Vincinnes - Indiana's Territorial Capital and the Children's Museum of Terre Haute

Recently my family spent two days in Vincennes, Indiana.  We had a lovely time exploring the history of the area! Although we were still in Indiana, the historical culture is much different than up north where we came from.  I tended to think that our country was explored by Europeans from East to West, but that isn't correct at all.  In fact, Santa Fe was founded by the Spanish at the same time as Jamestown was by the British.  And, Vincinnes, Indiana was founded long before Muncie.  French trappers came up from New Orleans on the Mississippi River to the Wabash River. This French history is different than the British and American history of the north. Although the Americans quickly moved in and took over. And, Vincinnes became the capital of the entire Northwest Territory and then the Indiana Territory. 

Printer

We started our day at the Indiana State Historic Sites.Our tour guide, John, did an excellent job bringing history to life, telling us about the controversial nature of William Henry Harrison within the area.  They told us how he ruled largely as a dictator, and the state capital was moved to Corydon when he was out of town, largely to decrease his power. We toured the territorial capital building, the Jefferson Academy (first public school in Indiana), and learned about early printing in the Eli Stout Print Shop. We learned about the Capital letters for the press (kept in the "upper case") and the non capitals in the "lower case". John also showed us the French house, an early Vincinnes home, an example of the many houses built by the French in the area.  John's stories really made our day! The French and Indian House is available by appointment. Ask at the Visitors' Center.

The type

Setting the print

Latin at Jefferson Academy

Student desks at Jefferson Academy

The French House - table

The unique walls of French Construction

French trappers

The Monument

We also explored the George Rogers Clark National Park including the beautiful monument.  What a relaxing place to hang out, right along the Wabash River.  Entrance to the park (and the monument) is free. Next to the park are the Old Cathedral Church and the library (open by appointment).  They were both amazing to visit. 

William Henry Harrison home

Our second day began at Grouseland, the home of William Henry Harrison. The home is both beautiful and fascinating, and the guide did an excellent job explaining the history.

After leaving Vincinnes, we spent the afternoon at the enjoyable Terre Haute Children's Museum.  With a huge climbing structure, soft balls to shoot and collect, unique musical instruments, a farm area, a large water table, science activities and building toys of all sizes, there is plenty to do. I am so glad we stopped for a fun afternoon!

Details:
Indiana State Museum Historic Sites at Vincinnes
Vincennes State Historic Sites
1 W Harrison Street
Vincennes, IN 47591

http://www.indianamuseum.org/vincennes-state-historic-site
812-882-7422

Cost: Adults $6, Seniors $5, Children $3, Children under 3 free. Free for members of the Indiana State Museum

Hours: Monday-Saturday 9 am - 5 pm


George Rogers Clark National Park
401 S. 2nd Street
Vincennes, IN 47591
812-882-1776

https://www.nps.gov/gero/index.htm

Hours: 9 am - 5 pm daily


Terre Haute Children's Museum
 727 Wabash Avenue
Terre Haute, IN 47807

http://thchildrensmuseum.com/

 Cost: $8 (ages 2+), Free (under 2)
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 10am-6pm, Friday 10 am-8 pm, Saturday 10 am- 5 pm, Sunday noon- 5 pm, closed Monday

• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday-
• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday-Thursday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Friday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Sunday: N
• Thursday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Friday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m.

• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday-Thursday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Friday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m.

•  

The Levi Coffin House - Underground Railroad History Comes Alive

Recently we spent the day with a homeschool group in Fountain City, Indiana (outside of Richmond) visiting the Levi Coffin House.  We've been there before, and we learned a lot, but it was definitely worth visiting again. First, they have added a visitors center and new information. Mostly, though, the kids have grown and seen more of the world, and they learned new things about history, life, and their role in the world through this visit.

The Levi Coffin House is part of a statewide system of historic sites administered by the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites organization. It is the former home of Levi and Catharine Coffin, "conductors" on the underground railroad who helped more than 1,000 freedom seekers to escape slavery.  

Our tour started with the main house where we saw the places that the Coffins welcomed, fed and cared for the freedom seekers. We saw where they slept and where women from the area met to sew clothing for them.  Mostly we heard stories about their role and about those escaping slavery and those helping them. The stories brought everything to life.

We finished the tour with a visit to the basement kitchen - complete with an indoor well (convenient if you don't want anyone watching to know how much water you use). And, we went outside to see the false bottom wagon that allowed freedom seekers to hide during transport.   

Our final stop was the visitors center, complete with a timeline, artifacts and hands on exhibits.

False bottom wagon

It is great to visit a period house and see the furnishings and details.  It is also great to learn more about the underground railroad, and about the Coffins.  But, the biggest reason to visit the Levi Coffin House for me was to challenge ourselves and our own values and role in the world.  The Coffins broke the law to help these freedom seekers. Many supported ending slavery, but stopped before being willing to break the law to end it.  The Coffins believed that God saw everyone as equal, and they believed in doing everything to carry out God's wishes.  I want my kids to question laws, societal norms, rules - to make sure that they live according to a higher purpose.  I want them to be strong enough to do what is right, even when it isn't what is easy.  The Coffins lived their values, and they are inspirational. Our visit there reminded us to think about how we can help, how we can do good in the world. 

Bed with 2 mattresses (hide people between) and secret hiding place behind

All in all, a great visit to a fantastic museum!

Visitor's Center - lifting a bale of hay

Details:

Levi and Catharine Coffin State Historic Site
201 U.S. 27 North
Fountain City, IN 47341

765.847.1691

LeviCoffinCenter@indianamuseum.org 

Hours: 

• Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.
• Closed on Mondays 

2017 Holidays:
Levi and Catharine Coffin State Historic Site is closed on Columbus Day (Oct. 9), Veterans Day (Nov. 10), Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 23), Lincoln's Birthday (Observed on Nov. 24), Christmas Day (Dec. 25) and Washington's Birthday (Observed on Dec. 26)

Admission: 

Adults: $10
Seniors*: $8
Children*: $5
Children under 3: FREE
*Seniors: Ages 60 and older, Child: Ages 3 through 17

Family Fun at It's Best - the Children's Museum of Indianapolis

Children's Museum during Jolly Days

Just before Christmas, we once again visited the Children's Museum of Indianapolis during their Jolly Days holiday programming.  We love the Indy Children's Museum (ICM)! For years, we visited at least monthly, often twice a month.  It was one of our favorite places! But, as the kids have gotten older, we have moved to visiting about once a year.  It's still one of my favorite places : ) 

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis offers something for everyone, and it is constantly changing and updating. We started the day in the Treasurers of the Earth Exhibit.  Featuring archaeological activities from three different settings (An Ancient Egyptian tomb, a sunken pirate ship and the Terra Cotta Warriors of Ancient China), this exhibit could be enjoyed by kids of all ages.  While the young ones dug for artifacts, utilized computers to paint the Terra Cotta Warriors, explored around the sunken ship wreck and crawled through Egyptian tomb space, we focused on the actual artifacts housed behind the museum's glass in the Archaeology Lab.  We talked with the archaeologist on staff about how they determine the age and origin of the artifacts, and she let the kids help piece together a bowl.  Since the others in the exhibit were younger, they offered the program aimed at older visitors just to us, showing us behind the scenes in the lab and letting us ask about anything there of interest.  Since my 13 year old is considering a career in archaeology, it was a great opportunity for him to have questions answered and gain a better understanding aimed at his level of knowledge.

Talking with the Archaeologist

Mummy Puzzle

The lab

The Liberty 7 Program

 We continued into the new Beyond Spaceship Earth Exhibit where we were able to do hands on activities from the space station, watch an excellent program about the Liberty 7 spacecraft, and see exhibits about the many astronauts from Indiana.  To me, the space program is so inspiring, and this was an excellent supplement to our recent visit to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  Well done with activities and programs for all ages.

We continued up to the Power of Children Exhibit where we participated in the live performance of the story of Ruby Bridges, the little girl who fought vast prejudice to attend the previously all white school in Alabama.  The program was done from the perspective of a Federal Marshall who accompanied her to school, and it was incredibly powerful.  He then led a discussion afterwards, helping the kids see how they can work to make the world a better place now.  It was timely and powerful.  This program is aimed at older visitors, and nothing was dumbed down or simplified for the kids.  There was a message of hope, and it inspired all of us to realize that the little things we do every day can make a big difference in someone's life.

We visited Scienceworks and the newly remodeled water table, which does a great job of explaining the impact of water - rivers, flood planes, grasslands, levees, etc.  It is fun to play in and very educational.  We looked for the frog and other animals in the habitat there, and we explored the new cave exhibit.  Excellent! 

Is this the correct "Tea Ceremony" procedure??

We visited Take Me There: China where we made Chinese letters, participated in a formal Chinese Tea Ceremony and explored the homes of Chinese citizens.  Although we have done all of this before, the kids learn something new every time they come because they come with different experiences and understanding. 

Calligraphy

One of 3 Chinese Houses

Dinosphere used to be our home away from home.  We spent hours digging for dinosaur bones, exploring the exhibits to compare the actual, real skeletons to those we were learning about, talking to the paleontologist.  This time our visit to Dinsosphere was quick (we've seen most everything hundreds of times.  .), but we always enjoy talking to the paleontologists and exploring the actual bones for new information.

And, of course, we took a couple of trips down the Yule Slide - an annual tradition. 

There were many areas we didn't explore this time: The Carousel Wishes and Dreams and the play areas there, the Doc McStuffins Exhibit,  Playscape, and All Aboard. The kids no longer play with the plastic dinosaurs or spend hours building in Playscape, but we still spent the whole day there, enjoying - even with a 10 and 13 year old. Over the years we cultivated relationships with a number of amazing volunteers, staff, paleontologists, archaeologists, and others.  We learned a lot through hands on activities that grew with the kids as their knowledge and experiences grew.  We enjoyed fun time together, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. And, we explored and grew as citizens of the world. What a great resource for Indiana families! 




 Details:

Winter Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10-5 (check website for special free days and hours), open Mondays March-August.

Cost:
Youth 2-17: $18.50
Adult 18-59: $22.50
Senior: $21.50

https://www.childrensmuseum.org/
3000 N. Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46208

Strawtown Kotewee Park

Hamilton County  has many beautiful parks, but perhaps none so peaceful and as Strawtown Kotewee. Set along the White River, the park includes forest, prairie, and green space for all to enjoy.  There are lovely hiking trails along the river and through the different areas, along with horse trails for those who bring horses.  There are bike trails, a canoe launch, fishing and an archery range.

This park is made better by the history of the area.  People have lived along the White River in what is now Strawtown for thousands of years.  Left behind are fascinating artifacts, and the park has been the home to many archaeological excavations in the past.  Today, artifacts can be viewed in the Nature Center or through their many public and school programs.  A recreation of historic sites is found in the park, showcasing the many types of structures built by the area's Native American residents. 

The Nature Center is very nice, including actual artifacts, information on area animals and plants, and activities for kids of all ages.  In addition, the nature center offers many public programs, so check out the website for something coming soon!

We were fortunate to visit during Archaeology month (September) during a school visit, and the interpreters invited us to listen in. 

What a lovely park!

Details:
12308 Strawtown Avenue
Noblesville, IN 46060
(317) 774-2574
 http://www.hamiltoncounty.in.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Strawtown-Koteewi-Park-11

Hours and Admission:
 FREE
Park hours: dawn to dusk 
Taylor Nature Center Hours: Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m

Victorian Indianapolis - the Lockerbie Home of James Whitcomb Riley

Nothing like a walk in the city on a beautiful autumn afternoon! Our family decided to spend a beautiful Tuesday a few weeks ago in downtown Indianapolis, walking around and enjoying the sites.  We headed from downtown over to the Historic Lockerbie Square area, a short 20 minute walk north east of Circle Center Mall.  What a beautiful, quiet and stately area!

Our destination was the former home of James Whitcomb Riley, beloved Indiana poet. Riley moved into this home in the Lockerbie Square area, owned by friends, later in his life. It is the last home he lived in, and the Visitors' Center shows a wonderful movie explaining his life and showing footage from his time in the Lockerbie home. 

In addition, the home is excellently preserved, purchased by a family friend after the death of the original owners.  It still contains all of the furnishings and decor from the his time there.  A beautifully preserved late-Victorian home, this historic landmark is well worth a visit.  The small tour group size vast knowledge of our tour guide brought the home to life let us focus on the areas that most interested us.

Be sure to walk around the neighborhood seeing other historic homes (privately owned) and to get a feel for the area.  It is a peaceful oasis very near to the high rise buildings of downtown.  Glad we spent a day there!


Details:

528 Lockerbie Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Phone: 317.631.5885

Hours and Admission:
Tuesday–Saturday: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Sunday and Monday: Closed
Closed on holidays and the first two weeks in January.
Reservations are requested for groups larger than six.

Swiss Heritage Village and Museum - Another part of Indiana history

I grew up about half an hour from Berne, Indiana, and I didn't hear about the Swiss Heritage Museum and Village until I read about it in preparation for our year of exploring locally.  We've been to many historical homes and historic areas including Conner Prairie, the Huddleston House and the Levi Coffin House in Indiana,  Williamsburg (VA), the Hermitage (TN) and many others.  So, I expected the Swiss Heritage Village to just reiterate what we already knew about our colonial history.  I was pleasantly surprised!

When we arrived at the Swiss Heritage Museum, we were greeted by a costumed guide who led us on a tour of the property.  A fascinating 84 year old volunteer (who has been there since 1999), our guide was able to expand on the story of the artifacts and structures we encountered with stories from her own life using these tools.  Our tour group included our family (me, the kids, and 2 grandparents) along with a couple visiting from western New York.  He, too, grew up using many of these now outdated items.  What a great discussion!

Cheese Press

The history of Adams County, Indiana, is different from the area closer to us.  Mostly settled by Swiss immigrants who came to the area seeking to escape from religious persecution, they brought distinct cultural and religious traditions. Many of these immigrants were Mennonite or Amish, and today Berne is home to some of the most traditional Amish in the country. This unique history is similar and yet very different from other immigrant groups. This area was settled in the 19th Century, when several families moved to the area and recruited the first cheese maker away from his community in Ohio.  The cheese shack was the first I've seen! It was interesting to see the cream separator and the cheese-making tools.

Cream Separator

A Mennonite Church

We were able to see a log cabin (1839), a farm house (1856), an historic barn (1900), an early Mennonite Church (1860), a doctor's office, and several other buildings. Every building is furnished with beautiful furniture and other artifacts original to the area and the period.

The school (built in the 1860s) was fascinating, showing the pledge written on the board (as it was written then), the flag showcasing all 45 states at the time, and a small library of period books.  We saw the tools for washing throughout the years (from a washboard to very early washing machines), early strollers, toys and handcrafted cabinets. 

Cider Press Building

Another highlight on the tour was the world's largest cider press, a fascinating, hand designed and hand built cider press. We definitely plan to come back the 2nd week of September next year when the Cider press is operating. I can't wait to taste the cider!

Working the Cider Press

In addition to the Village itself (a 60 minute tour, so worth a tour without all the extras!), the property includes a 6-acre nature center with a forest, a pond and wetlands.  There are many native trees and plants to view during your peaceful stroll through the woods. The Museum is also worth a visit with beautiful handcrafted furniture, historic mail trucks, washing tools, and other artifacts that tell the local story. 

Hay Bale Equipment

An old Stove

The Doctor's Office

I loved loved visiting the Swiss Heritage Village and Museum, and my kids loved comparing this history to the history at Conner Prairie. For example, the gardens at Conner Prairie (1836 Hamilton County) have weeds in them whereas this garden was immaculate.  Our tour guide once asked the expert locals why they had to keep their gardens weed free.  They said, "no, the Swiss would never have allowed weeds in the garden!" The families in Prairietown did not feel that way. Different culture, different ideas. We definitely plan to go back for one of their special events next year so that we can see the village in action.  Well worth a visit!

Details:
1200 Swiss Way
Berne, IN 46711
www.swissheritage.org
260-589-8007

Open Hours - May, Saturdays only 10-4, June-October, Monday-Saturday 10-4

Special Events: Berne Swiss Days last Friday and Saturday of July, Heritage Festival, 2nd Saturday of September