November 2010

The Hall of Fame Museum displays the equipment and methods used for timing and scoring the Indianapolis 500 from the first race to the 21st century, including a viewer-activated computer presentation that explains the progress through the years. An extensive trophy collection, which honors the winner of each Indianapolis 500, is also on display along with auto racing trophies, honors and awards from around the world.

For a more visual taste of the Indianapolis 500, the museum offers visitors the 48-seat Tony Hulman Theater, featuring a 20-minute presentation of rare historic footage and Indianapolis 500 highlights. Approximately 75 vehicles are on display at all times, including rare makes of car models dating back to the early 20th century.

The mission of the HCHS is to collect, provide physical protection for, and make accessible to the public the photographic and documentary history of the people, organizations, and institutions of Howard County, Indiana. The museum is located inside of the Seiberling Mansion, and explores the vast history of Howard County.

HLF, established by volunteers, ranks as the largest private statewide preservation group in the United States, with an Indianapolis headquarters, and nine regional offices staffed by professionals who help Hoosiers save and restore old buildings. The organization funds different sites in the area, including the Huddleston Farmhouse, Morris-Butler House,and Veraestau.

Shipping and riverboats were significant elements of the Gaff business enterprises and are reflected in the architecture of the home. Note the third floor belvedere resembling a pilot house. The style is Italian Renaissance, completely symmetrical and characterized by broad overhangs, ornately carved brackets, arched windows and graceful balconies and porches. The mansion has been carefully restored to its original grandeur. Trompe l'oeil wall paintings in the twin parlors and central hall, parquet flooring, elaborate plaster moldings and ceiling medallions, Venetian glass windows - are all representative of its period.

A museum room features changing displays, and the underground wine cellar off the first floor houses implements and utensils including an original pony keg from Gaff's Crescent Brewery.

Harrison was elected ninth President of the United States in 1840, so the home is a Presidential site, and exhibits contain colorful campaign memorabilia. A unique feature to this home, other than its prized beauty, is the annual Festival of Quilts held inside the home. Visitors can explore the vast memorabilia of the Harrison family in this historic Indiana home.

The San Juan Island National Historical Park provides visitors with an interactive look at history. Hike the trails that wind past the American Camp Visitors Center, the English Camp Visitors Center and the ruins of several historic sites. The American Camp Visitors Center has four cases of artifacts from both camps, while the English Camp Visitors Center hosts reenactments every Saturday during the summer.

The Memorial House and Colonial Kitchen were constructed in 1931 to recreate the home in which George Washington was born. Typical of a moderately wealthy planter of the 1730's, the buildings are not true replicas of the original Washington plantation. The reconstructed plantation does successfully depict the culture and social standing of the Washingtons during George Washington's youth. The Memorial House and Colonial Kitchen, open for tours, are fully furnished with over 1,000 museum pieces from the Colonial era. In addition, a colonial plantation has been recreated and turned into a museum, giving visitors a better understanding of colonial domestic life.

Eiteljorg described his collection as a very personal one that grew not only out of his interest in the West, but also out of his love and respect for Native Americans and their cultures, which reflect a deep regard for nature. This sense of oneness with nature is embodied in the museum's extensive collection of Native American art, including pottery, basketry, clothing, bead and quill work, and weavings.

Eiteljorg called his collection not only personal, but romantic. Eiteljorg's desire to collect extended beyond Western and Native American art. He amassed a sizable collection of paintings from the Paris School, as well as an extensive African and Oceanic collection, which is installed at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Eiteljorg played an active role in the affairs of the museum that bears his name until his death in 1997. He served as chairman of the board, visited the museum and remained vitally interested in the museum's events, developments and growth.

Visitors can explore through the exhibits of contemporary Western art, animal wildlife, and an interactive stagecoach.

Dr. James Ford lived his life in the nineteenth century as a physician, family man, surveyor, agronomist, architect, and Civil War surgeon. His 1841 home was expanded to become a 4,000 square foot residence by the 1870s. Visitors are invited to explore the home of Dr. Ford and his family, as well as the historic gardens where he grew herbs to use in his medical practice.

Visitors can experience 19th-century American culture in new ways at the Conner Prairie Museum. Outdoor historic areas are on display for interactive learning purposes on the museum grounds. Guests of all ages can enjoy the fun of this unique experience. Other special events and programs are offered through the museum as well. Metalwork and pottery classes are available upon reservation.