Where Our State Began
Transforming Indiana from a territorial outpost to a functioning modern state was a deeply dramatic and fascinating time in our nation’s history. From Corydon’s colorful beginnings, Hoosier statesmen carefully built the foundations for a new beginning.
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Statehood
Government
Pioneer Life
202 E Walnut St, Corydon, IN 47112, USA
Take a trip to see us
School Group Tours
K-Grade 12
Admission is FREE for pre-registered, accredited schools or homeschool groups of 10 or more K-12 students. Free admission includes teachers and bus drivers, plus one additional adult chaperone per every 10 students. Additional chaperones pay the group admission rate of $7/person. Members of the Indiana Association of Homeschool Educators receive free daily admission with proof of membership.
Contact site for non-Indiana student rate.
Pre-registration required at least two months in advance.
The school group tour includes a guided tour of the first state capitol building and the governor’s headquarters, plus students can see the famous “Constitution Elm.”
Indiana Academic Standards: Social Studies: 4.1.4, 4.1.5, 4.1.6, 4.2.1, 4.2.2, 4.2.3, 4.2.4
Explore Programs
Whether it’s at the site, outreach or virtual, we offer hands-on, exploratory and interactive programs on a variety of topics that provide your students a fun way to learn about Indiana’s people, places and things. All programs fulfill select Indiana Academic Standards.
AT SITE or OUTREACH
Length: 45-60 minutes
Max. number of students: 25
Cost: $2/student
Travel fees: 30-60 miles=$20; 60-90 miles=$40; 90+ miles=$60
VIRTUAL
Length: 45-60 minutes
Cost: $75/class
JUNK IN THE TRUNK
Grades 2–5
Sept. 2023 – Feb. 2024
At site, outreach, virtual
Students enjoy identifying and learning about unusual historical artifacts. Each item in the trunk “looks like” something they might be familiar with and the efforts they put into guessing are priceless! The presenter will share the historical use of each unique object with the students.
Indiana Academic Standards: Social Studies: 3.4.2, 4.1.3, 4.1.4, 4.4.1, 4.4.2
COVERED WAGON
Grades 3–5
Sept. 2023 – Feb. 2024
At site, virtual
Pack your wagons. It’s time to take a trip! Students will learn what it took to travel in the early 1800s. After a presentation from staff, students will have a chance to pack their wagons with what they think they’ll need. What supplies would they need to bring? What would be left behind? How would they survive?
Indiana Academic Standards: Social Studies: 3.1.2, 3.1.3. 3.1.4, 3.4.3, 4.1.4, 4.3.9, 4.4.1, 4.4.3, 5.3.11, 5.3.13
FEDERAL PERIOD DANCE WORKSHOP
Grades 3–12
Fee: Dependent on number attending – contact site for more information
At site
Dancing was an important part of the social life of early Hoosiers. In this workshop, we’ll teach students proper manners for interacting with others in 1816 as well as a popular dance of the period.
Indiana Academic Standards: Social Studies: 5.7.5, 6.1.22, 6.3.10
TRIAL FOR FREEDOM: THE POLLY STRONG CASE
Grades 4–12
Sept. 2023 – March 2024
At site
In 1820, a young slave woman from Vincennes named Polly Strong sued her master to gain her freedom. This interactive program guides students through her trial and the precedent that it set in terms of slavery in Indiana. Students will also visit the Supreme Court room where the trial occurred.
Indiana Academic Standards: Social Studies: 3.2.3, 3.2.4, 4.1.11, 4.2.11, 4.2.4, 4.2.7, 4.3.12
FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
Indiana’s Birthday Celebration
Dec. 4-8 (same program each day), 1 p.m.
Free virtual program on Zoom
Fourth-grade students will learn about the Indiana constitution and how Indiana became a state. This interactive program allows students to discuss and determine what laws they would create. Teachers will be given a writing prompt for students to create their own constitutions after the presentation. This is a 20–30 minute activity.
Registration is required by Dec. 1 by calling 812.738.4890 or emailing [email protected].
Indiana Academic Standards: Social Studies 4.1.4, 4.1.5, 4.1.6, 4.2.1, 4.2.2, 4.2.3, 4.2.4
