French Lick/West Baden Springs

Description

Unprecedented in the nation, the grand hotels in French Lick and West Baden Springs—both listed in the National Register of Historic Places and located one mile apart in southern Indiana—offer a window on the grand hotel era of the early 20th century and the tradition of "taking the waters." Guests from Al Capone to FDR, Bing Crosby to Helen Keller, captains of industry and pampered socialites, came to imbibe the waters and take spa treatments, enjoy sports and entertainments, and test their luck in the casinos. Today, the restored French Lick and West Baden Springs Hotels still draw visitors for the same pursuits. Like Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, and Hotel del Coronado in San Diego, French Lick and West Baden Springs offer overnight accommodations in an atmosphere steeped in history.

The hotels offer tours.

Conner Prairie Interactive History Park

Description

Conner Prairie brings Indiana history to life with the perfect mix of education, adventure and fun! The park offers an authentic look at the 1800s through engaging, hands-on experiences. These experiences cover a variety of K–12 Indiana academic standards including social studies, language arts, science and math. The park has hundreds of scenic acres and many historic buildings. The museum is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and is committed to multi-sensory learning. Also, Conner Prairie is a proud recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, awarded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. This award recognizes institutions for outstanding social, educational, environmental or economic contributions to their communities.

The site includes several historic areas that cover a variety of themes. In 1836 Prairietown, step back in time and interact with staff portraying residents of the town. At the Conner Homestead, tour the brick house William Conner built in 1823 and visit the Loom House to find out about textile processes. Also in the Conner Homestead are opportunities to meet farm animals and try a hand at dipping candles. In the Lenape Camp, find out about Lenape (Delaware) Indian history and culture while exploring a wigwam and a trading post. The 1859 Balloon Voyage exhibit presents the story of pioneer and aeronaut John Wise and his attempted flight from Lafayette to New York. For an additional fee and weather permitting, Conner Prairie offers a flight in a tethered, helium-filled balloon that can accommodate up to 25 people and rises to around 300 feet. Inside the Welcome Center, visit Science Lab for a look at science concepts and the history behind them.

Conner Prairie's newest experience, 1863 Civil War Journey: Raid on Indiana, immerses you in the story of Confederate General John Hunt Morgan's cavalry raid on Indiana. Using theatrical wizardry, including video, sound, staging and Conner Prairie interpreters dressed in authentic period costumes, guests are asked to enlist to defend their state from the raiders. How would you react to a call to arms? Become fully engaged in this pivotal moment in Indiana history.

In addition to general park touring, Conner Prairie offers special staff-led programs and seasonal programs. Also, from November through March, Conner Prairie offers outreach programs at schools and other community organizations. Advance reservations are required for all programs including school groups booking the general self-guided tour.

Some buildings in Prairietown and Lenape Camp are not wheelchair accessible. However, in the case of non-accessible buildings, staff can come outside to interact with those unable to enter their building. A map showing which buildings are accessible is available on the website.

For more details and information, see the Conner Prairie website.

Lincoln's Biography, Part One: Boyhood and Migration, 1809-1830

Description

This lecture, created by the Abraham Lincoln Historical Digitization Project, follows Abraham Lincoln's life from his childhood years in Indiana to his family's move to Illinois. This lecture continues from the lecture "Lincoln's Biography: Introduction, Part Two."

To view this documentary, select "Boyhood and Migration, 1809-1830" under "Multimedia Slideshows."

The Expansion of Slavery, White Racial Attitudes, and the Settlement of Illinois

Description

Michael Johnson of Johns Hopkins University discusses the reasons antebellum Midwestern settlers, including those in Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, excluded slavery from their states. Johnson considers racism and fear of competition as two possible reasons.

To view this clip, select "The Expansion of Slavery, White Racial Attitudes, and the Settlement of Illinois" under "Frontier Settlement Video."

Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum [IN]

Description

The Museum exhibits over 120 cars ranging from 1894 to 1999 and automotive displays on three floors. The museum has the most extensive collection of Auburn, Cord, and Duesenberg automobiles in the world, and features the largest exhibit of Duesenberg automobiles on public display in the world.

The museum offers exhibits, tours, research library access, educational programs, and recreational and educational events.

Fulton County Historical Society and Museums [IN]

Description

The Fulton County Historical Society seeks to preserve and share the history of Fulton County, Indiana. To this end, the society operates a museum; a 1924 round barn, containing historic farming implements; a living history village; and a research library. Exhibit topics include music, art, living conditions between 1910 and 1935, toys, medicine, Native Americans, education, the military, recreation, trade, religion, and the circus.

The society also manages another site (www.potawatomi-tda.org) which shows the Potawatomi Trail of Death 1838 diary, photos of all 78 historical markers and of the many Potawatomi who had ancestors on the Trail of Death from Indiana to Kansas, exhibits, period rooms, a tour and scavenger hunt for students, and research library access.