THE STATESMAN
|
JANUARY – APRIL 2026
A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E B E N J A M I N H A R R I S O N P R E S I D E N T I A L S I T E
B OA R D O F
Directors
Robert Altice, Chair Morgan Snyder, Vice Chair Jeremy Davis, Treasurer Erin Dorsey, Secretary Latoya Botteron, At Large Donna Oklak, Past Chair
George Geib Brian Hewitt Eric J. Holcomb Stan C. Hurt Jamia Jasper Jacobsen Thomas King John Krauss Kimball Harrison Morsman Andrea Neal Susanne S. Ridlen David G. Sease Michael Wells
Milan Ball Teresa Bennett Robert Biggs Lisa Boncosky Christina Hale Ellis Hall Kenneth M. Jastrow, II Will Lonnemann Konye Ori Lucille Pittard Blake Roebuck Rod Taylor
ADVISORY CABINET
Carolyn Anker William A. Browne, Jr. Lloyd Crowe Rosemary Dorsa Whitney Ebmeyer Daniel F. Evans Howard “HJ” Lacy IV Elizabeth Mann Jenry Morsman Peter Rusthoven Ed Simcox James Wallis Robin Winston
EX-OFFICIO
John Teskey, Volunteer Association President PRESIDENT & CEO
Charles A. Hyde
HONORARY DIRECTORS
Robert H. Everitt Thomas P. Ewbank
S TA F F
MOLLY BEAUSIR Russell and Penny Fortune Project POTUS Presidential Fellow
LINDSEY BECKLEY Director of Special Events & Marketing
DANIEL BENNETT Director of Museum Experiences
JENNY BRAUN Director of Finance and Operations
JENNIFER CAPPS VP of Curatorship & Exhibition
BETHANY GOSEWEHR VP of Advancement
ROGER HARDIG VP of Education
JENNIFER HODGE Gracia Johnson Floyd Presidential Fellow
CHARLES A. HYDE President & CEO
GARY LARREATEGUI Weekend Supervisor
ALEXIS PRICE Social Media & Content Coordinator
AUSTIN THURSTON Weekend Supervisor
TIFFANY SPEARS Special Events Coordinator
CHRIS STENFTENAGEL Volunteer & Relationship Manager
JULIO ZEPEDA Facilities Manager
Special thanks to the more than 150 volunteers who make our work possible!
FROM THE
President
“I do not mistrust the future.” — PRESIDENT BENJAMIN HARRISON Inaugural Address, March 4, 1889
Celebrating America250
When I first stepped into the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, I was struck by how uncommon it is for any community to steward the historic residence of an American president. Even more extraordinary is the opportunity such a place provides: to connect local relevance with national significance and to invite people into a deeper understanding of—and participation in—our American system of self-government. From the beginning, I believed this institution could be a world-class destination for civic learning, and that conviction has only deepened. In recent years, I’ve watched our organization grow in profound and inspiring ways. Together—our staff, volunteers, board members, and partners—we have expanded our commitment to history and civic education and strengthened our role as a trusted, nonpartisan resource. Harrison’s own words, “I do not mistrust the future,” continue to guide us. His confidence rested in the belief that an informed citizenry, acting in good faith, would carry our democratic system forward. That belief is at the center of our mission. Some of the most meaningful moments here are those that bring that mission to life: witnessing new Americans take their oath of citizenship; watching nearly 200 alumni of our Future Presidents of America program embrace leadership; and seeing visitors discover that history is not a distant abstraction but a lens for understanding the responsibilities we share today. As America approaches its 250th anniversary, the work ahead is clear. The semiquincentennial is not an endpoint but a milestone—one that calls us to deepen civic understanding, strengthen community belonging, and preserve the authenticity and integrity of this presidential residence. Our new 2026-2030 Strategic Plan—which we’ll launch in the coming months—sets forth an ambitious and purposeful path for how we will meet that moment. What gives me enduring confidence is the extraordinary community surrounding this institution. Our volunteers, staff, board members, program alumni, and partners reflect the very ideals we seek to advance. They remind us that democracy endures not by accident, but through our shared commitment to informed participation, constructive discourse, and service. With your partnership, we will continue to inspire intelligent patriotism, strengthen civic understanding, and help ensure that Harrison’s legacy— and the responsibilities we share as citizens—shine brightly into the future. Very sincerely yours,
Charles A. Hyde, President & CEO Cover image: Declaration of Independence (1819), by John Trumbull.
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PLAN YOUR
Calendar
V isit
JANUARY 2026 COFFEE WITH THE CURATOR FRIDAY, JANUARY 2 . 8:30AM–9:00AM EXHIBIT OPENING, “THERE AT THE FOUNDING” THURSDAY, JANUARY 22 . 5:30PM–7:30PM
FEBRUARY 2026 COFFEE WITH THE CURATOR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6 . 8:30AM–9:00AM ROMANCE AND REMEMBRANCE* SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14 • PRESENTED BY CANDLELIGHT THEATRE 6:00PM–8:00PM LIVE! PRESIDENT’S DAY MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16 . 10:00AM–2:00PM MARCH 2026 COFFEE WITH THE CURATOR FRIDAY, MARCH 6 . 8:30AM–9:00AM EXHIBIT OPENING, “PRESIDENTIAL INK” THURSDAY, MARCH 19 . 5:30PM–7:30PM PRESIDENTIAL EGG ROLL SATURDAY, MARCH 28 . 9:00AM–10:00AM APRIL 2026 COFFEE WITH THE CURATOR FRIDAY, APRIL 3 . 8:30AM–9:00AM CHOOSE YOUR MURDER* APRIL 17, 18, 24, 25 & 26 • PRESENTED BY CANDLELIGHT THEATRE PERFORMANCES START AT 7:30PM FRI–SAT, 2PM ON SUNDAYS * Reservations required.
Coffee with the Curator
FIRST FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH
8:30AM – 9AM (VIEW ON FACEBOOK LIVE AT 8:45AM) Free for members & guests | $6 general admission Join us for a stimulating 30 minutes at our monthly First Friday event! While you enjoy coffee and pastries, you will get a chance to explore some of the most interesting, amazing and unexpected Presidential Site collection items. We promise to satisfy your curiosity and have you on your way to the office by 9am sharp! Upcoming themes include: . January 2 Remember the Ladies (onsite event & simulcast on Facebook Live) . February 6 There at the Founding (onsite event & simulcast on Facebook Live) . March 6 Presidential Ink (onsite event & simulcast on Facebook Live) . April 3 The Life of a Presidential Daughter (onsite event & simulcast on Facebook Live)
OFFICIAL COFFEE OF THE PRESIDENTIAL SITE
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Space is limited so reservations are recommended. Find out more by calling 317.631.1888 or visiting PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org.
HARRISON STILL
in the News
T H E STAT E H O U S E F I L E S WI S H TV.CO M
Harrison Presidential Site invites Hoosiers to play ‘Taps’ to honor military veterans Marilyn Odendahl, The Indiana Citizen
Students explore American history through Project POTUS video contest Alfonso Ruvalcaba Trujillo
“Project POTUS, a national civics initiative organized by the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, invites middle and high school students to explore American history through a unique video contest.
"The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site will again be bringing Hoosiers together for a special commemoration that will echo the strains of “Taps” on Veterans Day in honor of the men and women who have served in the U.S. military. Beginning at 5:32 p.m. Tuesday, the program will feature a lone bugler who will play “Taps” on the front porch of President Benjamin Harrison’s historical residence near downtown Indianapolis. The commemoration will begin with brief remarks by Donna Oklak, chair of the presidential site’s board of directors, followed by the musical tribute. It will be livestreamed on Facebook, allowing viewers everywhere to pause in honor of those who have served.
Running annually from Election Day to Presidents Day, the contest challenges middle school students to create a 60-second video about one of the 45 American presidents, using at least one primary source. High school students participate in Project POTUS: 24 Hours, where they create a 90-second video about a single day in the life of a president, using at least three primary sources. “It’s really great to talk about the program,” Molly Beausir said, a Presidential Fellow for Project POTUS. “We encourage students to take an interest in civics from a young age and learn about the qualities that make for interesting leaders.” Read the full article at wishtv.com.
“It’s really just making sure that we be introspective about what it means to dedicate yourself to your country,” Charles Hyde, president and CEO of the presidential site, said. “Our service members make a great personal sacrifice, and it’s something that should be honored and respected and, certainly on Veterans Day, all the more celebrated.” Read the full article at thestatehousefile.org. T H E STAT E S M A N | PAG E 5
BY THOMAS CRAIN 2025/6 Capps Curatorial Fellow
T
HE AMERICAN EXPERIMENT IN SELF-GOVERNMENT
has been shaped and refined by members of the Harrison family since the 17th century. Their ancestral roots in America extend back to the mid-1600s, eventually taking a firm hold in Virginia at Berkeley Plantation. As wealthy, white, enslaving land owners, the early Harrisons in the Virginia colony took up prominent positions in Colonial America. Their civic involvement would become a tradition for the Harrison family—if not expectation—over the next two centuries, both before and after the country declared independence, establishing political precedence that remains even in America’s 250th year. Benjamin Harrison V was a lifelong statesman serving in the Virginia Colony House of Burgesses until the 1770s before joining the revolutionary efforts. He was a Virginia delegate at the First Continental Congresses and on June 1, 1776, he was selected to read out loud Thomas Jefferson’s first draft of the Declaration of Independence—serving as Chairman of the House during the debate. Then on July 2, 1776, Benjamin Harrison V was one of 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence. In later years, he spent many terms in the Virginia state legislature and three years as the state’s governor. As one of his final political acts, he voted against ratifying the U.S. Constitution in Virginia for the lack of guarantees of personal freedoms and an advocacy for stronger states rights. Benjamin V’s opposition helped generate support for the addition of a Bill of Rights. William Henry Harrison was a proponent for and leader of America’s westward expansion. The youngest son of
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founder Benjamin V, he was only 8 years old when his family home was attacked and had its contents burned by notorious turncoat Benedict Arnold. He moved to the Northwest Territory on military appointment in 1791, fighting against indigenous tribes before and after an 11-year stint as territorial governor of Indiana to free more land for western settlement. During this time, William Henry Harrison oversaw increased population that triggered expansions of territorial government power. Evoking military successes at Tippecanoe and Fort Meigs in the War of 1812, as well as his perceived frontier lifestyle, William Henry received Whig presidential nominations in 1836 and 1840. He won the latter election of 1840, but died exactly one month into his term. He carried the wish for all to understand the true principles of government throughout his life and even to his deathbed. Benjamin Harrison was a devoted public servant in many capacities. While the great-grandson of Benjamin Harrison V, he did not inherit wealth from his distinguished ancestors. Practicing law in Indianapolis was a near constant in his life, honoring the rule of law and the people it protects. At the outbreak of the Civil War, he was a young attorney and held the office of Reporter of the Indiana Supreme Court. He set aside his professional duties to command a Union regiment, eventually earning the title of Brigadier General. After the war, he resumed practicing law and went on to argue fifteen cases before the US Supreme Court. As president, these experiences led him to reinforce legal protections through the federal government and attempt to secure personal liberties for all Americans.
O
pening January 22nd, 2026, using many rarely seen objects from the collection, this exhibit will examine the ways in which the ideals and—more importantly—the actions of these men played a part in forming the nation’s values of freedom that we know today. Explore how the Harrison family, across four generations, shaped and modernized the American political system in “There at the Founding.” T H E STAT E S M A N | PAG E 7
THANK YOU! There at the Founding was created through a collaboration between the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site and the IU Indianapolis Museum Studies Program. Our New Century Curator initiative seeks to afford innovative opportunities for museum studies students. This exhibition was made possible with the assistance of many people and organizations. Capps Curatorial Fellow, Thomas Crain, would like to thank the following for their assistance.
Thank you to the Collections and Exhibition Committee: • Susie Sogard • Ellis Hall • Whitney Ball • Michael McQuillen • Erin Dorsey • Jennifer Capps • Sue Ridlen • Lindsey Beckley • Diane Crabtree • Roger Hardig • Jayne Hoffman Thank you to the staff at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site: • Jennifer Capps, VP of Curatorship & Exhibition • Charles Hyde, President & CEO • Lindsey Beckley, Director of Special Events & Marketing • Julio Zepeda, Facilities Manager Thank you to the faculty of the Museums Studies Program at IU Indianapolis: • Laura Holzman, Ph.D. • Lois Silverman, Ph.D. • Holly Cusack-McVeigh, Ph.D.
EXHIBIT OPENING
“THERE AT THE FOUNDING”
Thursday, January 22, 5:30PM–7:30PM
Thank you to our additional partners: • America’s 100 Documents, a collaboration with the National Archives Foundation and More Perfect • Library of Congress “Infinite Scroll” Declaration of Independence: • Technical Assistance Program-Purdue University: Prof. Mark French, Madhumathi Ponnusamy, Therese B Malinowski • Woodworking: Craig Mann, with additional support from Steve Head
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FROM THE
Collection
Kentucky Land Deed This land deed was signed by Benjamin Harrison V in 1782 during his term as Virginia governor, officially selling 200 acres of state-owned land in Kentucky County to Robert Todd for 80 pounds. Robert Todd and his brothers were early, leading settlers of the land that would eventually become the country’s 15th state, and also fought against the British during the Revolutionary War in western battles. The purchased land is noted as being about two miles south of Harrodsburg, which today lies in Mercer County, Kentucky. The property line of land belonging to Azariah Daviss, another early settler, three sugar trees, and a hickory sugar tree of white oak are used to describe the boundaries of the land. This land deed chronicles one small portion of America’s westward settlement, as well as early roots being laid by members of the Todd family, a prominent family throughout much of Kentucky’s history from whom Mary Todd Lincoln descends.
William Henry Harrison Campaign Poster This campaign poster in support of William Henry Harrison calls upon the three main hallmarks of his candidacy. He is proudly praised as “Our champion general” for his success in securing the frontier for America against British forces in the War of 1812. In the foreground at the bottom of the hill is a large jug of hard cider in front of a log cabin. Both symbols represent William Henry’s perceived country lifestyle, setting him apart from establishment politicians despite being the youngest son of a Founding Father.
Civil War Sword Commanding the 70th Indiana during the Civil War was one of Benjamin Harrison’s greatest personal honors. He took responsibility for his men seriously, studying military strategy to ensure his troops were set up for success. He most notably led his regiment during the Battle of Resaca and other subsequent battles in the Atlanta Campaign. T H E STAT E S M A N | PAG E 9
On November 13, 2025, nationally renowned author Kate Andersen Brower joined the Presidential Site and more than 400 guests at the Indiana Roof Ballroom for the 2025 Presidential Speaker Series made possible by the Mary Tucker Jasper Endowment Fund. Many thanks as well to Cabinet and Civic Sponsors The Dorsey Foundation, REI Real Estate Services, April and Rick Sasso, Bill and Roberta Witchger, Lisa and Bill Boncosky, and Baird Wealth Management.
(AB OVE ) IU Indianapolis Capitol Warrior color guard participate in event. (L EF T ) Future Presidents of America alumni pose with Kate Andersen Brower.
HARRISON IN HIS
Own Words
Benjamin Harrison was our Centennial President, serving in office 100 years after George Washington. He found himself the central figure at ceremonies in New York City from April 29 to May 1, 1889. On April 30, he made the following remarks on the spot where Washington was inaugurated:
“We have come into the serious, but always inspiring, presence of Washington. He was the incarnation of duty, and he teaches us today this great lesson: That those who would associate their names with events that shall outlive a century can only do so by high consecration to duty. Self-seeking has no public observance or anniversary. The captain who gives to the sea his cargo of goods, that he may give safety and deliverance to his imperiled fellowmen, has fame; he who lands the cargo has only wages. Washington seemed to come to the discharge of the duties of his high office impressed with a great sense of his unfamiliarity with these new calls thrust upon him, modestly doubtful of his own ability, but trusting implicitly in the sustaining helpfulness and grace of that God who rules the world, presides in the councils of nations, and is able to supply every human defect. We have made marvelous progress in material things since then, but the stately and enduring shaft that we have erected at the national capital at Washington symbolizes the fact that he is still the First American Citizen.”
DID YOU
Know?
In July 1862, Union General Daniel Butterfield composed the melody “Taps” while camped at Harrison’s Landing at Berkeley Plantation, a part of the ancestral home of Benjamin Harrison and birthplace of William Henry Harrison and Benjamin Harrison V. Unsatisfied with the formal “Lights Out” call, he and his brigade bugler, Oliver Norton, created the somber 24-note tune to honor the soldiers. The bugle call first sounded that night at Berkeley and quickly spread throughout both the Union and Confederate armies. Though it began as a custom, “Taps” was officially adopted as a U.S. Army bugle call in 1874. "Taps" was made the official bugle call for military funerals in 1891. PAG E 1 2 | T H E STAT E S M A N
A MOMENT
in Time
Three Generations of the
Harrison Family
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E D U C AT I O N
S potlight
In this regular feature, we highlight some of the people, schools, and partners that make our educational outreach to thousands of students each year possible.
I
t is with great sadness that we share the news of Honorary Director Gracia Johnson Floyd’s passing.
GRACIA JOHNSON FLOYD
NOVEMBER 14 , 1947 — OCTOBER 18, 2025
Gracia Johnson (Meyer) Floyd served as the first woman president of the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site board (2001–2002), first woman trustee of the Arthur Jordan Foundation board, and its first woman chairperson (2011–2012). Her service to the Presidential Site board for more than a decade—and to the Jordan board for almost three decades—contributed substantially to the organization's long-term growth and sustainability. She also carried forward a profound tradition of involvement at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site that now encompasses six generations of her family.
Gracia was an extraordinary person, and such a model of grace, intelligence, character, faith, courage, and gentle leadership. She was a tremendous friend and advocate, and always provided great counsel and support. Among her many substantial contributions to our success, Gracia’s early commitment to the Future Presidents of America program helped to amplify its impact, and make possible the national growth we’ve achieved in recent years. Most recently, she interviewed for the 2026–2030 Strategic Planning process and was avidly following discussions around our future growth before her passing in October 2025. Gracia’s legacy carries on through the great example of service and leadership she fostered in so many others, including the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site Board of Directors, Arthur Jordan Foundation, and the nearly 200 alumni of the Future Presidents of America program. In this way she embodied the sentiment President Benjamin Harrison expressed in remembering President Grant, in saying, “Great lives do not go out. They go on.” PAG E 1 4 | T H E STAT E S M A N
VOLUNTEER B Y C H R I S S T E N F T E N AG E L Volunteer and Relationship Manager
Report
T
he Presidential Site hosted numerous tours and public events this past year, and none of it would be possible without our hardworking and dedicated volunteers. More than 130 volunteers contributed over 6,500 hours in support of our mission. On Sept. 17, the Presidential Site celebrated its volunteers with an annual appreciation event at High Alpha. Volunteers and staff enjoyed a beautiful evening outdoors with food and drinks generously provided by High Alpha. The event also included the presentation of four annual awards recognizing outstanding volunteer service over the past year. The “White Glove” Award was presented to Erin Dorsey. Erin, a member of the Presidential Site’s board of directors, has been a strong and consistent supporter. We are grateful for her support in many ways, including service on the Collections & Exhibits Committee. The “Special Events” Award was presented to Cathy Robinson. Cathy assists with special events throughout the year and can also be found each Friday greeting guests in the welcome center. The “Apple of My Eye” Award was given to Wynn Stenftenagel. Wynn serves as a school tour docent and also volunteers at a variety of special events, including Candlelight Theater. Mike Back was named the 2025 Volunteer of the Year. Mike contributes in many ways year-round. He volunteers weekly as a tour docent, assists with school tours, and participates in the Future Presidents of America program. In addition, Mike brings history to life by portraying Charles the Butler during Live! Day events and delighting families as the Easter Bunny at the annual Egg Roll. Two additional volunteers were recognized for surpassing 2,000 lifetime volunteer hours at the Presidential Site: Bruce Bowman, a tour docent, and Pamela Oldham, a welcome center ambassador. Bruce was also the winner of the evening’s trivia contest. Congratulations to all of our volunteer award recipients. Volunteer of the Month award winners from July through November 2025 included Laurel Burns (master gardener), Cathy Robinson (Welcome Center ambassador), Pat Reeves (tour docent), Teresa Bennett (Welcome Center ambassador), and Mike Hollowell (tour docent). We extend our sincere thanks to each of these volunteers for their exceptional service. Volunteer outings continued through fall 2025 with behind-the-scenes tours of the Indiana State Archives and a Civil War–themed visit to Crown Hill Cemetery, including a stop at Benjamin Harrison’s gravesite. As we begin a new year, I look forward to continuing our work together and welcoming new volunteers. To learn more about getting involved, please contact me at cstenftenagel@bhpsite.org.
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SPECIAL THANKS TO
Our Partners
Special Thanks! We are grateful to the following institution
funders and event and special project sponsors for supporting the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site in 2025: Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation Amy and Jenry Morsman Andrea Neal April and Rick Sasso Arthur Jordan Foundation Back 9 Golf Ball Brothers Foundation Barnes & Thornburg Batt Family Foundation Bill and Roberta Witchger Brian Hewitt, Partner at Lewis Wagner Cass County Community Foundation Chef Paul’s Kitchen CBIZ CICP Foundation Cooke Financial Group Dana and Lucille Pittard David and Ann Cook Dorsey Foundation Downtown Indy Dr. Chris Brussalis Dr. Jamia Jacobsen Efromyson Family Fund Elevance Health Eli Lilly and Company Foundation Emswiller, Williams, Noland & Clarke LLC Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath Forvis Mazars Free Press Indiana Fritz and Kasey Kauffman Garfield Park Master Gardener Association GIPC Gracia E. Johnson Foundation
Gregory & Appel HATCH HJ Lacy Indiana Economic Development Corporation Indiana Humanities Indiana Sports Corp Indiana State Poultry Association Indiana University Indianapolis Garden Club Indianapolis Propylaeum Indy Arts Council Indy Chamber Indy Summer Youth Programs Ingrid and Kimball Harrison Morsman Intend Indiana Judge Elizabeth Mann Kiwanis of Indianapolis KPMG Lacy Foundation Lake City Bank Life in Indy Lilly Endowment Inc. Lisa and Bill Boncosky Louis Hensley Family Foundation Martha O’Connor and Greg Henneke McGowan Hall Meridian Foundation Metronet MIBOR Mind Inclined Mirror Indy Molly and Myrtle Natalie Clayton Nicholas H. Noyes, Jr. Memorial Foundation
Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust Northside Mental Health Old National Bank Oren Cooley Pacers Sports & Entertainment Peter Rusthoven and Erin Roth Peterman Brothers HVAC PNC Foundation RATIO R.B. Annis Educational Foundation REI Real Estate Services Rowland Design Russell Fortune Ryan Fire Protection Second Helpings Society of Indiana Pioneers Solely Wine Stan and Sandy Hurt Sullivan’s Hardware Sun King Brewing SVN Northern Commercial Taste of Luv by Dee Taylor Advising The Fehribach Group The Lonnemann Group with FC Tucker The National Bank of Indianapolis The Penrod Society United States Federal Courts Visit Indy WFYI Why Aren't You Smiling Inc. Willkie and Selm Families Windsor Jewelry Wing Arts and Humanities Foundation Zella & Co.
For a full listing of individual and annual fund donors for 2025, go to bhpsite.org/give/annual-report/
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Project POTUS & Project POTUS: 24 Hours
O
ver 90,000 days have passed since the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States of America. The first President of the United States took office more than 86,000 days ago. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but it only takes one day to make history. For the presidents of the United States, one day can be enough to chart a new course, reshape a perspective, or throw the world into disarray. One day can define a legacy.
Mission for High School
High schoolers: The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site needs your help to tell the story of one consequential day in the life of a president… in a video of 90 seconds or less.
Project POTUS: 24 Hours is the new addition to the annual program, Project POTUS – which challenges middle schoolers each year to tell the life story of one of the American Presidents in Mission for a video of one minute or less. Both contests for Middle School the two age groups will open for entry each Election Day and close Presidents Day. Out of the qualifying entries, one video will be awarded per president for each version of the contest, for a total of 90 winning projects. In 2026, the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site will allocate nearly $20,000 in prizes to student winners. After submission ends, all qualifying projects will be reviewed by a qualified panel of Citizen Jurors from across the country. A Grand Jury of presidential historians and media professionals will meet to elect the Grand Prize winners, and all winners will be So, high school announced and published on May 1st, 2026. Get your full briefing on this year’s national students, what’s contest at ProjectPOTUS.org. in
a day?
Mission for ...YOU?
Not a student, but still want to take part in the mission? Join the Citizen Jury.
This flexible, online-only volunteer opportunity takes place each spring and requires about 2 hours of your time to help evaluate excellent student scholarship on the presidency and American History. The ever-growing cohort of Citizen Jurors includes personnel from 20+ states and history buffs abroad. Inquire about this opportunity by sending a note to projectpotus@bhpsite.org. Project POTUS is made possible by generous support from Russell and Penny Fortune.
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COMING
S oon
Special Events ROMANCE AND REMEMBRANCE SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14 6:00–7:30PM
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an evening that blends romance, artistry, and history inside one of Indianapolis’s most enchanting settings.
*RESERVATIONS REQUIRED Purchase your tickets today at CandlelightTheatre.org.
Presented by
Candlelight Theatre
Begin your night with a wine-and-hors d’oeuvres reception from 6:00–6:30 in the lower level of the residence, where soft music and candlelight set the tone for an unforgettable experience. Then step into the beautifully preserved upper levels of the home, where live readings and performances unfold throughout the historic rooms. Hear the moving words of Benjamin and Caroline Harrison’s love letters brought to life alongside evocative poetry and music that honor love in all its forms. Each moment is designed to delight the senses and stir the heart, as the boundaries between past and present blur in the flicker of candlelight. Whether shared with someone special or savored as an evening of reflection and inspiration, Romance & Remembrance offers a one-night only celebration of passion, poetry, and remembrance. Reservations are required. Visit President BenjaminHarrison.org/events to purchase tickets!
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COMING
S oon
Special Events PRESIDENTIAL EGG ROLL PRESENTED BY HATCH AND THE INDIANA STATE POULTRY ASSOCIATION
SATURDAY, MARCH 28 9:00– 10:30AM
Mark your calendars and bring the whole family to the annual Presidential Egg Roll—the only egg roll in Indy! This lively, family-friendly event will take place Saturday, March 28, from 9–10:30 a.m. on the beautiful grounds of the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. Enjoy a morning filled with crafts, games, prizes, and delicious food! Activities Include: • Egg Roll Races: Cheer on your little ones as they race to roll wooden eggs across the lawn, with age-group races every 15 minutes. • Golden Egg Hunt: Pause to search the property for golden eggs hidden throughout the grounds. Each golden egg comes with a special prize! • Wooden Spoon Decorating Contest: Decorate a spoon on-site or bring your own masterpiece from home! Prizes will be awarded after the final race (around 10:25 a.m.). • Photo Ops: Special appearances will be made by President Benjamin Harrison, and (of course) the Easter Bunny—grab a photo with them and post online tagging the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site! Reservations are encouraged for this free event. Visit PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org/events to learn more!
CHOOSE YOUR MURDER APRIL 17, 18, 24, 25 & 26 MAY 1 & 2
This spring, you’re not just attending a show — you’re choosing your fate. Will you settle in for the edge-of-your-seat suspense of the full-length thriller Night Watch, or opt for a double dose of mystery with the short plays The 39 Steps and The Gypsy’s Curse? Each path promises intrigue, deception, and a body or two along the way. But beware: once you’ve chosen your murder, there’s no turning back. Check out CandlelightTheatre.org for more information and to purchase tickets! *RESERVATIONS REQUIRED Purchase your tickets today at CandlelightTheatre.org.
Presented by
Candlelight Theatre
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VOLUME 52, ISSUE 1
1 2 3 0 N O R T H D E L AWA R E S T R E E T , I N D I A N A P O L I S , I N 4 6 2 0 2