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Explore buildings constructed by two early utopian communities – the Harmonists and the Owenites – and discover how New Harmony became a haven for naturalists, geologists, educators and early feminists. Plus, discover how New Harmony’s early history led to a thriving arts community today.
Call 812.682.3702 to schedule your field trip to New Harmony State Historic Site.
Free Admission
Free for preregistered, accredited schools of 10+ K-12 students, teachers, bus drivers, and one additional adult per five students. Additional chaperones pay the group admission rate.
Free Admission
Free for preregistered groups of 10+ students, including one free adult per five students. Additional adults pay the group rate.
Pre-Registration
All field trips must be booked at least two weeks in advance. This ensures a personalized, engaging experience for your students.
Group Size
A minimum of 10 students is required for field trips.
Lunch
Picnic areas are available, and there are nearby restaurants for students and chaperones.
Accessibility
The site is fully accessible, including the operea house and outdoor areas.
Contact
Call 812.682.3702 or email [email protected] to schedule your field trip to T.C. Steele.
Take your students’ learning experience to the next level with hands-on, interactive educational programs designed to complement classroom lessons. All programs fulfill select Indiana Academic Standards.
Customize Your Visit
Educators may request a specialty program or activity for an additional fee. Programs include art, history, nature, science, engineering and multidisciplinary learning.
Bring the Experience to Your Location – Outreach Program
Can’t come to us? We’ll come to you with a variety of activities from one of our programs below.
Program Length
45-60 minutes
Maximum Group Size
20 students
Cost
$4/student
Program Length
45-60 minutes
Maximum Group Size
25 students
Cost
$4/student
Program Length
45-60 minutes
Cost
First session: $100
Additional sessions: $75
Travel Fees
30-60 miles: $20
60-90 miles: $40
90+ miles: $60
Take a look at our collected educator resources from across the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites.
Our programs are designed to engage students with art, history, and nature in an integrated way. We focus on core educational themes that meet Indiana Academic Standards for multiple grade levels, including:
The New Harmony State Historic Site conducts guided school group tours starting at Community House No. 2. Tours include Community House No. 2 exhibits, a stop in our historic print shop, as well as numerous historic structures and a self-guided walk through the Harmonist Labyrinth.
Available: On-site
Please contact New Harmony State Historic Site at 812.682.3702 or [email protected] for more information on field trips, personalized educational programming, or for help planning your group’s visit.
Indiana Academic Standards: KH1, 1H1, 1H3, 1H8, 2H1, 2H2, 2H3, 2H4, 3H1, 3H2, 3H3, 3H6, 3H7, 3H8, 4H1, 4H2, 4H4, 4H7, 4H14, 5H1, 5H2, 5H3, 5H4, 5H6, 6H10, 6H11, 6H12, 6H14, 6H15, 8H11, 8H12, 8H19, 8H20, 8H21, 8H22, USH1.2, USH2.1, USH2.4, USH10.1, USH10.2, USH10.3, USH10.4, USH10.5, IS1.5
Much of what we know about the group who first settled New Harmony comes from the remnants they left behind—especially their pottery. Learn how archaeologist restore the artifacts they discover by reconstructing your own Harmonist-inspired pottery pieces.
Available: On-site and Outreach
Indiana Academic Standards: 3.1.2, 3.1.3, 3.1.4, 3.1.6, 4.1.6, 5.1.22
Thrall’s Opera House has served a variety of purposes throughout its lifetime, starting as a dormitory in 1824 and eventually becoming a warehouse, multi-family dwelling, a dance hall and more. The structure was transformed into an opera house in 1888, serving as home to the Golden Troupe—which included “singing comedienne” Frances Golden, who entertained troops during WWI. Explore the restored theater and learn all about the Golden Troupe for yourself during a visit!
Robert Owen purchased the town of Harmony, which later became known as New Harmony, in 1825. Owen purchased the 20,000 acres from George Rapp with plans to establish a model community where education and social equality would flourish, but Owen’s “Community of Equality” dissolved by 1827. Still, Owen’s Utopian dream brought many contributions to American scientific and educational theory, study and practice that continue to affect Indiana even today.
Planted in concentric circles of manicured privet hedge, this reconstructed Harmonist labyrinth evokes the serenity and peacefulness the Utopians were seeking. Large shade trees bordering one end of the lot provide a perfect canopy for garden parties and weddings, with the labyrinth gracing the background.
The New Harmony Advertiser (1858-1861) and The New Harmony Register (1867-1932) were both printed on equipment that’s still on display on the third floor of Community House No. 2. Father and son, Charles and Harry “Nick” Slater ran the Slater Print Shop using a six column, two page Washington Press. It is said to be assembled from two smaller presses used to print the Western Atlas and the Gleaner for many years before the Slaters used it.
We look forward to welcoming your students to the New Harmony State Historic Site, where art, nature, science and history come alive. Call us at 812.682.3702 to book your trip or send us an email at the link below.
