Events and Programs
Calendar of Events
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3 events,
Pure Imagination!
Pure Imagination!
Celebrate the birthday month of Sr. Forrest E. Mars, who helped to create Snickers, 3 Musketeers, and Mars bars, as well as M&Ms! In this hands-on instructional program, participants will learn about the origins of cacao, how it’s processed into chocolate, and then – like Forrest! – create two chocolate bars of their own, wrapped up in a self-designed label, to take home. Explore your creativity in the most delicious way! Purchase Tickets ALLERGY WARNING: Tree and ground nuts, dairy.…
Pure Imagination!
Pure Imagination!
Celebrate the birthday month of Sr. Forrest E. Mars, who helped to create Snickers, 3 Musketeers, and Mars bars, as well as M&Ms! In this hands-on instructional program, participants will learn about the origins of cacao, how it’s processed into chocolate, and then – like Forrest! – create two chocolate bars of their own, wrapped up in a self-designed label, to take home. Explore your creativity in the most delicious way! Purchase Tickets ALLERGY WARNING: Tree and ground nuts, dairy.…
Pure Imagination!
Pure Imagination!
Celebrate the birthday month of Sr. Forrest E. Mars, who helped to create Snickers, 3 Musketeers, and Mars bars, as well as M&Ms! In this hands-on instructional program, participants will learn about the origins of cacao, how it’s processed into chocolate, and then – like Forrest! – create two chocolate bars of their own, wrapped up in a self-designed label, to take home. Explore your creativity in the most delicious way! Purchase Tickets ALLERGY WARNING: Tree and ground nuts, dairy.…
0 events,
2 events,
Wheel Thrown Pottery
Wheel Thrown Pottery
Discover the basics of wheel thrown pottery. This four-session workshop gives you the time and space to practice all aspects of throwing and shaping pottery. Whether you are a beginner or intermediate student, you will be able to develop skills at your own pace. Learn more about our historic classes. All materials and supplies are provided. We ask that you provide your own towel for your personal use. Please note, the date for which you register is the first meeting…
Wheel Thrown Pottery
Wheel Thrown Pottery
Discover the basics of wheel thrown pottery. This four-session workshop gives you the time and space to practice all aspects of throwing and shaping pottery. Whether you are a beginner or intermediate student, you will be able to develop skills at your own pace. Learn more about our historic classes. All materials and supplies are provided. We ask that you provide your own towel for your personal use. Please note, the date for which you register is the first meeting…
1 event,
Weekday Wanders
Weekday Wanders
During Weekday Wanders, find a deeper connection with nature as you explore the Trails at Conner Prairie on a guided stroll. Each stroll will focus on a different theme to build knowledge of, connection with, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Unless otherwise mentioned, these strolls will be led by members of the Conner Prairie Education team. These wanders are free with admission and begin at the main entrance gate. Purchase General Admission Tickets Dates: April 2:…
0 events,
1 event,
Homeschool Series: Nature + Art
Homeschool Series: Nature + Art
Tap into the creativity that is inside all of us and let your imagination run free! Join us each week as we allow children (and grown-ups, too!) the time, space and freedom to create in their own style and stage of development, design what their minds can dream up and think outside the box as we engage with and celebrate the creative process over the final product. We’ll spend time exploring a variety of art mediums while taking in the…
3 events,
Spring Cleaning in Prairietown
Spring Cleaning in Prairietown
Stop by Prairietown and help the residents begin their annual spring clean-up. Some of the Prairietown chores include airing linens, re-stuffing mattresses, thorough building cleanings, and general preparation for spring. This program is free with general admission. Please note: All springtime activities are subject to change and dependent on weather.
Make & Take: Bird Feeders
Make & Take: Bird Feeders
Join us at Lenape for a fun, hands-on experience making your own bird feeder for just $5! This Make and Take lets you craft a simple feeder using natural materials perfect for attracting local wildlife to your backyard. Location: Lenape Indian Camp (Next to #24 on the Guest Map) Please note: All Make and Takes are subject to change and dependent on weather. Learn more about our hours and purchase General Admission tickets.
Make & Take: Soap Making
Make & Take: Soap Making
Come to Prairietown for a $5 Make and Take soap-making workshop, where you'll learn to create your own soap using traditional methods. It's a perfect way to discover the art of soap-making while connecting with the past! Location: Prairietown Kiln Shed (Next to #14 on the Guest Map) or Prairietown Carpenter Shed (Next to #13 on the Guest Map) Please note: All Make and Takes are subject to change and dependent on weather. Learn more about our hours and purchase…
3 events,
Spring Cleaning in Prairietown
Spring Cleaning in Prairietown
Stop by Prairietown and help the residents begin their annual spring clean-up. Some of the Prairietown chores include airing linens, re-stuffing mattresses, thorough building cleanings, and general preparation for spring. This program is free with general admission. Please note: All springtime activities are subject to change and dependent on weather.
Make & Take: Bird Feeders
Make & Take: Bird Feeders
Join us at Lenape for a fun, hands-on experience making your own bird feeder for just $5! This Make and Take lets you craft a simple feeder using natural materials perfect for attracting local wildlife to your backyard. Location: Lenape Indian Camp (Next to #24 on the Guest Map) Please note: All Make and Takes are subject to change and dependent on weather. Learn more about our hours and purchase General Admission tickets.
Make & Take: Soap Making
Make & Take: Soap Making
Come to Prairietown for a $5 Make and Take soap-making workshop, where you'll learn to create your own soap using traditional methods. It's a perfect way to discover the art of soap-making while connecting with the past! Location: Prairietown Kiln Shed (Next to #14 on the Guest Map) or Prairietown Carpenter Shed (Next to #13 on the Guest Map) Please note: All Make and Takes are subject to change and dependent on weather. Learn more about our hours and purchase…
0 events,
2 events,
Wheel Thrown Pottery
Wheel Thrown Pottery
Discover the basics of wheel thrown pottery. This four-session workshop gives you the time and space to practice all aspects of throwing and shaping pottery. Whether you are a beginner or intermediate student, you will be able to develop skills at your own pace. Learn more about our historic classes. All materials and supplies are provided. We ask that you provide your own towel for your personal use. Please note, the date for which you register is the first meeting…
Wheel Thrown Pottery
Wheel Thrown Pottery
Discover the basics of wheel thrown pottery. This four-session workshop gives you the time and space to practice all aspects of throwing and shaping pottery. Whether you are a beginner or intermediate student, you will be able to develop skills at your own pace. Learn more about our historic classes. All materials and supplies are provided. We ask that you provide your own towel for your personal use. Please note, the date for which you register is the first meeting…
0 events,
0 events,
1 event,
Homeschool Series: Nature + Art
Homeschool Series: Nature + Art
Tap into the creativity that is inside all of us and let your imagination run free! Join us each week as we allow children (and grown-ups, too!) the time, space and freedom to create in their own style and stage of development, design what their minds can dream up and think outside the box as we engage with and celebrate the creative process over the final product. We’ll spend time exploring a variety of art mediums while taking in the…
7 events,
Garden Planning and Planting
Garden Planning and Planting
Join us as we plan and plant the gardens in Lenape and Prairietown! Learn about the importance of each plant and how to see the difference between native and invasive species in Indiana. This program is free with general admission. Please note: All springtime activities are subject to change and dependent on weather.
Make & Take: Bird Feeders
Make & Take: Bird Feeders
Join us at Lenape for a fun, hands-on experience making your own bird feeder for just $5! This Make and Take lets you craft a simple feeder using natural materials perfect for attracting local wildlife to your backyard. Location: Lenape Indian Camp (Next to #24 on the Guest Map) Please note: All Make and Takes are subject to change and dependent on weather. Learn more about our hours and purchase General Admission tickets.
2-minute Poetry
2-minute Poetry
Celebrate National Poetry Month with us, every Saturday in April. Stop by the Treetop Outpost Crossroads and visit our poet and their typewriter. Supply them with a single word, and in two minutes, they’ll write you a personalized poem to take home, based on your prompt! While there, check out some biographies of famous Indiana poets. Free With General Admission
Trail Walks with Teddy and Lady Bird
Trail Walks with Teddy and Lady Bird
Celebrate nature with a free guided trail walk exploring the history of American conservation! Learn how Theodore Roosevelt and Lady Bird Johnson helped shape the country’s natural beauty through their dedication to protecting landscapes and wildlife. Each walk will last about 45 minutes. Saturday. April 12, 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. This program is free with general admission.
Trail Walks with Teddy and Lady Bird
Trail Walks with Teddy and Lady Bird
Celebrate nature with a free guided trail walk exploring the history of American conservation! Learn how Theodore Roosevelt and Lady Bird Johnson helped shape the country’s natural beauty through their dedication to protecting landscapes and wildlife. Each walk will last about 45 minutes. Saturday. April 12, 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. This program is free with general admission.
3 events,
Garden Planning and Planting
Garden Planning and Planting
Join us as we plan and plant the gardens in Lenape and Prairietown! Learn about the importance of each plant and how to see the difference between native and invasive species in Indiana. This program is free with general admission. Please note: All springtime activities are subject to change and dependent on weather.
Make & Take: Bird Feeders
Make & Take: Bird Feeders
Join us at Lenape for a fun, hands-on experience making your own bird feeder for just $5! This Make and Take lets you craft a simple feeder using natural materials perfect for attracting local wildlife to your backyard. Location: Lenape Indian Camp (Next to #24 on the Guest Map) Please note: All Make and Takes are subject to change and dependent on weather. Learn more about our hours and purchase General Admission tickets.
Make & Take: Soap Making
Make & Take: Soap Making
Come to Prairietown for a $5 Make and Take soap-making workshop, where you'll learn to create your own soap using traditional methods. It's a perfect way to discover the art of soap-making while connecting with the past! Location: Prairietown Kiln Shed (Next to #14 on the Guest Map) or Prairietown Carpenter Shed (Next to #13 on the Guest Map) Please note: All Make and Takes are subject to change and dependent on weather. Learn more about our hours and purchase…
1 event,
Curious By Nature
Curious By Nature
Join us for our Homeschool nature program, Curious by Nature, designed to enhance your current home studies by offering your children the time, space and freedom to let their innate curiosity for the natural world around them thrive! Research has proven (and we are listening!) that spending time outdoors in nature has a multitude of benefits, especially for children as they are continuing to grow. We are excited to invite you and your homeschool community to join us as we…
0 events,
1 event,
Weekday Wanders
Weekday Wanders
During Weekday Wanders, find a deeper connection with nature as you explore the Trails at Conner Prairie on a guided stroll. Each stroll will focus on a different theme to build knowledge of, connection with, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Unless otherwise mentioned, these strolls will be led by members of the Conner Prairie Education team. These wanders are free with admission and begin at the main entrance gate. Purchase General Admission Tickets Dates: April 2:…
1 event,
History on Tap Dollar Giveback Night
History on Tap Dollar Giveback Night
Fishers Sun King Brewery is hosting the Horizon Council for a special Dollar Giveback Night Supporting the Conner Prairie Mission Impact Fund! Stop by for a drink and get early access to festival tickets before our online sale begins on April 24. You must be in attendance to purchase tickets in advance. For every pint purchased at this event, Sun King Brewery will donate $1 back to Conner Prairie's Mission Impact Fund. Learn more about History on Tap
1 event,
Homeschool Series: Nature + Art
Homeschool Series: Nature + Art
Tap into the creativity that is inside all of us and let your imagination run free! Join us each week as we allow children (and grown-ups, too!) the time, space and freedom to create in their own style and stage of development, design what their minds can dream up and think outside the box as we engage with and celebrate the creative process over the final product. We’ll spend time exploring a variety of art mediums while taking in the…
5 events,
Breakfast with the Bunny
Breakfast with the Bunny
CELEBRATE EASTER WITH A HEARTY BREAKFAST BUFFET AND MEET THE EASTER BUNNY! Enjoy a delicious Easter breakfast buffet and visit with the Easter Bunny for a photo op. Don't forget to bring your own camera to capture the memory! Assigned seating will be arranged in advance for registered guests. Learn more. First seating 9:00 a.m. (to 10:30 a.m.) Second Seating in Bayt Pavilion 11:30 a.m. (to 1 p.m.)
Springtime on the Prairie
Springtime on the Prairie
Celebrate the joys of spring with a day full of adventure, featuring an exciting Easter egg hunt organized by age. Explore fun springtime activities in Prairietown that immerse yourself in the beauty of the season as our grounds bloom with new discoveries. Springtime on the Prairie is included in General Admission. Members enjoy free admission. Learn more about Springtime on the Prairie
Basketry
Basketry
Baskets have been used everywhere in the world for thousands of years. See how different cultures used the raw materials available to them to make baskets for a variety of uses (including holding eggs!). Location: Lenape Indian Camp, Prairietown and Promised Land as Proving Ground This program is free with general admission. Please note: All springtime activities are subject to change and dependent on weather. Make and Take baskets will be available for purchase. Join us at Lenape for a $5…
Make & Take: Baskets
Make & Take: Baskets
Join us at Lenape for a $5 Make and Take basket-weaving workshop, where you'll learn the art of crafting a small, handmade basket using traditional techniques. This activity offers a hands-on way to connect with Lenape culture while honing a timeless skill! Location: Lenape Indian Camp (Next to #24 on the Guest Map) Please note: All Make and Takes are subject to change and dependent on weather. Learn more about our hours and purchase General Admission tickets.
Make & Take: Baskets
Make & Take: Baskets
Join us at Lenape for a $5 Make and Take basket-weaving workshop, where you'll learn the art of crafting a small, handmade basket using traditional techniques. This activity offers a hands-on way to connect with Lenape culture while honing a timeless skill! Location: Lenape Indian Camp (Next to #24 on the Guest Map) Please note: All Make and Takes are subject to change and dependent on weather. Learn more about our hours and purchase General Admission tickets.
1 event,
All experiences closed
All experiences closed
The museum is closed today. Our museum hours are Tuesday - Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Plan your future visit today!
0 events,
0 events,
6 events,
Planting the Seed
Planting the Seed
Learn about different types of food that originated in Africa and take home seeds to transplant in your own garden. Time: All day Location: Origins Cabin Give your students a unique and personal experience to connect with history and nature. At Conner Prairie we invite guests to “Step into the Story,” and we also strive to step into theirs. Through observation, deep listening, and thoughtful questioning, we create meaningful connections, offering guests an opportunity to go beyond “doing” and experience…
Homeschool Days
Homeschool Days
Join us at Conner Prairie for homeschool day! Any homeschool family can visit Conner Prairie for our current school group rates without the usual requirement of having a group of 15 students or more. These rates are per student with one primary educator free per family and additional adults at the chaperone rate. Give your students a unique and personal experience to connect with history and nature. At Conner Prairie we invite guests to “Step into the Story,” and we…
Boxx the Artist Community Canvas
Boxx the Artist Community Canvas
Join Boxx the Artist to add your own part to a community canvas! Time: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Location: Shelter next to Animal Encounters Give your students a unique and personal experience to connect with history and nature. At Conner Prairie we invite guests to “Step into the Story,” and we also strive to step into theirs. Through observation, deep listening, and thoughtful questioning, we create meaningful connections, offering guests an opportunity to go beyond “doing” and experience “being.” learn more about Homeschool days
Water Quality Testing
Water Quality Testing
Join us as we partner with Hoosier Riverwatch to learn strategies for testing water quality in a community science project. Learn how to collect water samples and perform chemical tests to assess the quality of water. Explore macroinvertebrates, the small aquatic animals who live in the White River, and how they provide clues into the health of our water. The data we collect will be added to a statewide database tracking the health of Indiana waterways. Be a part of this important community science program…
Lunch on the Lawn
Lunch on the Lawn
Stop by and join us for a lovely picnic on the lawn of the William Conner House. Citizens from Prairietown will be gathering on the lawn and bringing foods that represent their heritage. Learn about the seasonality, recipes and styles of food. This program is free with general admission. Please note: All springtime activities are subject to change and dependent on weather.
1 event,
Corn to Cocktail
Corn to Cocktail
In this hands-on class, guests learn about the versatility of Indiana’s top crop–corn! Attendees learn about corn’s influence on history and also on the spirits that we consume. We will practice some basic bar skills, mix up two historical cocktails and hear the often-colorful stories behind each one, while sipping socially. Each session in the series features a different liquor, and guests take home a specially chosen cocktail glass from the evening. Don't forget to show off your creations on…
1 event,
Homeschool Series: Nature + Art
Homeschool Series: Nature + Art
Tap into the creativity that is inside all of us and let your imagination run free! Join us each week as we allow children (and grown-ups, too!) the time, space and freedom to create in their own style and stage of development, design what their minds can dream up and think outside the box as we engage with and celebrate the creative process over the final product. We’ll spend time exploring a variety of art mediums while taking in the…
11 events,
We Can Camp!
Love the idea of camping as a family but don't know where to start? Join us as you learn basic camping skills, enjoy fun outdoor experiences and spend the night on our grounds in a tent! This program is perfect for first-time campers or anyone looking for a refresher. We provide all the camping gear you'll need, along with modern restrooms and overnight security. Learn More about We Can Camp! Check-in Saturday at 1 p.m. / Check out Sunday at…
Lifecycle of Wool
Lifecycle of Wool
Enjoy the step-by-step process of wool! From sheering sheep to knitting gloves, wool goes through quite the process before it becomes the clothes we wear. Stop by the loom house, Animal Encounters or Prairietown and enjoy demonstrations that show each step along the way! This program is free with general admission. Please note: All springtime activities are subject to change and dependent on weather.
2-minute Poetry
2-minute Poetry
Celebrate National Poetry Month with us, every Saturday in April. Stop by the Treetop Outpost Crossroads and visit our poet and their typewriter. Supply them with a single word, and in two minutes, they’ll write you a personalized poem to take home, based on your prompt! While there, check out some biographies of famous Indiana poets. Free With General Admission
Make & Take: Bird Feeders
Make & Take: Bird Feeders
Join us at Lenape for a fun, hands-on experience making your own bird feeder for just $5! This Make and Take lets you craft a simple feeder using natural materials perfect for attracting local wildlife to your backyard. Location: Lenape Indian Camp (Next to #24 on the Guest Map) Please note: All Make and Takes are subject to change and dependent on weather. Learn more about our hours and purchase General Admission tickets.
Weekend Wanders
Weekend Wanders
Find a deeper connection with nature as you explore the Trails at Conner Prairie on a guided stroll. Each stroll will focus on a different theme to build knowledge of, connection with, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Unless otherwise mentioned, these strolls will be led by members of the Conner Prairie Education team. Learn more about this program These wanders are free with admission and begin at the main entrance gate. Purchase General Admission Tickets
Free Forest Therapy Experience
Free Forest Therapy Experience
This weekend, discover the restorative power of nature with a free introductory Forest Therapy experience at Conner Prairie! Guided by a certified forest therapy guide, this mini-session invites you to slow down, engage your senses, and reconnect with the natural world—all on Indiana’s first and only certified Forest Therapy trail. Experience a peaceful escape and get a glimpse of the full Forest Therapy program, designed to promote mindfulness and well-being. Please note: A general admission ticket is required to participate.…
6 events,
Lifecycle of Wool
Lifecycle of Wool
Enjoy the step-by-step process of wool! From sheering sheep to knitting gloves, wool goes through quite the process before it becomes the clothes we wear. Stop by the loom house, Animal Encounters or Prairietown and enjoy demonstrations that show each step along the way! This program is free with general admission. Please note: All springtime activities are subject to change and dependent on weather.
Make & Take: Bird Feeders
Make & Take: Bird Feeders
Join us at Lenape for a fun, hands-on experience making your own bird feeder for just $5! This Make and Take lets you craft a simple feeder using natural materials perfect for attracting local wildlife to your backyard. Location: Lenape Indian Camp (Next to #24 on the Guest Map) Please note: All Make and Takes are subject to change and dependent on weather. Learn more about our hours and purchase General Admission tickets.
Free Forest Therapy Experience
Free Forest Therapy Experience
This weekend, discover the restorative power of nature with a free introductory Forest Therapy experience at Conner Prairie! Guided by a certified forest therapy guide, this mini-session invites you to slow down, engage your senses, and reconnect with the natural world—all on Indiana’s first and only certified Forest Therapy trail. Experience a peaceful escape and get a glimpse of the full Forest Therapy program, designed to promote mindfulness and well-being. Please note: A general admission ticket is required to participate.…
Free Forest Therapy Experience
Free Forest Therapy Experience
This weekend, discover the restorative power of nature with a free introductory Forest Therapy experience at Conner Prairie! Guided by a certified forest therapy guide, this mini-session invites you to slow down, engage your senses, and reconnect with the natural world—all on Indiana’s first and only certified Forest Therapy trail. Experience a peaceful escape and get a glimpse of the full Forest Therapy program, designed to promote mindfulness and well-being. Please note: A general admission ticket is required to participate.…
Make & Take: Soap Making
Make & Take: Soap Making
Come to Prairietown for a $5 Make and Take soap-making workshop, where you'll learn to create your own soap using traditional methods. It's a perfect way to discover the art of soap-making while connecting with the past! Location: Prairietown Kiln Shed (Next to #14 on the Guest Map) or Prairietown Carpenter Shed (Next to #13 on the Guest Map) Please note: All Make and Takes are subject to change and dependent on weather. Learn more about our hours and purchase…
1 event,
Curious By Nature
Curious By Nature
Join us for our Homeschool nature program, Curious by Nature, designed to enhance your current home studies by offering your children the time, space and freedom to let their innate curiosity for the natural world around them thrive! Research has proven (and we are listening!) that spending time outdoors in nature has a multitude of benefits, especially for children as they are continuing to grow. We are excited to invite you and your homeschool community to join us as we…
1 event,
Annual Meeting
Annual Meeting
Building Bridges: Honoring Journeys, Embracing Voices Join us for the 2025 Conner Prairie Annual Meeting, where we reflect on the past year’s accomplishments and look ahead to the future of storytelling, inclusivity, and community engagement. This year’s theme, Building Bridges: Honoring Journeys, Embracing Voices, highlights the impact of Promised Land as Proving Ground, celebrates diverse programming and partnerships, and introduces the next steps in Lenape storytelling initiatives. RSVP Today
1 event,
Weekday Wanders
Weekday Wanders
During Weekday Wanders, find a deeper connection with nature as you explore the Trails at Conner Prairie on a guided stroll. Each stroll will focus on a different theme to build knowledge of, connection with, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Unless otherwise mentioned, these strolls will be led by members of the Conner Prairie Education team. These wanders are free with admission and begin at the main entrance gate. Purchase General Admission Tickets Dates: April 2:…
1 event,
Playtime Meet Up
Playtime Meet Up
Join us for an exclusive time of play and discovery especially for our youngest guests ages 6 years and younger an hour before Conner Prairie opens to the public. Your little ones will have special access to their favorite spots before the big kids arrive for the day! Gather your friends, check in at the main gate entrance and follow an education staff member to a special play spot. Then enjoy the quiet morning and beauty of nature visiting with…
5 events,
We Can Camp!
Love the idea of camping as a family but don't know where to start? Join us as you learn basic camping skills, enjoy fun outdoor experiences and spend the night on our grounds in a tent! This program is perfect for first-time campers or anyone looking for a refresher. We provide all the camping gear you'll need, along with modern restrooms and overnight security. Learn More about We Can Camp! Check-in Saturday at 1 p.m. / Check out Sunday at…
Woodturning for Beginners
Woodturning for Beginners
In the nineteenth century, the lathe was an indispensable tool for chair makers, furniture makers, and other skilled woodworkers. This tool provides essential opportunities that continue to develop throughout the twentieth century and today, where woodturning provides endless potential for useful and decorative purposes. In this class, learn the basics of woodturning while making simple and elegant projects including a candleholder, a rolling pin, and a honey dipper. This two-session class celebrates all the possibilities created from a single machine…
Make & Take: Beaded Bracelets
Make & Take: Beaded Bracelets
Visit Lenape for a $5 Make and Take beaded bracelet workshop, where you can create your own unique accessory using traditional beadwork techniques. Learn about the cultural significance of different types of beads as you craft a beautiful bracelet to take home. This hands-on activity is a fun way to connect with Native American artistry and add a personal touch to your style! Location: Lenape Indian Camp (Next to #24 on the Guest Map) Please note: All Make and Takes…
Make & Take: Soap Making
Make & Take: Soap Making
Come to Prairietown for a $5 Make and Take soap-making workshop, where you'll learn to create your own soap using traditional methods. It's a perfect way to discover the art of soap-making while connecting with the past! Location: Prairietown Kiln Shed (Next to #14 on the Guest Map) or Prairietown Carpenter Shed (Next to #13 on the Guest Map) Please note: All Make and Takes are subject to change and dependent on weather. Learn more about our hours and purchase…
Wedding of Convenience
Wedding of Convenience
Mr. Hawkins' wife Lydia passed away earlier in the spring, leaving Solomon to raise 7 children, including a newborn. The widowed Mr. Hawkins knows he is in need of a new wife, and someone to help take care of the children and home. Ruth Curtis, having given up hope that she’ll find a love match to marry, says yes. Come witness the nuptials of Solomon Hawkins and Ruth Curtis and see how a Methodist wedding of convenience differs from a…
Woodworking: Shaker Side Table
February 12 @ 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Shaker furniture is an American phenomenon, born from a unique set of religious ideals. Shaker craftspeople were ahead of their time in the nineteenth century, embodying humility and integrity while embracing technical creativity. The furniture they made and sold almost two centuries ago is still popular today and blends comfortably with a wide range of tastes.
In this weekly workshop, consisting of three sessions, students will build a small table with a single drawer using hand tools and locally sourced walnut wood. We will use the same methodology as woodworkers from the few Shaker communities in this region during the early 1800s.
Some parts will be prepared for students prior to class so that they can focus on learning hand skills and traditional joinery. Some previous woodworking experience is recommended but not required. Learn more about our historic classes.
This workshop is for individuals ages 16 and up.
All Classes are on Wednesdays, 6 p.m.–9 p.m.
February 12, 19, and 26 and March 5, 12, and 19
Location: Modern Woodshop, location #37 on map
Members: $465 | Nonmembers: $515
About the Teacher
Henry Raab has been building American period furniture with traditional hand tools for four years. He is a proud Hoosier with a passion for learning and teaching about historic trades.
Growing up in central Indiana, Henry spent most of his childhood outdoors at parks and living history sites such as Eagle Creek, Turkey Run, Billie Creek, and Conner Prairie. This exposure taught him to value our precious natural and cultural resources, as well as family traditions of folk music and craft that all taught him an appreciation for art and storytelling.
Today Henry’s mission is to preserve traditional hand skills through preservation, demonstration, and hands-on instruction. He is a member of several organizations dedicated to this purpose, including the Society of American Period Furniture Makers (SAPFM), the Midwest Tool Collectors’ Association (MWTCA), and the Association for Living History, Farm, and Agricultural Museums (ALHFAM).
He worked as an intern for eight weeks at the Marc Adam’s School of Woodworking in Franklin, Indiana, and now works at Conner Prairie full time as a living history interpreter, historic building preservationist, furniture maker, and instructor.
When he is not working, Henry continues to spend time in Indiana’s beautiful forests as well as building tools and furniture, reading about early American history, binding books, and collecting antiques.