Conner Prairie Living History Museum

Written by Julie Greiner

This is not a stone building with exhibits displayed behind glass. There are no amusement rides, or coin insert exhibits. You step into a community that has been restored from the past. You are surrounded by authentically clothed interpreters who speak, work and interact with you as though you had stepped back in time about 150 years. In 1934 Eli Lilly, president of the Indiana Historical Society purchased the house and property of William and Elizabeth Conners. Lilly's goals were to save the house and to restore it to its once dignified condition. Even though historic preservation was in its infancy during the 1930s, Lilly did all he could to familiarize himself with the aims, objectives, and techniques of these earlier times. Today, the property is an open-air living history museum divided into five distinct historic areas covering 1,400 acres exploring the lives, times and values of the 1800s in America.

1836 Prairietown

You step into a re-created village of Prairietown. The costumed interpreters look, act and speak in the ways as the pioneers who lived here more than 150 years ago. You can talk to the doctor, schoolmaster, innkeeper and like as though you had stepped back in time. You walk among them and observe them cooking and working in period dress. You can attend school in a one-room school house

William Conner Estate

You tour the statesman Conner's 1823 Federal-style home. One of the first brick homes built in central Indiana. You tour the Conner Barn, Garden, Loom House, Spring House and the Nature Trail. The period furnishings and interpreters dressed accordingly gives you impression that you are personally a guest of the statesman himself.

1816 Lenape Indian Camp

Hands-on learning and experiencing never had such an exact meaning. You may wash clothes on a washboard, use farm tools from the 19th-century, dip candles and literally find yourself in the past. The interpreters all speak as though they were actually back in the 1800s. Hear the schoolhouse bell and cross the covered wood bridge. A quaker meeting house and rural crossroads is the newest attraction. Come back in 2002 and see the working farm.

Visit Duncan McKinnen's log trading post and a reconstructed frontier. Explore traditional-style wigwams, and learn about the history and culture of the Lenape Indians. Participate in activities such as making a dugout canoe or grinding corn. Hear stories of adventure and share a truly unique experience with your family.

Conner Prairie welcomes groups of all sizes and most buildings are accessible to wheelchairs. The Museum Shop offers re-created historic decorative wares, jewelry and gourmet foods. The Persimmons Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. Reservations are recommended. There is also a Cafe that offers snacks and sandwiches. call for information 800-966-1836.