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NEW HARMONY STATE HISTORIC SITE

WELCOME to NEW HARMONY

NEW HARMONY, IN
Tour Times (Registration Required)
  • 11:00 am
  • 12:30 pm
  • 3:30 pm
Exterior of New Harmony

Discover the home of two early American Utopian communities.

New Harmony is the site of not just one, but two early American utopian communities. The Harmony Society, led by George Rapp, arrived in the United States in 1804 and settled in Pennsylvania before purchasing 20,000 acres on the Wabash River and moving to Indiana in 1814.

The Harmonists were religious Separatists from Germany who pursued Christian perfection through every aspect of their daily conduct. They sold New Harmony to Robert Owen in 1825, and he, along with his business partner William Maclure, hoped to establish a model community where education and social equality would flourish. Visit New Harmony State Historic Site to tour the many historic buildings, and even get a look at the innovative approach behind the Harmonists’ original construction techniques.

A New Type of Community

The Harmonists believed that Christ’s second coming was imminent. They pursued Christian perfection through every aspect of their daily conduct and created a highly ordered and productive community. Between 1814 and 1824, the Harmonists constructed more than 180 log, frame and brick structures. The community was entirely self-sufficient and produced a wide variety of goods that were traded as far away as New Orleans, Pittsburgh and even overseas.

A New Direction

In 1824, George Rapp decided to sell New Harmony. He found a buyer in Robert Owen, a wealthy industrialist from Scotland. In 1825, Owen purchased New Harmony outright, hoping to establish a model community where education and social equality would flourish. Owen’s business partner William Maclure, a well-respected geologist, attracted many important scholars to New Harmony, including naturalists, geologists, educators and early feminists.

Continuing a Legacy through Preservation

Miss Mary Emily Fauntleroy, daughter to one of the founding members of the Minerva Society, was an early preservationist in New Harmony. Although her methods were unorthodox, she turned the Fauntleroy Home into the first tour site in New Harmony where she entertained the public by recounting the history and events that had taken place in the house. Miss Mary Emily would play the harp in the parlor of the home.

A Community Ends

By 1827, Owen’s community had dissolved. Nevertheless, his Utopian dream brought significant contributions to American scientific and educational theory, study and practice. Early feminist activity increased national awareness of the women’s suffrage issue.

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PRESERVE THE LEGACY of New Harmony

Help keep the legacy of New Harmony alive. Support the New Harmony State Historic Site through donations, memberships, or volunteering and ensure future generations can experience this historic treasure.

See all that New Harmony has to offer scouting groups with guides designed to help you explore.

Host your event amidst the historic charm of picturesque New Harmony.