The whole story is waiting to be told
Promised Land as Proving Ground is Conner Prairie’s newest permanent exhibit, offering an immersive journey through Black history from pre-colonial Africa to present-day America. This transformative experience highlights the vital role of food, fellowship, family, and faith in shaping the Black experience.
Through storytelling, multimedia, and hands-on activities, Promised Land as Proving Ground invites visitors to engage deeply with the struggles, triumphs, and contributions of African Americans.
The whole story is waiting to be told
Promised Land as Proving Ground is Conner Prairie’s newest permanent exhibit, offering an immersive journey through Black history from pre-colonial Africa to present-day America. This transformative experience highlights the vital role of food, fellowship, family, and faith in shaping the Black experience.
Through storytelling, multimedia, and hands-on activities, Promised Land as Proving Ground invites visitors to engage deeply with the struggles, triumphs, and contributions of African Americans.
Indiana was both a Promised Land—a place of refuge and opportunity for African Americans—and a Proving Ground, where they built communities, strengthened their faith, and navigated the complexities of American democracy. The exhibit is woven throughout Prairietown and beyond, featuring:
- Origins Cabin – A short film exploring the journey from pre-colonial Africa to the arrival of Black people in the Northwest Territory.
- Resistance Cabin – A deep dive into 19th-century African American history in Indiana.
- Reclamation Building – A modern space focusing on the 20th and 21st centuries, featuring a gallery for resident artists and rotating exhibits.
- Reflections Cabin – A sanctuary space for contemplation and visitor reflections.
- Augmented Reality Experiences – Interactive elements using the Timelooper app to bring historical figures and stories to life.
Elements of this exhibit extend beyond the cabins, with stories interwoven throughout Conner Prairie’s historic spaces—including the William Conner House, where visitors can learn about Pete Smith, an African American craftsman who shaped the region’s history.
Map of Promised Land as Proving Ground
Click the navy circles below to learn more about each location.
C1
Origins CabinOrigins Cabin
Take a journey through the centuries, from pre-colonial Africa to the Northwest Territory. Discover the origins of African American spirituality and culture in an 8-minute animated video.
The types of crops planted and tended to by Conner Prairie and the Green Thumb Garden Patrol were likely held close to the African people during their travel through the middle passage. Some crops include: beans, sweet potato, okra, peppers and so much more. The vegetables grown are donated to Lawrence Community Gardens to help alleviate food apartheid in Marion County.
C2
Resistance CabinResistance Cabin
Black Hoosiers leaned on faith, family, and community to navigate the tumultuous 19th century. Discover stories of African American resistance through exhibits and a 5-minute video.
C3
Reclamation CabinReclamation Cabin
In the 20th century, African American activists dismantle oppression as Black brilliance lays the foundation of American culture. Learn and reflect with us through exhibits and a short video.
C4
Reflection CabinReflection Cabin
Rest, reflect, and share your thoughts in the Reflection Cabin, featuring an immersive and inspiring soundscape.
T1
Pete SmithPete Smith
In 1820, Pete Smith was a free Black man living in Hamilton County, Indiana. He was captured and taken into enslavement in Kentucky. Explore how his life intersected with Conner Prairie and William Conner.
T2
Flora TridringtonFlora Tidrington (1855-1923)
Working as a midwife, Flora Tidrington celebrates the joy of life while fighting to be respected as a medical professional.
T3
Bishop QuinnBishop Quinn (1788-1873)
A leader in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, William Paul Quinn traveled the Indiana wilderness searching for souls to bring closer to God.
T4
Landonia BrownLandonia Brown (1856-1907)
As a teacher, Landonia Brown must navigate Indianapolis’ segregated school system to further her career and improve her students’ lives.
T5
Benjamin TalbotBenjamin Talbot (1797-1872)
Benjamin Talbot has built a comfortable life as a blacksmith. But as new laws threaten him and his family, he must make a difficult decision.
T6
Lucy Higgs-NicholsLucy Higgs-Nichols (1838-1915)
Lucy Nichols relies on her courage, knowledge, and grit as a Civil War nurse. Will the United States government recognize her work and sacrifice?
Map Key:
C 1-4: Promised Land as Proving Ground Cabins buildings
T 1-6: TimeLooper historical individual locations*
*In collaboration with TimeLooper we are using augmented reality technology that will help you explore important characters from the past. By holding up your phone in specific areas in the exhibit, this will allow you to step into the story and learn about these historical individuals as they tell their perspectives. Download this app on the Apple App Store.
Learn more about Promised Land as Proving Ground through our Youtube Playlist!
Community Partnerships and Sponsors
- Asante Art Institute of Indianapolis
- Anthony "Baba Tony" Artis
- Center for Africana Studies & Culture at IUPUI
- Living Word Baptist Church
- Green Thumb Garden Patrol
- Purdue Extension Master Gardeners
- Spirit and Place
- Witherspoon Presbyterian Church
- Angela Denman, Indianapolis Public Schools
- Chief Luisah Teish
- Filson Historical Society
- Indiana Historical Society
- Israel Solomon, Artist-in-residence
- LaShawnda Crowe Storm, Spirit & Place Festival
- Lawrence Community Gardens
- Living Word Baptist Church
- Maria Hamilton Abegunde, Ph.D., Indiana University
- Messiah Missionary Baptist Church
- Rev. Pamela Emmanuel, Grace & Mercy Assembly
Sponsors
- Eli Lilly & Co. Foundation
- Lilly Endowment Inc.
- Indianapolis Garden Club
- The Community Innovation Leadership Fund, a fund of Central Indiana Community Foundation
- Brabson Family Foundation
- The Meridian Foundation
- Indiana Landmarks: Black Heritage Preservation Program
- Hamilton County Tourism