My first visit to Conner Prairie was on an elementary school field trip in the ‘70s. I was mesmerized! I begged my parents to bring me back for my birthday that summer, and they did. I still recall how captivated I was seeing history right before my eyes, speaking with people from 1836!
Twenty-five years later I found myself living in Hamilton County with three young children and visiting Conner Prairie on a regular basis. I am happy to say that my children love it as much as I do. Having a membership allows us to visit frequently for short periods and we always enjoy the respite from the hustle & bustle of modern life.
One evening at
Headless Horseman, I went into the
Apple Store for treats and came out a member of the Conner Prairie Alliance. I had never heard of the Alliance, but I joined on the spot, a decision that I have not regretted. The Alliance is a group of women who are passionate about Conner Prairie and plan fundraising activities to help support the museum. It’s great to have the opportunity to contribute my efforts to something so close to my heart.
Our primary fundraiser is the Apple Store. I’m not sure if most people realize that the Apple Store is not run by the museum. We are open for nine weeks in the fall and staffed entirely by Alliance members. We purchase the products, stock the shelves, run the registers, freeze the slushies and dip the caramel apples. (And in case you have not had one, they are the best caramel apples on the planet!) We do it all. In the past two years, we have donated $140,000 to the
1859 Balloon Voyage, all proceeds from the Apple Store.
What I didn’t realize when I joined the Alliance is all of the wonderful friends that I would make. Yes, we work hard during Apple Store season but we have great fun while we are doing it. And throughout the year, while we are planning and working on our committees, we enjoy each others company. We are an eclectic group, but share many common passions aside from Conner Prairie including quite a few foodies, several ladies who participate in a book club, and a contingency of avid hikers. We are young moms and seasoned grandmothers but together we are the Conner Prairie Alliance.
For more information about the Conner Prairie Alliance, visit our webpage:
Conner Prairie Alliance.