Days of Giving

The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site is arguably the single most significant link in the State of Indiana to the founding of our country’s democratic system of governance, via the writing and signing of the Declaration of Independence and the leadership legacies of three generations of the Harrison Family. As one of the top presidential sites in the nation, we passionately embrace the belief that civic involvement and an educated focus on the beginnings and building of our form of self-government, are means by which we can preserve our democracy.

Thus, we are proud to announce our 2026 Days of Giving Campaign. America 250: Recommitting to our Democracy, launching on National Civics Day – October 27th. On this date in 1787, the first Federalist Papers were published in newspapers across New York; the 85 essays, written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, explain and promote the passage of the United States Constitution, of which the lifeblood is civic involvement. While our campaign is largely online, we also branch out into the community to encourage civic awareness and responsibility, and invite our neighbors and all Americans to take action in myriad ways to bolster our democracy.

Through the celebration of President Benjamin Harrison’s impact as a civic leader, we invite our community to join us in building new stories of leadership, service, and engaged citizenship, together! By sharing mini-profiles of Benjamin and Caroline Harrison, spotlights of treasured artifacts, and testimonials from visitors and partners, our campaign aims to bring their example to life. Storytime with the Harrisons video segments on social media take viewers inside the historic home for an intimate look at the Presidential Site’s collection, while emphasizing the stories that illustrate the Harrison family’s leadership and legacy.

This year’s campaign renews our collaboration with local coffee shop partners to create a person-to-person dimension of community contact and involvement. These small business owners join us in inspiring Indianapolis as we reflect on the need for civic leadership, and the importance of supporting the next generation of visionaries. Look for our branded coffee sleeves (featuring QR codes for donations) at participating shops, and be sure to share a selfie with your drink, tagging us on social media! Additionally, this year we are increasing participation by inviting a small number of Old Northside arts and civic groups to lend their enthusiasm and voices by displaying information about our campaign and encouraging donations through social media.

A brand new aspect of the 2026 Civics Day Campaign is the involvement of our Future Presidents of America Summer Leadership Camp alumni. Now in its twelfth year, the scholarship-only program for 13 to 16-year-olds focuses on civic literacy, public speaking, and leadership development through the lens of the American presidency. The dedicated and accomplished young people coming out of this program are eager to give back to the Presidential Site and will serve as roving reporters, visiting community partners to thank them personally for their involvement, take photos of donors and friends, raise awareness, and report on developments. The alumni are current examples of individuals creating new stories of service and engaged citizenship because of their association with the Presidential Site and all they derived from their leadership training.

The Presidential Site aspires to raise $25,000 through this campaign, in support of our educational initiatives and outreach efforts, in honor of America 250. Funds will help expand access to programs and tours for school children across Indiana, and strengthen our initiatives like Project POTUS, an educational video competition, Future Presidents of America, and 23 in the 21st, an online civics program, ensuring the availability of these resources to empower young people through education.

Thanks to generous matching donors, every gift made during the Days of Giving Campaign will be doubled, providing a powerful chance to amplify your contribution while investing in the next generation of leaders and becoming supporters of a treasured Indiana historical resource.

The campaign will culminate on Giving Tuesday, December 1st, providing over a month for America 250: Recommitting to our Democracy to stir up a collective spirit of civic focus and desire to participate, and to motivate each of us to contribute as leaders in our communities. By sharing the Harrisons’ stories and creating new ones, enhancing our programming, and dreaming together of a better democracy, we are helping to ensure that the legacy of leadership continues to sustain and shape generations for the next 250 years!

We value your support and invite you to partner with us by donating today!

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