Planning your 2019 Social Calendar

by Alexis Price

January 15, 2019

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.

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January

Re-opening of the Presidential Site After almost a month of repairs, the Presidential Site will once again be open to tours! We will resume regular hours (Monday – Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., and Sunday from 12:00 – 3:30 p.m.) Tours start in the Welcome Center, located in the red barn behind the home. Have additional questions? Check out the Visit page of our website.

Presidential Humor Exhibit grand opening

The exhibit is part of the New Century Curator Initiative, a partnership between the Presidential Site and IUPUI’s Museum Studies program. This partnership allows students in the program to assist in the development of an original exhibit. Emily Hanawalt, our 2018 Curatorial Fellow, is the Master’s student developer for this exhibit. She states, “Presidential Humor is about recognizing how humor is used as a tool in democracies to make statements about leaders and how something as serious as politics can cause people to laugh out loud.” Hanawalt will lead the grand opening, discussing the history of political cartoons and caricatures and exploring the humor of presidents. Light refreshments and beverages will be provided. Tickets are required.  

February

Coffee with the Curator

This event occurs the first Friday of each month. February’s theme? A Wonderful Life. We will have a guest speaker, Ray Boomhower. He is the senior editor with the Indiana Historical Society Press. Boomhower has written biographies of notable Hoosiers such as Ernie Pyle and Juliet Strauss, and recently President Benjamin Harrison. Mr. President: A Life of Benjamin Harrison examines the 23rd president’s rise to political prominence after his service as a Union Army general during the Civil War. As always, this 30-minute event includes complimentary coffee from Tinker Coffee Co. and breakfast treats. Registration is required.

LIVE! Presidents’ Day

It’s 1891, and President Benjamin Harrison and his staff have traveled back to Indianapolis from D.C. This live reenactment allows visitors to visit with the President in his library, say hello to the butler in the back parlor, and speak with Mrs. Harrison in the dining room. Admission for this event is included in the tour price.

March

Coffee with the Curator Get a sneak peek at items from our upcoming Glitz and Glamour Exhibit. We’ll have complimentary coffee, morning treats and an array of past White House decor. Reserve your spot now.

Glitz and Glamour Exhibit grand opening

The White House is famous for many things, and we haven’t let the lavish decor and outlandish gifts escape the limelight. From tasteful wall art, to a horned chair gifted to Benjamin Harrison, we have something for every interior design aficionado — and critic — around. Join us for the grand opening! Reserve your tickets today.

Civil War Dinner

This exclusive Presidential Site staple begins with conversation, hors d’oeuvres and wine. Then, move into the Harrison family home and take a tour of the first floor. Assemble in the Library, where General Harrison invites you to join him for dinner. All food is prepared by Alan’s Catered Events, a team who has done extensive research on Civil War era dishes. This event sells out quickly. Get your tickets soon.  

April

Coffee with the Curator Enjoy complimentary coffee and light refreshments as we examine artifacts related to presidential kiddos. We’ll have you caffeinated and out the door just in time for work! Claim your spot.

Presidential Egg Roll

We are hoppy to bring back this White House classic to Indianapolis. This free event includes egg roll races, kids’ crafts, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Each child will take home a souvenir, so make sure you let us know you’re coming. Claim your spot.

Murder and the Macabre

Candlelight Theatre is back with this three-act trilogy! You’ll travel from room to room, witnessing stories of murder, mystery and intrigue. Read more about each performance on our events page. Performances begin April 13th and last through the beginning of May. Get your tickets before they’re sold out!  

May

Coffee with the Curator

We’re looking at seascapes on this First Friday event. This event is free for members and guests, and $6 for general admission.

Pop-Up Garden Party

This free event celebrates the blooming of our peonies. Gardeners will be on hand to answer questions about the peonies and the various plants that make up the garden — including 26 varieties of peonies! We will have maps available for a self-guided tour, and we encourage visitors to bring food and blankets to enjoy a picnic on the lawn! Read more here.  

June

Coffee with the Curator

This month we’re taking a look at presidential china, including pieces designed by Caroline Scott Harrison. Tickets are not available yet. Keep a look-out!

Wicket World of Croquet

Our annual fundraising event is back, and it’s going to be a wicketly good time. Register as a team of two for our leisure or competitive tournament. All teams of two receive entrance into the tournament (4 matches guaranteed), use of fine equipment, snacks, lunch and drinks. Porch Party tickets are also available for those of you who want to enjoy the festivities without playing the game. Lunch, drinks and snacks are included in your ticket price. Show up in your best white attire for a chance to win Best Dressed. We’ll also have prizes for tournament winners! This is one of our biggest events of the year, so tickets go quickly. Get yours before it’s too late!