The Lanier Mansion is in downtown Madison near several other historic homes. A stroll through the area provides unique shopping opportunities as well as a view of the Madison Historic District.
Special “Behind-the-Scenes Tours” at Lanier Mansion Feb. 11, March, 10, April 14, May 12, June 9, July 14, Aug. 11, Sept., 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10, Dec. 8, 2012; 4 p.m.
$10 per adult; $8 per seniors; $5 per child 12 and under Be prepared to walk on uneven surfaces and climb stairs. Limited tour size, reservations required. For more information at 812.273.0556. Mixed-up Lectures! Exploring the unrelated at the Lanier Mansion
Glorious Artistry: Victorian Death Customs and the Wondrous Art of Duct Tape March 15, 2012; 6:30 – 8 p.m.
$3 per person Anne Fairchild will show the artwork, history and folklore behind 19th century death rituals. Shonica Hartless of the Madison-Jefferson Public Library will shed a whole new light on the ever-useful all-American standby, duct tape. There will be a Q & A session at the end of the lecture along with light refreshments.
A Garden Affair March 24, 2012; noon – 2 p.m.
$25 per person; reservations required Hear gardening advice from an expert, browse our garden boutique and taste delightful spring treats with your friends. Program includes lunch. Call 812.273.0556 for reservations.
Mixed-up Lectures! Exploring the unrelated at the Lanier Mansion
Animal Night: The Great Squirrel Migration of 1811 and Homeless Greyhounds March 29, 2012; 6:30 – 8 p.m.
$3 per person Dr. Larry DeBuhr of the Rivers Institute at Hanover College will explore the mysteries and circumstances of the first steamboat trip down the Ohio River in 1811 featuring the Great Squirrel Migration. Michelle Padilla of the Indiana State Museum and her four-legged protégée, Scarlett, will share her experiences with adopting retired racing greyhounds. There will be a Q & A session at the end of the lecture along with light refreshments.
Easter Egg Hunt on the Lanier Lawn March 31, 2012; noon – 1:30 p.m.
$3 per child; one adult per child free Children 3 to 8 can hunt for Easter eggs on the grounds of Lanier Mansion. Other activities include storytelling, crafts, face painting, historical games, old toys and a visit with the Easter Bunny.
Mixed-up Lectures! Exploring the unrelated at the Lanier Mansion
A Closer Look: Book Binding and Belly Dancing April 12, 2012; 6:30 – 8 p.m.
$3 per person Shannon Rowlett, local bookbinder, will discuss the history and art of bookbinding. Heather Adler will enlighten us on the elegant history while showing us some of her moves. There will be a Q & A session at the end of the lecture along with light refreshments.
Lanier Civil War Days June 16 – 17, 2012; 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
$3 per adult; $1 per child Enjoy a weekend of Civil War encampment, historic trades fair, local history talks, musical performances and re-enactors, children’s building apprentice station and old toys.
A Midsummer’s Night Dream June 23, 2012; 8:30 – 10 p.m. Lawn opens at 8 p.m.
$10 suggested donation Join us for the ancient celebration of the summer solstice with a twilight performance of lighthearted selections from Shakespeare’s classic comedy of love, misunderstanding and magical creatures on the beautiful lawn of the Lanier Mansion. Bring your folding chairs, picnic baskets or candelabras and enjoy! Cash bar available.
Madison Archicamp: Settling Madison June 27, 28, 2012; 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
$30 per person; reservations required Campers ages 8 to 12 can travel back in time for hands-on fun learning about area landmarks, architecture, historic preservation and history in Madison, Indiana. There will be hand tools from the past, a walking tour, architectural craft projects and more! The second day of the camp will conclude with a swim at the historic Crystal Beach pool.
Fee includes refreshments, educational materials, admission fees and souvenirs. Participants should bring a sack lunch both days. Enrollment for the camp is limited to 20 children. Reservations must be made by June 22; contact Heidi Kruggel Historic Madison, Inc., 812.265.2967 or heidi@historicmadisoninc.com. In conjunction with Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana and Historic Madison, Inc.
The Lady in Red Murder Mystery Aug. 4, 2012; 7 – 9 p.m.
$15 per person, reservations required Murder – Victorian style! Although Madison was a rough river town in the 1840s, people are shocked when a lovely Lady in Red is found dead on the private wharf of the richest man in town – Mr. James Lanier. Join in the fun and help us look for clues in at the Lanier Mansion’s first murder mystery. Light refreshments will be served.
Black & White Party Sept. 8, 2012; 7 – 9 p.m.
$25 in advance, $30 at the door; reservations required One glittering night of good food, good friends, good music — all in black and white! Held on the scenic south lawn, guests are encouraged to wear any type of black and white attire. Refreshments include substantial hors d’oeuvres, one complimentary drink and a cash bar.
Night Spirits Oct. 19, 2012; 7 – 9 p.m.
$10 per person; limited number of participants-reservations recommended Costumed actors portraying “spirits” will share true stories of murder and mayhem from Madison’s past. Light refreshments will be served in the Mansion’s spooky basement. Call 812.273.0556 for reservations.
Spooky Mansion Oct. 27, 2012; 6 – 8 p.m.
$3 per child (one free adult per child) This children’s Halloween program features trick-or-treating, ghost stories, visits by Civil War ghosts, creepy crafts and a walk through the Lanier Mansion’s creepy basement.
Spirit of Christmas Past Dec. 8, 2012; 2 – 4 p.m.
$3 per child; (one free adult per child) Enjoy a Victorian Christmas for children and their families. There will be crafts, refreshments, stories, a gift shop and a Victorian Santa Claus.
For more information and event descriptions, call Site Manager Gerry Reilly at 812.273.0556.
PATCH PROGRAMS FOR SCOUTS Earn your Historic Preservation Patch at the Indiana State Historic Sites! Grades 3 – 12 Find out how your Scout group or youth organization can learn to love and protect old architectural treasures in our communities. Designed for both older and younger youth, visit one of the participating state historic sites and do the rest of the activities on your own, or request a program be provided for your group at $3 per person.
When the requirements are completed, you may purchase this patch for $3 at the Lanier Mansion State Historic Site. For information and patch requirements, contact Anne Fairchild at 812.273.4531 or afairchild@indianamuseum.org.