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Explore rich articles and behind-the-scenes features about the Presidential Site’s exhibits, events, outreach, announcements, and more.

 

9 Books About Benjamin Harrison (and Other Presidents) | January 26, 2023

Looking to expand your knowledge of Benjamin Harrison and other American presidents? Check out our recommended reading list — including everything from essays on our country’s lawyer-presidents to first-hand accounts from Harrison’s staff.

 

Give the Vision 2022: Bousum Family Fun at the Presidential Site | September 25, 2022

From information tours to the Juneteenth Foodways Festival, learn more about some of the Bousum family’s highlights from visiting the Presidential Site.

 

Special Feature: 2022 Presidential Site Giving Tuesday | September 12, 2022

We are building on the success of Giving Tuesday 2021 and sustaining the legacy established since 1966 at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site.

 

Give the Experience 2021: Interview with David Ziemba | November 9, 2021

Attorney and dad David Ziemba shares some of his most memorable experiences at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site and his expectations for the future.

 

Give the Experience 2021: Interview with Martha Buehner | October 19, 2021

Presidential Site volunteers at event

Martha Buehner retired six years ago after teaching first grade for 53 years. Now, she and her husband regularly volunteer with the Presidential Site.

 

Teacher Feature: Butler University Professor Reminisces About 29 Presidential Site Visits | September 14, 2021

Catherine Hagerman Pangan discusses bringing education majors to the presidential mansion, how it inspires them and more.

 

5 Things You’ll Learn on Our New Podcast | July 2, 2020

You read that right. The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site has started a new podcast. Six Degrees of Benjamin Harrison relays stories of our 23rd president and reveals connections—to topics like immigration, healthcare and voting rights—that you may not know existed.

 

Resources for Students (and Parents) While Learning at Home | March 24, 2020

Whether you’re learning remotely or looking for ways to enliven your social distancing, here is our one-stop resource list for learning (and teaching) at home.

 

8 Halloween Costumes Inspired by Benjamin Harrison | October 11, 2019

Painting of Benjamin Harrison during his service in the civil war, adorned with union colors and his signature beard. He is gripping a sword and on horseback. Pictured in front of a beige background.

Whether you’re an adult looking for a costume with a historical edge, or stumped about an idea for your kiddo, we have you covered this Halloween.

 

Recapping Wicket World of Croquet 2019 | June 6, 2019

photo of a crowd of people playing croquet on the presidential lawn on a summers day.

Saturday, June 1, the Presidential Site hosted the 25th annual Wicket World of Croquet. More than 200 people came out to play croquet, sip drinks from Sun King Brewery and Hotel Tango, and support the more than 17,000 school children who come to the Presidential Site every year.

 

6 Bold, Unstoppable Women in Benjamin Harrison’s Life | May 13, 2018

Photo of Belva Lockwood, dressed darkly with small white frills at the neck. Her hair is loosely bunned and braided with a black hairpin. She intensely looks out of frame, to the right of the photographer.

We’re kicking off this week by highlighting six, iconic women connected to Benjamin Harrison.

 

Q&A with our 2018 Curatorial Fellow, Emily Hanawalt | January 19, 2019  

Photographic image of a woman removing corner protectors from a photo frame.

Over the past five months, the Presidential Site’s 2018 Curatorial Fellow Emily Hanawalt has been developing our Presidential Humor exhibit. See what Hanawalt has to say about her curatorial journey and the creation of her upcoming exhibit.

 

Planning your 2019 social calendar | January 15, 2019

Graphic image of a planner.

Whether a new year means a new you, or you’re back at it with the same old tricks, the Presidential Site has an event for you. Check out our comprehensive guide to filling in your social calendar for the first half of 2019.

 

7 Gifts for Every Person in Your Life | December 13, 2018

Blue-green shirt with sketch of Benjamin Harrison

Maybe you live near the Presidential Site. Maybe you’re stopping by for “Twas the Night Before…” or a tour. Maybe you’re in rush to find something that doesn’t look like you picked it up from the gas station on your way to the Christmas party. Lucky for you, we have an awesome gift shop. We have compiled a one-stop shopping list for every type of person in your life — from the traveler to the hobbyist.

 

From First Grade Teacher to President of the Volunteer Board | November 30, 2018 Photo of Martha, president of the volunteer board. She is dressed in white, outdoors during a presidential site event in the spring.

Martha Buehner taught first graders for 43 years. In her last 15 years as an educator, she would bring her students on a field trip to the Presidential Site. Martha quickly became well-acquainted with staff of the site, including VP of Education Roger Hardig. And after a few years of tours, Roger suggested she already knew the tour and the house better than most of staff and volunteers.

 

Teachers and Students Share Stories About the Presidential Site | November 19, 2018

Photo of a group of school kids in front of the Harrison mansion.

The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site offers a wide variety of education initiatives, from in-classroom visits to on-site tours to programs like Future Presidents of America. Read a few first-hand accounts from teachers and students.

 

Q&A with our VP of Education, Roger Hardig | November 5, 2018

Photo of Roger Hardig teaching a group of school kids.

He has been involved with the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site for about 25 years. He started as a weekend docent when he attended the IUPUI School of Education. After a year working as an education assistant to the director and short period of time as a co-director, Roger Hardig became the VP of Education. See what he has to say about working with the Presidential Site and leading programs like Future Presidents of America and the In Pursuit of State Pride field trip.

 

The Grave Robbing of Benjamin Harrison’s Father | October 31, 2018

Photo of John Scott Harrison on a desktop blotter.

John Scott Harrison, father of 23rd President Benjamin Harrison, passed away on May 25, 1878. Four days later, he was buried at this resting place near Augustus Devin, Benjamin’s 23-year-old nephew who had died about a week earlier. But during the burial, attendees noticed something a little off about Augustus’s grave. It had been robbed.

 

The (White) House of Horrors: And Other Presidential Ghost Stories | October 15, 2018

Photograph of Annie Surratt

This season, the Presidential Site hosts spirits of six presidents grappling with the same curse, a ghost who conspired to assassinate the 16th president, and the apparition of a first lady with some questions about her husband’s death.

 

The (White) House of Horrors: Who is Candlelight Theatre? | October 11, 2018

Candlelight Theatre, formerly known at Victorian Theatre by Candlelight, produces four plays in partnership with the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site every year. This season begins on October 12, the opening night of The (White) House of Horrors.

 

6 Reasons You Should Check Out Croquet Roquet | September 27, 2018

Photograph of 3 friends at the Presidential Site.

Our annual Croquet Roquet is a week away, but it’s not too late to register! Need a little more convincing? We have six reasons why you should check out Croquet Roquet on Oct. 4.

 

Q&A with Indy Do Day Co-Chair Jenny Dexter | September 24, 2018

Photograph of volunteers at the Presidential Site for Indy Do Day.

From September 27 to 29, Indianapolis residents will have the opportunity to participate in the annual Indy Do Day. This year, about 30,000 Indianapolis residents can get to know their neighbors and volunteer throughout the city — and it’s not too late to sign up for the fun.

 

“Let those who would die for the flag on the field of battle give a better proof of their patriotism and a higher glory to their country by promoting fraternity and justice.” Benjamin Harrison

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