Visit Conner Prairie: Indiana's Living History Museum

It's possible that every child in central Indiana visits the Conner Prairie settlement at some point in his educational career as a part of a school field trip. If not all, then certainly most Hoosier children share in this bonding experience. Conner Prairie shouldn't be mistaken, though, as a destination only for those in primary school. This unique museum has so much to offer visitors of all ages.

"Living" History?

Conner Prairie isn't a museum that keeps its artifacts because ropes and glass walls, neatly tucked away in display cases. Sure, there are a few such items, but the bulk of the museum is moving through the grounds, living and breathing and talking to the guests.

Actors and re-enactors, folks skilled in the arts and crafts of yester-year, and dedicated volunteers who relish the pioneering life, bring the rhythm of a bygone era in Indiana history to life before visitors' eyes. The docents and guides of Conner Prairie wear the clothing of the 1800's, talk in the vernacular of the period, and share the daily lives of blacksmiths and housewives, weavers and potters, and even children.

The Living Exhibits

1886 Liberty Corner - Help the Zimmerman's unload goods they've just purchased from town, explore a Quaker meeting house where you'll undoubtedly hear about the spiritual and social issues of the day, and stop into the local school to attend classes.

1836 Prairietown - Visit the homes of several "residents," explore the blacksmith's and potter's shops, see what's available at the store, drop in on a class at the schoolhouse, and maybe even attend a funeral - all 1836-style.

Conner Homestead - This farm features a large barn with animals you can pet and the first brick home in Indiana.

Lenape Indian Camp - The Delaware, or Lenape, Indians were among Indiana's first residents, and this exhibit allows visitors to help make a wigwam, strike a bargain with the fur trader and even make a silver animal pendant.

Discovery Station

Discovery Station is an area especially designed for toddlers and preschoolers. Here, your littlest museum-goers can play make-believe and immerse themselves in the environments of a train station, a market, a cabin, a Victorian bedroom and an animal barn. They'll have fun dressing up and playing with all the manipulatives in this experiential-play environment.

Classes

So many of the skills and trades of the pioneers are hobbies, crafts and folk arts of modern living. From blacksmithing to hearthside cooking, pottery to woodworking, students of all ages can learn the skills of daily life in the 1800's.

Location and Contact Info

Conner Prairie

13400 Allisonville Rd.

Fishers, IN 46038

317-776-6000

800-966-1836

http://www.connerprairie.org