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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 …

October 15, 2018 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 …

By Alexis Price October 31, 2018 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 …

by Alexis Price November 5, 2018 Updated on October 12, 2021 He has been involved with the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site for about 30 years. He started as a weekend docent when he attended the IUPUI School of …

by Alexis Price November 19, 2018 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 …

by Alexis Price November 30, 2018 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 …

by Alexis Price December 13, 2018 Get this bundle Harrison tote bag, stuffed goat, and Old Whiskers Escapes! for just $40. Christmas is less than two weeks away and let’s be honest — you haven’t completed …

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 …

by Alexis Price January 19, 2019 Over the past five months, the Presidential Site’s 2018 Curatorial Fellow Emily Hanawalt has been developing our Presidential Humor exhibit. In less than a week, Hanawalt will showcase her work as …

by Alexis Price May 13, 2019 MuseumWeek, an international social media event, will take place May 13 -19 this year. The official website states this week is dedicated to, “bringing together cultural institutions from all over the world …

by Alexis Price June 6, 2019 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 …

by Alexis Price October 11, 2019 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. Here is our comprehensive list …

“Future Presidents of America taught me so many things that I utilize every day.” -Rachel M., class of 2018 Future Presidents of America is an innovative and engaging youth leadership camp with a mission of developing …

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 …

In December 2019 patrons will join us in creating new holiday memories at a special Candlelight Theatre event! ‘Twas the Night Before… written by James Trofatter, offers a heartwarming interactive theatre experience for all ages. Guests meet …

In October 2017, the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site was unexpectedly beset by a host of history’s most villainous villains. Just when the world thought it was rid of Lizzie Borden, Sweeney Todd, H.H. Holmes and …

After 19 years of partnership, the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site and Candlelight Theatre are proud to announce the 2022-2023 theatre season! We will begin the season with The Haunted States of America by James Trofatter. This …

Since 2004, Candlelight Theatre has offered exceptional theatre performances on a stage unlike any other. Take a look through our past productions.

Thank you to the generous individuals who have donated their time and talent to our new website. Contributing Photographers Susan Fleck Home Page: The image of the mansion at sunset on our home page is courtesy of Susan …

Don't track in the mud!

Don’t skirt this artifact

A personal approach

Queenly charge

A revolutionary idea

A flower to remember

Flowers are always a good idea

A free-flowing fad

In sacred memory

The weight of the world

First Lady with a gold earring

They were on a roll

There’s always that one in the crowd

A siren song

A tactical victory

On June 25th, 1888, the news flashed across the city, with voices swelling together into a roar of excitement. Only six decades after its founding, Indianapolis had cause for jubilation as one of its own …

“My house will always open its doors gladly to any of you when you may desire to see me.” -Benjamin Harrison, June 25, 1888 When Benjamin Harrison uttered those words to nearly 8,000 of his fellow citizens …

Alligators, elephants, zebras and everything in between have called the White House home. Exotic pets, useful livestock, and domesticated furry friends have help special places in the hearts of the presidents and their families. Often, pets …

We host several unique and engaging events throughout the year. We invite you to join us at our Signature Events that make for perfect social and corporate gatherings, date nights, and family outings.

President Harrison’s legacy continues to influence and shape our country’s conversations. We are happy to share these headlines that feature our 23rd president and the innovative programs of the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. Please check …

If you have a crowd (family reunion, bus tour, office outing, etc.) of 10 people or more, you qualify for a group tour! Trained docents guide you on a 70-90 minute tour of the elegant …

The Delaware Street home of Benjamin Harrison is open for guided tours every two hours Monday through Thursday 10am- 2pm, Fridays on the hour 10am-2pm, Saturdays on the hour 10am-3pm and Sundays on the hour …

Harrison’s impact and legacy can still be seen around Indianapolis. You can visit his grave in Crown Hill Cemetery. On New York St, between Meridian and Pennsylvania Streets in downtown Indianapolis, you can visit Harrison’s …

Based on current Marion County guidelines, we will be limiting tours to no more than 14 people. Masks are optional for vaccinated visitors and docents, but masks are required for unvaccinated visitors and docents. Pre-Registration …

1230 North Delaware Street Indianapolis, IN 46202

Benjamin Harrison became president during a pivotal time in our country’s history. While no wars were declared or armies massed, significant national issues divided the electorate and redefined party platforms. Here are some of the …

We offer the travel exhibit Campaigns and Cartoons: The Role of Caricature in Political Persuasion from the collection of Julian and Sue Ridlen. Thirty-six original sketches and published political cartoons examine the evolution of the art form and …

The Christmas holiday was a happy time for the Harrison family, especially during their first years in the White House. Benjamin and Caroline shared Christmas in the White House with their children, grandchildren, Dr. Scott, …

The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site (BHPSite) is committed to protecting your privacy and developing technology that gives you the most powerful and safe online experience. This Statement of Privacy applies to The BHPSite website and …

Entertain your corporate or social group at the home of a president! We offer a host of intriguing and unique events that combine history and entertainment.  We have a wide array of exclusive events for …

Nationwide, classrooms with connection facilities can schedule programs which are fun, interactive and informative. Contact David Pleiss, Director of Learning Resources, to discuss best platform for offering a virtual field trip (Skype, google hangouts, etc.) …

Students experience history firsthand when they visit the home of Indiana’s only U.S. president. Programs are designed to enrich curriculum and are available for all elementary grades. Tours are applicable to the Indiana State Curriculum …

Programs are designed by our Education Department to enrich the elementary curriculum. Each program brings a part of the Harrison family history alive for the students and includes a first floor tour of the home. …

In 1860, Benjamin Harrison was elected Supreme Court reporter, and according to his own account, the only political office he ever voluntarily sought. He valued the information he gained from his position and considered it …

Programs are designed by our Education Department to enrich the elementary curriculum. Each program details the life and history of the Harrison family and includes a first floor tour of the home. A group must …

A publication for the museum’s Education Department, 6 Essentials for Teaching Social Studies, is an insightful guide for teachers at all levels. Stories from within the Presidential Site demonstrate the practical application and effectiveness of …

Benjamin Harrison (1833-1901) is the son of John Scott Harrison (1804-1878) and Elizabeth Irwin Harrison (1810-1850). Click on the individuals to see a pedigree chart or family group sheet. You will need Adobe Reader to …

We were awarded a Save America’s Treasures (SAT) site-improvement grant from the National Park Service in early 2006 in the amount of $197,058. Much work ensued to match this grant dollar-for-dollar with non-federal sources, and …

As a successful attorney, Benjamin Harrison purchased a double lot on the west side of North Delaware Street in May 1868. In 1874, he and his wife Caroline began construction of their 16-room Italianate style …

Benjamin Harrison’s great-grandfather, Benjamin Harrison V, was born in Berkeley, Virginia, in 1726. He attended William and Mary College in Williamsburg. In 1764, when the House defied the Royal Governor and passed the Stamp Act Resolutions, …

Benjamin Harrison is the only United States president elected from the State of Indiana. Not only was he the 23rd president (serving from 1889-1893), but he was also the centennial president, inaugurated 100 years after …

On July 1, 1862, a full year after the bombardment of Fort Sumter, President Abraham Lincoln appealed for an additional 300,000 men in the Union Army. Along with 17 other governors, Governor Oliver P. Morton …

Benjamin Harrison was born on August 20, 1833, in North Bend, Ohio. He received his education at Farmers’ College and then attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Upon graduating with honors at age 19 on …

Your gift immediately goes to work supporting educational programs and sharing a remarkable historical legacy with more than 27,000 adults and children each year. Please consider a tax-deductible gift to our organization and help share American …

Membership to the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site is full of experiences and rewards for you, your family, and friends. Your membership gift helps to underwrite the cost of high-quality, engaging field trips for thousands of …

As a privately funded nonprofit, the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site relies on the generous core support of our donors. Your gift is critical as we share the importance of American history and civic engagement and …

Caroline Lavinia Scott was born on October 1, 1832, in the quiet college town of Oxford, Ohio, to Mary Neal Scott and John Witherspoon Scott. While she was First Lady, Caroline told a reporter at the …

We have a remarkable Volunteer Association with ample opportunities, and we are interested in growing! Do you like history? Meeting new people? Interacting with the public? Working with school children? If so, join us!  

We would like to extend a special thanks to our generous sponsors Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation Arbutus Garden Club Arthur Jordan Foundation Arts Council of Indianapolis Ball Brothers Foundation Brandt Construction, Inc. Catalyst Public Affairs Group Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF) Central Indiana …

Every year we offer several youth and leadership programs for students. These programs encourage bright young minds to become civically engaged, gain valuable leadership skills, and increase their appreciation for history – all while having …

Mark your calendar! The 3rd Thursday of the month is Homeschool Day! See school programs tab for program descriptions. Ages are mere suggestions—we can tailor this experience for homeschool family/co-op. When you book, let us know …

Charles A. Hyde, President & CEO, chyde@bhpsite.org Margaret Sallee, Director of Operations, msallee@bhpsite.org Bethany Gosewehr, VP of Development, bgosewehr@bhpsite.org Jennifer Capps, VP of Curatorship & Exhibition, jcapps@bhpsite.org Daniel Bennett, Experience Manager, dbennett@bhpsite.org Roger Hardig, VP of Education, rhardig@bhpsite.org Lindsey Beckley, Special …

The mission of the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site is to increase public participation in the American system of self-government by sharing the life stories, arts, and culture of an American President. Our vision is to be …

Mary Lord Dimmick Harrison, Benjamin Harrison’s second wife, celebrated and actively supported art and theatre, believed in the empowerment of women educated in business, and ensured the preservation of the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site for …

First Office: Space in the State Bank Building at 32 1/2 West Washington Street The Harrisons moved to Indianapolis in April 1854; here, Benjamin Harrison found that establishing a law practice was much more difficult than …

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND OPERATIONS FULL TIME EXEMPT Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE This position contributes to the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site’s overall mission by leading financial, operational, and human resource management systems. The ideal candidate will be a …

Brian Hewitt, Chair Donna Oklak, Vice Chair Jeremy Davis, Treasurer Morgan Snyder, Secretary Carolyn E. Anker, Past Chair Robert Altice Teresa A. Bennett Lisa Boncosky Latoya Botteron Lloyd Crowe Rosemary Dorsa Erin Dorsey Eric J. Holcomb Konye Ori Rod Taylor Honorary Directors Robert H. Everitt Thomas P. Ewbank George Geib Stan C. Hurt Jamia Jasper …

2020 was full of surprises; perhaps most profound among them is the widespread revision and reimagining of priorities in our personal and professional lives, and the rapid changes that have taken place in our homes, …

Benjamin Harrison (1833-1901) exhibited values-driven leadership in every chapter of his life. As a young student of Miami University and a founding member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, to his masterful command as a General …

We look forward to connecting with you!

Take a tour of this beautiful 10,000 sq.ft. Italianate Victorian family home of President Benjamin Harrison – our country’s 23rd US President (1889-1893) and Indiana’s only President. Built in 1875, the home is beautifully furnished …

Based on current Marion County guidelines, we will be limiting tours to no more than 10 people. Masks are optional for vaccinated visitors and docents, but masks are required for unvaccinated visitors and docents. Pre-Registration …

Take a tour of this beautiful 10,000 sq.ft. Italianate Victorian family home of President Benjamin Harrison – our country’s 23rd US President (1889-1893) and Indiana’s only President. Built in 1875, the home is beautifully furnished …

We are a not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization, whose purpose is to maintain and preserve the Harrison home, collections and grounds as a museum and memorial to the only president of the United States elected from Indiana. …

Our gift shop carries a variety of items that will appeal to any shopper. Gift certificates can be purchased in any amount and can be used to purchase a range of holiday and patriotic gifts …

Thank you for your interest in renting a space with us for your next event. Please review the following PDFs for more information about renting the Bob Annis Presidential Classroom or the Lawn of the …

The Presidential Site grounds feature an array of flower beds for visitors to enjoy. Our historic gardens are beautifully restored and masterfully cared for by nine volunteer gardeners (most of whom are Master Gardeners) who …

Candlelight Theatre offers exceptional theatre performances on a stage unlike any other. Each season features plays within the 23rd President’s historic mansion, which provides an authentic backdrop. Creative Director Donna Wing, Resident Playwright James Trofatter …

What was once a ballroom on the third floor where the Harrison’s hosted parties, now contains rotating exhibits. From historic fashion to presidential pets, each year this space houses unique artifacts and stories from history, …

Take a tour of this beautiful 10,000 sq.ft. Italianate Victorian family home of President Benjamin Harrison – our country’s 23rd US President (1889-1893) and Indiana’s only President. Built in 1875, the home is beautifully furnished …

Your gift today immediately goes to work sharing a remarkable cultural and civic resource with more than 27,000 children and adults each year. With your help, we are sharing the remarkable stories of our country’s …

Welcome to the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, where you can explore our nationally-significant collection of artifacts, photographs, documents, furniture and political memorabilia related to the 23rd president and the greater story of his era. From …

Thank you for your interest in experiencing the home and gardens of the only U.S. president elected from Indiana! The Delaware Street home of Benjamin Harrison is open for guided tours every two hours Monday through …