History Has a Place at Conner Prairie Living History Museum
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It’s not every day that people have the opportunity to step back in time and relive history. But at Conner Prairie Living History Museum, Fishers residents get to do exactly that.
“When Eli Lilly bought the property in 1934 to save the home of William Conner, he began immediately staging reenactments and inviting the public,” says Ellen Rosenthal, president and CEO of Conner Prairie. “He said it was to bring give people access to history the way they couldn’t in history books, bringing history to life.”
Each year nearly 200,000 people visit the museum and enjoy a variety of activities in the three separate outdoor areas: 1886 Liberty Corner, 1836 Prairietown and 1823 Conner Homestead.
At 1886 Liberty Corner, visitors can stroll through Zimmerman’s Farm and Home, and help to milk the cows, pitch hay in the barn or plow the fields with draft horses. Afterwards, they can use the Cedar Chapel Covered Bridge as their own time portal and cross into 1836 Prairietown.
“We think of serving families and children as our highest calling,” says Rosenthal. “In 1836 Prairietown, costumed staff members will speak as if they are in the time period. They engage the public, kids and adults.”
Over at 1823 Conner Homestead, people can explore what is most likely the first brick home in central Indiana or wander over to the Loom House to watch workers weave, dye and spin thread. Little ones are sure to love the Conner Barn where they can snuggle up and groom animals.
“It has changed tremendously in the last three or four years,” says Rosenthal of the museum. “It is completely interactive and an engaging and fun experience. It is still beautiful and natural, but it’s unique in terms of the kind of historical experience we provide. Fishers residents have a gem in their back yard.
Story by Hollie Deese
