat; there is a purifying influence given and our men swept forward. The lines met in the storm. But let us say, in common with the in actual touch, and men fought hand to hand for great body of our fellow citizens, “Violence must an instant, and then backward, slowly yet steadily, not be introduced;” and let us without a thought of that rebel line was pressed. Our line had reached the partisanship now, as we had done then, stand by highest crest and held it, and slowly, stubbornly, the the constituted authorities of our country always. rebel line fell back, until at last they withdrew into (Applause and cries of “That’s it.”) the timber, where their entrenchments were. Want to read the entire speech? Find it online It was not perhaps on our front line a great action. at PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org. There were no great commanders about, no military geniuses; there was simply a body of patriotic Timeline of Benjamin citizens, the farmers’ boys, the boys from the shops Harrison’s Civil War Service and the printing office, who had been trained a little in war, who had the courage of men who July 9, 1862: Enlists as a 2nd lieutenant respected themselves and a love for the flag that and forms Indiana’s 70th Union Army was unquenchable. (Applause). The only man in Volunteers. Promoted to Colonel by August. my command, a commissioned officer who had told 1863: Sees action in Kentucky, then is us that he was very fond of fighting, hid in a ditch. assigned railroad guard duty with the 70th The stalwart fellows who pushed back the rebel Volunteers. line and planted our flag on the crest, and repulsed that fierce attempt to drive us into the creek, were May 13-15, 1864: In the Battle of Resaca, boys who did not like fighting. They were there fights bravely with the 70th to split the from a strong sense of duty; they were a mother’s enemy line and take three cannons. boys. (Applause). If they had been entirely free to July 20, 1864: Exhibiting significant bravery choose, they would have gone back, but they were at the Battle of Peach Tree Creek, wins the of that self-respecting sort, that they would rather promise of a Brigadier General’s star by die than leave a post of duty, and many of them did, General Hooker. on that hot hillside, give their lives for the flag. It was this sort of fellows that fought the war out and February 23, 1865: Commisioned as a Brevet that we must always depend upon to fight our wars Brigadier General by President Lincoln. out, as well as to maintain order and decency in the June 8, 1865: Honorably discharged from communities where we live.... the army.
Harrison in His Own Words
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From President Benjamin Harrison’s Inaugural Address
“Let those w ho would di e for the flag on the field of battle gi ve a better proof of the ir patriotism and a highe r glory to their countr y by promot ing fraternity a nd justice.�
Did You Know? In 1871, future Senator and President Benjamin Harrison squared off against Future Congressman and Governor Thomas Hendricks (photo). After a military court convicted a man for plotting to free Confederate POWs during the war, the two brilliant attorneys argued opposing sides in the historic Ex Parte Milligan case which resulted in a historic conclusion: It was decided that military tribunals could not preside over civilian courts, a ruling still used today.
A Moment in Time: 1865
Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site Collection
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MARCH 4: President Lincoln is inaugurated for a second term, promising peace and unity after the war. APRIL 9: Gen. Robert E. Lee surrenders his Confederate Army to Gen. Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia. APRIL 14: At 10:13 pm, while watching the third act of the play “Our American Cousin” at Ford’s Theater, President Lincoln is assassinated by John Wilkes Booth. MAY 4: President Lincoln is laid to rest in Oak Ridge Cemetery, outside Springfield, Illinois. MAY 23: Harrison and the 70th Indiana Volunteers are part of a victory parade on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington. DECEMBER 6: The Thirteenth Amendment, formally abolishing slavery throughout the nation, is finally ratified and passed by Congress.
Judge magazine, 1888 __ In this political cartoon, 23 years after the war, presidential candidate Benjamin Harrison is
depicted riding off to save the Union while a young Grover Cleveland hires a substitute and spends the war comfortably at home.
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An Eventful Summer This summer’s Naturalization Ceremony and Independence Day Social were the most successful to date, with great participation and widespread interest. The season has seen a flurry of activity here at the Presidential Site, with three camps and a brand new initiative for senior citizens hitting full stride: We started the summer with a “Senior Seminar” for Future Presidents of America Youth Leadership Camp alumni. This three day camp (June 1416) was themed on the three branches of government. Students got an intensive experience with some of our state’s most prominent public figures. “Future Presidents of America” (June 2630th) saw 18 young leaders from central Indiana, 10 of whom were specially designated by their respective school districts as Superintendent Scholars. Activities advocated civic duty and leadership, as the group engaged with local business leaders, civic leaders and the stories of the American Presidency. “Civil War Camp” (July 17-21st) hosted 9-12 year-olds for an up-close experience of Union service in the Civil War, replete with enactors, drill practice, and mustering into the army. Programming also included camp life and tent pitching, camp surgery, and battle strategy. Participants did a “Pass in Review” for parents on the last day, and were officially discharged. Made possible by the Central Indiana Senior Fund, “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” is an educational learning series for senior citizens that builds bridges between individuals, civic literacy and good citizenship in a fun, approachable way. Four programs are designed to share the history of America through the Harrison family. There have been four community centers served, and many more programs are scheduled for the coming months.
Want more information? Email VP of Education, Roger Hardig, at rhardig@bhpsite.org.
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THANK YOU! Good Citizen Honor Roll We extend our sincere gratitude to the donors who stepped up in support of the Presidential Site’s Independence Day “Good Citizen” campaign. Your gifts are immediately going to work helping support educational initiatives that will serve more than 30,000 children and adults this year. Thank you for your investment!
Nancy A. Ahrbecker Martha A. Buehner Eugene and Barbara Busche Robert and Nina Butler John Chlapik Robert P. Connelly Jeffrey and diane Crabtree Colleen G. Delaney The Dorsey Foundation Theodore and Ann Engel Thomas P. Ewbank Lou and Beverly Gerig Betty V. Harrison Lieutenant Colonel Tyler Harrison Tom and Brenda Huston Jim and Nancy Johnson J. Scott Keller John D. Kelley
Welcome Delia Please join us in welcoming Delia Robertson, our new Special Events and Marketing Manager! She brings with her a decade of experience in theatre, event management and small business ownership. Coupled with her time and business management skills, she will be a tremendous asset to the museum and our special programs.
Beverly Lang Lee Lange and Ted Planje Peggy Leveque The Honorable Elizabeth N. Mann Boris E. Meditch Timothy Moroney Andrea Neal Dorothy A. Neal Old National Bank Tanya Rawson Rodney and Denis Retzner Barbara Riordan James Sundahl Linda D. Swanson Jane T. Walker Dorothy K. Weaver Jeffrey and Margie Zaring (REFLECTS GIFTS RECEIVED BY 8/1/17)
From the Collection
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[detail]
This is General Harrison’s everyday sword carried in battle. It is brass and steel. A sheild, guns and an eagle are engraved on hilt. The metal sleeve is 30 1/2� long with three carrying rings. It is clam shell style, as one side folds down.
Cup A gray metal cup with no handle and a grooved rim was likely used by General Benjamin Harrison during the war. His second wife Mary Lord Harrison added the paper label with a red border (original label included).
Fork and Spoon General Harrison’s wartime metal folding fork and spoon, with a hinged shaft and sliding piece which holds utensil handles firmly in place when in use. The fork and spoon have scallop designs on the handles.
Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site Collection
Sword
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I
From the Collection
Interns: The Curator’s Support Team nterns provide invaluable help in organizing and maintaining the 10,000 artifacts in the museum.
In 2017, the scope of our team has expanded, and the experience has been a feather in the cap of many college interns hoping to enter into fields of historical studies and preservation, admistration, and political science. The work includes cataloging, scanning, and transcribing. We appreciate the opportunity to share our nationally significant collection and to mentor, and the feeling seems to be mutual! Here are some snapshots of this summer’s curatorial interns. Elicia Bates “I'll be entering my Junior year at Fordham University in NYC in the fall and I'm an Anthropology and African American Studies double major. I grew up in Indianapolis and am home for the summer to work at the Presidential Site.”
Emily Cornforth “I’m a recent graduate from IUPUI. I’ve been an intern at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site for a year. I have a bachelors degree in US History and I’m planning to apply for graduate school at IUPUI to get a Masters in Museum studies.”
Evan Dulaney “I’m preparing to enter my senior year at Anderson University earning my degree in history. I plan to get a masters in museum studies and plan on working as a museum curator in the future. I’ve greatly enjoyed interning at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site.”
Eleanor Surina “I am a Junior at IU Bloomington, majoring in History with a certificate in Arts Administration and a minor in Political Science. I was born and raised in Indianapolis and this fall I will be studying abroad in London!”
Thank You, Mrs. W. H. Harrison Mrs. W.H. Harrison and her family of Harrison descendants has recently made a generous donation to the museum, a remarkable collection of 34 items, including original Harrison family apparel and personal accoutrements. The nightgown from the collection, pictured here, is attributed to Mary Todd Lincoln in historic newspaper clippings that we have on file. The contribution also includes elegant period gowns and accessories such as purses and fans. More of these items will be shown and discussed in the next issue of The Statesman. Stay tuned!
Exhibits
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A Trip to Unify: Coming Soon! Before he saw battle in the Civil War, Benjamin Harrison was assigned with his troops to the duty of guarding trains. As frustrated as he was at the time, he later used trains to great effect as president. The 2018 New Century Curator exhibition is entitled “A Trip to Unify,” and it covers President Benjamin Harrison’s rail journey west to unite a nation. A grand transcontinental POTUS trip departed Washington on Monday, April 13, 1891, just after midnight. Harrison stopped in 19 states and 72 cities on this 9,232 mile train trip. The tour went through the South to the Pacific coast and home again through the new States admitted during his administration. The Presidential party included the President and Mrs. Harrison, Postmaster-General Wanamaker, Secretary J. M. Rusk, Mr. and Mrs. Russell Harrison, Mrs. McKee, Mrs. Dimmick, and the United States Marshal of the District of Columbia, among others. No president until Harrison had ever attempted traveling 10,000 miles, or delivering 140 impromptu speeches in 30 days. He stopped in southern towns, parts of the nation still affected by reconstruction and discontent. What kinds of unifying messages did he deliver, and how far west did he go? Find out in January! This exhibit is part of the New Century Curator partnership with IUPUI.
Last chance! new women of the Harrison’Era
Special exhibit . Grand openinG January 26, 2017
Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site 1230 N. Delaware St.
New Women of the Harrison Era is open in the Welcome Center until October 31. This exhibit looks at social change through the lens of three women whose lives intersected with Benjamin Harrison. Each of them affected public opinion concerning women’s roles in society, albeit very differently!
Presidential Pets is open on the third floor of the museum until December 31. This collection celebrates America’s favorite VIPs - as in Very Important Pets. 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.
Coming Soon 12th Annual Mary Tucker Jasper Speaker Series benefiting the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site
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A CONVERSATION with PAULA KERGER President & CEO of PBS Featuring a Premiere Red Carpet Preview of the new documentary, President at the Crossroads! Honorary Chairs: Governor Eric Holcomb & First Lady Janet Holcomb Thursday, October 19 • The Conrad Indianapolis 6:00 PM | Exclusive VIP Reception & Cocktail Hour 7:00 PM | Welcome & Dinner in the Vienna Ballroom 8:00 PM | Speaker Presentation We are pleased to announce that Paula Kerger, President and CEO of PBS will be our featured speaker this year. Kerger joined PBS in March 2006, and is the longest serving president and CEO in PBS history. Since her arrival, she has made particularly strong commitments to the arts, news and public affairs, high-quality educational content for children and the classroom, diversity, and the use of new digital platforms to bring public media into the lives of all Americans. “Paula spearheads an organization with a monthly reach of over 100 million viewers and 28 million digital followers,” said Charles Hyde, President and CEO of the Presidential Site. “She has helped shape a half-billion dollar media organization into one of our country’s most trusted public institutions.” “Paula’s Kerger’s reputation as an inventive the best of them all.” __Ken Burns leader is recognized nationwide and globally. “I’ve known all the presidents of PBS back to Larry Grossman, and they’ve all been different,” says Ken Burns, the documentarian whose relationship with PBS spans almost 40 years. “I would say unhesitatingly and without a doubt, Paula’s the best of them all.”
As part of this exceptional annual event, we will also be throwing a red carpet affair with a first glimpse of “President at the Crossroads.” This new documentary in partnership with WFYI, made possible by a Visit Indiana Tourism grant, explores the remarkable life and times of America’s Hoosier President, and his unexpected influence on many of the defining issues of the past century, from civil rights to conservation and supporting our veterans. This documentary will debut across Indiana on the night of the event, and will be released nationally this fall. This will be an exclusive first look at an Indiana original!
Join us for an entertaining evening that will satisfy both your appetite and intellect, as Presidential Site President & CEO Charlie Hyde interviews PBS’ Paula Kerger about the future of civic discourse. The event is open to the public, but seating is limited and expected to sell out! Ticket options include: VIP Patron ($225), Dinner Patron ($175), Table Sponsor ($1,750 for 10 seats). Reserve your spot today at PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org.
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Victorian presented B e n j a m iVillains n Harriso n P r e s iby d eCandlelight n t i a l S i t eTheatre This October, the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site is unexpectedly beset by a host of the most villainous villains from history. Just when the world thought it was rid of Lizzie Borden, Sweeney Todd, H.H. Holmes and Jack the Ripper, a local team of crime scene investigators have discovered a nefarious plot to bring them back to life! In this frightful performance, guests will partner with their crime scene handler to uncover the sordid tales of the villains. Are you ready to face these fiendish creators of chaos and carnage and protect society from their twisted and tormented minds... before its too late?!
PERFORMANCE DATES AND TIMES
October 13, 14, 20, 21, and 22, 2017 Friday and Saturday performances - 6pm curtain Sunday matinee - 2pm curtain Performances begin every half hour & last 60-75 minutes.
TICKETS
$14.95 Presidential Site Members and Students $17.95 Adults 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
SEASON TICKET HOLDERS GET PERKS!
We are proud to announce a season ticket option and 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. Purchase your season tickets by October 1st to lock-in your seats and dates for the upcoming season. Find out more at PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org.
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Coming Soon
Seasonal E xperiences This is the perfect time of year to introduce your family and friends to the beauty and splendor of the Presidential Site, while the mansion is decked in holiday finery! Civil War Dinner* November 15 • 6pm to 9pm
LIVE! Family Christmas December 2 • 10am to 3:30pm
In time for Thanksgiving, share a table with our General Benjamin Harrison enactor and his aide de camp while enjoying a delicious candlelit dinner. The General discusses his wartime experiences and answers your questions.
It’s 1888 and Indiana’s own Benjamin Harrison has won the presidency! Come home for the holidays to help the new first family celebrate their last Christmas in Indiana before the big move. Join the conversation!
A Candlelight Evening on Delaware Street* December 7 • 5:30pm to 9:30pm
‘Twas the Night Before... Presented by Candlelight Theatre* December 15, 16 • 6pm curtain December 17 • 2pm curtain
Join us for A Candlelight Evening on Delaware Street fundraising event of historic house tours and elegant dining. Its a lovely way to celebrate the holidays with family or friends! Gift certificates are available, as this progressive event makes a lovely gift to give and receive. Each building’s history is shared; guests walk through and explore each location. This is a walking tour that includes the use of stairs to fully view each location.
Gather your family close and join us in creating new holiday memories at a special Candlelight Theatre event! “Twas the Night Before…,” written by James Trofatter, offers a heartwarming interactive theatre experience for all ages in the historic Harrison mansion. Meet traditional figures from folklore and make new jolly friends. Performances begin every half-hour and last 60-75 minutes.
*Reservations required. For more information, visit PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org or email events@bhpsite.org.
Volume 43, Issue 3
1230 North Delaware Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202