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.
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| 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.
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| Bed with 2 mattresses (hide people between) and secret hiding place behind |
All in all, a great visit to a fantastic museum!
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| 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
201 U.S. 27 North
Fountain City, IN 47341
765.847.1691
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)
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
Seniors*: $8
Children*: $5
Children under 3: FREE
*Seniors: Ages 60 and older, Child: Ages 3 through 17
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