The legendary Smithsonian Institution has designated Conner Prairie as Indiana’s only Smithsonian Affiliate, Conner Prairie President and Chief Executive Officer Ellen M. Rosenthal announced today. As a Smithsonian Affiliate, Conner Prairie joins an elite group of organizations nationwide that have access to the Smithsonian’s expertise, collections and resources including loan privileges from the 136-million piece collection and the sharing of educational resources and expertise in areas for exhibit and educational development.
“Conner Prairie is recognized across America and around the world, for its leadership in the field of living history,” said Harold A. Closter, director of Smithsonian Affiliations. “The Smithsonian is honored to begin long-term collaborations with this pioneering organization, commencing with the 1859 Balloon Voyage exhibit. Working together we will be able to enrich the experiences of both local and national audiences.”
The Smithsonian affiliation is the culmination of a partnership that began when the Smithsonian adopted Conner Prairie’s innovative Opening Doors approach to great guest experiences used by museums worldwide. In turn, the Smithsonian provided consultation via its National Air and Space Museum for Conner Prairie’s newest exhibit, 1859 Balloon Voyage, opening June 6. “The affiliation typifies the mutual respect and eagerness to continue collaborations going forward,” said Rosenthal.
The collaboration on 1859 Balloon Voyage is a first step in Conner Prairie’s larger plan to evolve the outdoor history museum model with expanded and innovative ways of learning for the 21st century. Conner Prairie’s legendary first-person interpretation offering is supplemented by an array of fun new ways to experience the past through a broader range of historical topics like science, the natural environment and arts and culture through the lens of history.
With this vision, Conner Prairie is also refocusing its brand communications with a redesigned logo, signage and general tone to help more fully define its exciting journey forward. Conner Prairie will add the descriptor Interactive History Park to its title to communicate the full scope of the diverse offerings in store for the future. “In order to continue to fulfill Conner Prairie’s mission of inspiring curiosity about the past and to encourage learning, they must continue to evolve to stay innovative, forward-thinking and as relevant to today’s guests,” said Tom Hirschauer, president of Publicis Indianapolis, the advertising agency of record that led the branding efforts.
The affiliation with the Smithsonian combined with the refocusing of the brand is a deliberate part of Conner Prairie’s strategy to strive and thrive into the future. With the Smithsonian affiliation Conner Prairie will extend its reach nationally and internationally. The refocused brand descriptor, Interactive History Park, intends to reach a larger audience that may not typically visit museums. Conner Prairie’s strategy intends to drive reputation and increase attendance and membership while fulfilling its mission.
As the only Smithsonian Institution Affiliate in Indiana, Conner Prairie will bring one of the nation’s most respected museums closer to members and guests. Exhibits from Smithsonian collections will be available for viewing at Conner Prairie. Additionally Conner Prairie members receive two memberships in one: a membership to Conner Prairie and a Smithsonian national membership.
“The Smithsonian Institution Affiliation broadens our range of offerings and ties directly to our future planning for Conner Prairie,” added Rosenthal.