Levi and Catharine Coffin, T.C. Steele and Whitewater Canal offer family-friendly wintertime events.
This holiday season, visitors are invited to join in the many festive traditions happening throughout the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites system, including the three historic sites in central Indiana: Levi and Catharine Coffin, T.C. Steele and Whitewater Canal.
The holiday happenings begin at the Whitewater Canal State Historic Site in Metamora. While the site is typically closed to the public from November through March, it will be open to coincide with the town’s annual Old-Fashioned Christmas Walk. From noon-9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and noon-5 p.m. Sundays from Nov. 28 through Dec. 21, the warm glow of lanterns will light up the canal as attendees explore the town and enjoy shopping, horse-drawn carriage rides and live music. At the historic site’s grist mill, families can visit and get a photo with Santa. Plus, visitors can see corn-grinding demonstrations and purchase freshly ground cornmeal, grits and bran for their holiday meals or to give as gifts. Admission is free, and the event is sponsored by the Merchants Association of Metamora.
The beauty and magic of the season continue at the T.C. Steele State Historic Site in Nashville with a day filled with festivities on Dec. 7. It all begins at 10:15 a.m. with a special tour highlighting artist’s T.C. Steele’s last Christmas in the House of the Singing Winds and the family members who shared the holiday with him. Part of the year-long celebration commemorating the 100th anniversary of his death, this event will offer a perfect opportunity for visitors to see the new centennial exhibition in the large studio that features rarely seen paintings and newly acquired pieces spanning Steele’s career. The tour is included with regular admission.
Afterwards from noon-4 p.m., attendees can stay to experience the beloved tradition Steele’s Country Christmas. For this annual celebration of St. Nicholas Day, families can sip hot beverages and savor delicious sweets as they listen to live music, make fun crafts and visit with St. Nicholas and his curmudgeonly counterpart Belsnickel. Plus, visitors can stroll through the House of the Singing Winds and large studio and enjoy the festive holiday décor of the 1920s, including a sparkling, 12-foot Christmas tree. Tickets are $14 for adults, $8 for youth and $12 for seniors. Also happening from 1-3 p.m. on Dec. 7, visitors can make a one-of-a-kind holiday wreath or swag during a special workshop. The cost is $45 per person, which includes admission to Steele’s Country Christmas. Space is limited, and reservations are required.
The wintertime events will conclude with candlelight tours at the Levi and Catharine Coffin State Historic Site in Fountain City. On Jan. 2 and 9, visitors can see the Coffin home by candlelight and hear stories that highlight why the Coffins did not focus on popular holiday pastimes. Attendees will also learn about the experience of freedom-seekers who risked everything to escape slavery, why winter was a common season for escapes and why some freedom-seekers stayed in Fountain City before moving farther north. Tickets are $17 for adults, $12 for youth and $15 for seniors. Advance registration is required for most holiday happenings at the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, and members will receive a 25% discount on tickets.
