$2.5 million Lilly Endowment Inc. grant will support dynamic new experiences
The New Harmony State Historic Site will undergo a multi-year transformation focused on enhancing the visitor experiences, funded by a $2.5 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites.
Lilly Endowment’s support comes through its Religion and Cultural Institutions Initiative, a national initiative supporting organizations as they develop exhibits and public programs that fairly and accurately portray the role of religion and spirituality in the U.S. and around the world. This is one of two plans for development in New Harmony to receive funding from Lilly Endowment, as a separate $2.5 million grant was awarded to support Historic New Harmony, a program of the University of Southern Indiana.
“We’re grateful to Lilly Endowment for funding these two projects and allowing both institutions to work to better serve the community,” said Cathy Ferree, president and CEO of the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites. “This gives us an opportunity at the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites to utilize our knowledge and expertise in producing authentic, visitor-centered experiences to highlight our site and capture the spirit of New Harmony.”
The transformation project at the New Harmony State Historic Site, which is still in development and expected to be complete in 2028, will create dynamic, one-of-a-kind experiences that center around engaging visitors with the spiritual aspects of New Harmony.
The centerpiece will be an enhanced interpretive experience at Community House No. 2 that will incorporate interactive technology to reveal unique stories about the town’s past. Founded in 1814 on the banks of the Wabash River, New Harmony was home to two early American Utopian communities — the Harmonists and the Owenites — that shaped the town’s development as it grew into a hub for science, scholarship and spirituality in the early 19th century. Today, the New Harmony Historic District, which covers the New Harmony State Historic Site, Historic New Harmony and other properties, is noted in the National Register of Historic Places for its significance in architecture, performing arts, education and social history.
Renovations inside Community House No. 2 will also support dedicated spaces for public events and programs, private archives and administration. Additionally, the project will include new immersive art experiences at the Thrall’s Opera House, Scholle House and Harmonist Labyrinth.
“The changes to New Harmony State Historic Site will bring new experiences that invite visitors to come and dive into New Harmony’s stories,” said Kelley Morgan, site manager for New Harmony State Historic Site. “I am excited to provide a new and different way for the community and our visitors to interact with this unique location.”
In addition, the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites will use a portion of the grant to support the collection and care of artifacts that reflect Indiana’s religious history throughout the museum and at historic sites statewide.
While the transformation project is under way, visitors can continue to discover the New Harmony State Historic Site through self-guided tours of Community House No. 2 and guided tours of other sites throughout town. Visitors can go to New Harmony State Historic Site’s webpage for tour times and other information and to purchase admission.
