Indy

Celebrating Juneteenth at The Indiana State Museum and Eiteljorg

Heads up Hoosiers! Celebrations for Juneteenth will be proceeding this year on June 5th. See the following information I’ve received from the media team at The Indiana State Museum.

The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, in partnership with the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art and White River State Park, will celebrate Juneteenth on June 5, 2021, with poetry, music, art, family-friendly activities, food trucks, and free admission. 

The state museum’s lineup for the day features:

10 a.m. to noon: Boxx the Artist: Live painting

10:30 a.m.: Spoken Word: Januarie York

10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Collaborative mural project

1 p.m.: Performance: Storyteller’s Drum

Performances will be live streamed on the museum’s Facebook page.

In addition, the state museum will be screening the video “Journey In Search of Justice,” about the struggle for equality in America, and the museum’s video on the history of the Emancipation Proclamation and 13th Amendment.

Reservations are not required at the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, but capacity at the museum will be limited to 300 general admission tickets in three time slots – 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 12:30-2:30 p.m. and 3-5 p.m. – plus another 50-100 tickets for members. In addition, all historic sites will be open and free, except for New Harmony State Historic Site.

Freetown Village performing at Juneteenth at the Eiteljorg
Freetown Village performing at Eiteljorg in years past

The Eiteljorg schedule features:

11 a.m. Welcome – Tammy L. Cooper

11:30 a.m. Freetown Village Singers

12:45 p.m. Teresa Stewart poetry reading

1:30 p.m. Rob Dixon Quartet

Performances will also be live streamed.

The Eiteljorg is encouraging reservations. Tickets can be reserved at Eiteljorg.org/Juneteenth. To offer more opportunities to celebrate the holiday, additional content and activities will also be available at that website on June 19.

White River State Park has arranged for Chef Dan’s, Off the Hook Fish, and Comida food trucks to be situated on the circle drive between the two museums. 

Juneteenth, also called Freedom Day or Jubilee Day, is a celebration to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. The Emancipation Proclamation granted freedom to enslaved people on Jan. 1, 1863, but enslaved people in Texas would not learn of this until June 19, 1865 – Juneteenth. It is typically celebrated on the anniversary date of the June 19, 1865, announcement by Union Army General Gordon Granger, proclaiming freedom from slavery in Texas, but we are celebrating on the first Saturday in June to give the holiday the focus and attention it deserves and not compete with another local grassroots community festival called Indy Juneteenth, which is held at Riverside Park the Saturday closest to June 19. Susannah Koerber, our chief curator and research officer, can talk about the historical significance of the day and show you a copy of the Emancipation Proclamation signed by Lincoln. (Admission is free at all state historic sites except New Harmony.)

In collaboration with community partners, we celebrate Juneteenth on the first Saturday of June to give the holiday the focus and attention it deserves and not divert attention from another local grassroots community festival called Indy Juneteenth, which is held at Riverside Park on the Saturday closest to June 19. 

The goal is to celebrate diversity, educate the public about the Juneteenth holiday, build interest through partnerships with community and grassroots organizations, and eventually to be a part of a citywide Juneteenth holiday celebration.

New Firefly Landing Kid Space at Indiana State Museum

Downtown Indy just got one more indoor play area for young kids to explore! The new Firefly Landing kid space at Indiana State Museum opened to the public this week and we were invited to go check it out! The space is for children ages 6 and younger so it was the perfect spot for my girls! They both bounced around from activity to activity more delighted with each option. We already know they have great programs for kids and are very excited for this space to be available next time we visit the museum.

Firefly Landing is a classroom space for early childhood public and school programs, and a spot where families will find new, daily engagement to help the museum’s littlest visitors enjoy activities just for them, including interactive story time, sensory tables, hands-on activities and more.

Indiana State Museum

Firefly Landing

The space will be open Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. unless a scheduled program or reserved event is taking place.

Firefly Landing will be the new home of the following awesome programs:

  • Toddler Time- Ages 18-36 mo
  • Small Wonders- Ages 3-5 years
  • Young Explorers- Ages 4-5 years
  • Messy Mondays- Ages 2-5 years
  • Preschool Fridays-Ages 5 and younger
  • Summer Camp- Ages 3-6

Check the Indiana State Museum website for more details on these offerings.

Between their awesome temporary exhibits, they cycle through, their amazing permanent exhibits, the IMAX and Firefly Landing, ISM is a full-day attraction. Be sure to take a lunch or eat in their restaurant Farmer’s Market Cafe. There is so much to do and see at this awesome Indiana museum!

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What to Do and Tips for A Merry Prairie Holiday at Conner Prairie

It’s no secret that Conner Prairie is our favorite Indy attraction. We try to go to all of their big events throughout the year and this year they’ve started one of our new favorite holiday traditions. Because this is such a big event (similar to Headless Horseman) I am going to share what to do and tips for A Merry Prairie Holiday at Conner Prairie.

Tips for A Merry Prairie Holiday

  1. Wear the proper gear. December in Indiana could mean 55 and sunny or 15 and snowy so be sure to dress for the weather. The majority of the event is outdoors so you’ll also want to wear good boots to trek through the snow (or mud in our case!)
  2. Get there early. We made the mistake of getting there around 6p (gate open). There was a line down the sidewalk to get in just like at Headless Horseman. Thankfully they’re super efficient at getting people through the doors. If you have young kids with an early bedtime, get there 45 min early. If your family can stay out late, come an hour after the gate opens. The festivities last until 10pm. Do not plan on doing all of the activities unless you are going to be there for the entire 4 hours.
  3. Choose 2. Choose two must-do activities and anything else is a bonus! Again, like Headless Horseman, this is a huge event. It will be busy no matter what night you go, so that means waiting in line for special attractions. The tubing hill was a 45-minute wait all night. That being said, if you can, go two nights. Splitting it into two nights will ensure you have enough time to really enjoy what you’re doing. Being able to stop for cocoa or to sing with the carolers will make your trip better for the whole family. With two young girls (1 and 6) we liked the Winterland Wonder Ride with Santa and going through the homes in Prairietown the best.
Merry-Prairie-Conner-Prairie-Corn-Bin-1

What To Do At A Merry Prairie Holiday

  • Step into the wonder of the season as you stroll through Reynolds Christmas Lights display.
  • Journey around the Clowes Common where you will find holiday treats and eats, artisans working on their seasonal crafts, and special photo ops.
  • Visit the North Pole Village.
    • Enter the toy workshop and make a holiday gift with the help of Santa’s elves.
    • Zoom down the Polar Bear Plunge dry snow tubing hill.
    • Test your skill at the Reindeer Games Midway.
    • Visit the Claus’ Cabin where you can visit with Mrs. Claus and drop off your letter to Santa.
    • Hop aboard the Kringle’s Carousel to take a ride.
  • Enjoy local entertainers and musicians performing throughout the evening on Blitzen’s Bandstand while you enjoy some fresh, warm holiday treats and beverages, under the glow of holiday lights on the Conner House and Animal Encounters Barn.
  • Visit Prairietown where you will be wrapped in the warmth of Holidays through History:
    • You can visit the 1860’s Hoosier Homefront, and Soldiers Camp to learn how they are celebrating the season during the troubling times of the Civil War.
    • See classic Conner Prairie by Candlelight favorites, like Dr. Campbell’s Soiree, the disgruntled Mr. Fenton, and Mr. Whitaker’s Store, and the Curtis family making Christmas preparations.
    • Witness the power of a second chance with a live reading from Charles Dickens a Christmas Carol and enjoy the sounds of Christmas Carolers.
    • Sit down and warm up a spell while you hear holiday stories told through the use of historic Crankies.
  • Climb aboard the Winterland Wagon Ride across Conner Prairie’s Historic Grounds through thousands of twinkling lights.

For more FAQ check out Conner Prairie’s list about weather cancellations, where to get tickets and ADA accessibility. When you go, let me know your favorite events during the night!

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‘Twas the Night Before… Performance at Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site

Last night we were invited to attend a special holiday event downtown. ‘Twas the Night Before… performance at Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site was a walk-through theater performance throughout the historic home. I hadn’t been to Benjamin Harrison’s home since I was in second grade so I was very excited to have the chance to visit again.

Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site

I’m no history buff, but I thoroughly enjoy learning about history through musicals (Hamilton) and being at historic locations. A little background of 23rd President Benjamin Harrison that I found fascinating:

Elected Indianapolis City Attorney in 1857
Elected Supreme Court Reporter in 1860
Breveted Brigadier Civil War General in 1865
Appointed by President Grant to defend U.S. Government in Milligan case in 1871
Argued five cases before the U.S. Supreme Court (the most of any lawyer-President)
Elected U.S. Senator from 1881-1887
Elected U.S. President from 1889-1893
Set aside 13 million acres of public domain land for national forest reserves

And the list goes on! He was quite the accomplished man so it was very special to be able to walk the halls he worked and lived. The home was stunning. Over 80% of the furniture in the home was used in the home. I couldn’t get over how high the ceilings were. My thoughts drifted to how difficult it would be to keep the home warm during cold winter nights!

From the time Harrison purchased the empty lot in 1868 until the last room was painted in 1875, his Northside home had cost $29,000. With H. Brandt as the architect and Petrie and Cummings as excavators, the 10,000 square-foot-home, complete with 16 rooms, three stories and a basement, was finished in one year.

bhpsite.org
Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site Holiday Performance
Photo courtesy Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site
Photo courtesy Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site

The Performance

The performance was put on by Candlelight Theater who acts in plays at BHPS throughout the year. Currently, there are four plays throughout the year, including the holiday performance we saw. We had so much fun going room to room hearing tales of old that we were familiar with through present-day movies and books. We heard Twas the Night Before Christmas, The Snow Queen, The Little Match Girl, and several others. The actors were captivating and the intimate performance made us feel like we were a part of the story.

In December 2019 patrons will 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. Guests meet holiday figures from tradition and folklore, as well as jolly new friends.

bhpsite.org
Photo courtesy Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site
Photo courtesy Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site

Tips for the Event

The performance is around an hour with shows starting every 30 minutes. You start out in the carriage house sipping hot cider and listening to live carolers. You’ll then be lead into the home by hosts that will take you throughout the home for each performance. The artifacts in the home are antique so do not bring children in strollers. I thought 6 was an excellent age to start coming because our daughter was familiar with the stories and knew how to be respectful to performers by that age. The home is ADA accessible. There is a ramp in the front of the home and they have an elevator and Elevette that go all the way to the third floor.

Get your tickets online before the performance (the earlier the better because they sell out quickly with only 4 days of performances). If you can, leave your coat in the car. The carriage house is heated and there is not a lot of space in the rooms of the home with everyone’s coats. We went during the week so there was plenty of free street parking outside the home. There is no photography or videography during the performance. The home is open daily so you are able to take tours of the home and there are many events throughout the year.

Do let me know if you’ve been to this stunning historic site or any other presidential home! I’d love to add it to our list of historical places to visit.

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Christmas Nights of Lights Holiday Family Event in Indianapolis

Indy’s holiday events game is so strong. You could easily do a different event or attraction every night in December. The best part, they’re all awesome! This past week we were invited to check out the Christmas Nights of Lights display at The Indiana State Fairgrounds. Not only has it been added as a definite must-see but we’ll be going back to see it again this year.

Our entire family was singing along and pointing out our favorite parts throughout the 30-minute drive-through experience. Thankfully Triton Light Shows has a multi-year commitment to return to the Indiana State Fairgrounds again and again!

Tips for Christmas Nights of LIghts

Before you go:

  1. Make sure you know how to turn off your headlights. There is plenty of light for you to see to drive through the paths marked with signs and orange lights. You don’t want to ruin the experience of the car in front of you by having your lights on.
  2. Know your radio. There is a specific radio station that plays the music that syncs with the lights. You’ll definitely want to be able to tune to their FM station.
  3. Go to the bathroom before you head out. The show is about 30 minutes and the only restrooms are the port-o-potties at the very start.
  4. Bring your own hot chocolate. We made the anticipation exciting by making puppy chow to take along with us. At the last second, I wanted hot chocolate so we took that instead and it was well worth it!
  5. Make it a tradition. You can get a carload of people in (up to 9 people) for $30! There were families with huge vans and their sliding doors open so everyone could see!
  6. Make sure to use Gate 12 off 42nd Street. 42nd Street is off of Evanston Avenue which is a light where you’ll turn right.

The Details

Dates

November 8, 2019 –
January 1, 2020
Dusk to 10:00 P.M.
Extended hours on weekends.

Location

Indiana State Fairgrounds 1202 East 38th Street Indianapolis, IN 46205

Pricing

$7.00 per person Children Age 3 & Under: FREE!
OR a Carload Special $30 (up to 9 passengers)

Group Rates:
10 – 15 Passengers $50
16 – 35 Passengers $75
35+ Passengers $100

Plan Your Visit

During our busier hours, you may experience a bit of a wait. To avoid the crowds, we recommend guests plan their visit on a weekday or weekends after 9 P.M. Any cars still in line at the time of closing WILL be permitted to enter and enjoy the show.

Let me know what you think once you’ve gone! Personally, we think it’s well worth the money. There are so many different songs you could go a few times in the season and see different shows!

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