Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites

NEW ALBANY, Indiana (May 10, 2019) – A culinary event like no other is coming to New Albany’s Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site.

On May 20, the Blue Banquet will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. for adults ages 21 and older. At the event, local chefs will adapt the Culbertsons’ historical menu into a modern, three-course experience, which attendees will enjoy outside at tables decked out in blue lining Main Street.

Chefs include: Rachel Hall (Orange Clover Kitchen & More); Scott Dickenson (1816 Modern Kitchen & Drink); Dallas McGarity (Fat Lamb, Portage House); Michael Crouch (Bistro 1860); Joe Phillips (Pints & Union); Meghan Levins (Monnick Beer Co.); Michael Bowe (Red Yeti); Mike Hargraves (Beha Catering); Allen Hubbard (Martini Italian Bistro); and MESA, A Collaborative Kitchen.

Why blue? The color was chosen because in 1889, the Culbertsons hosted a blue party in honor of the Amaranth Club, a well-known club for women interested in literacy and education. Rebecca Culbertson was the hostess of the party, and the amaranth flower is blue, so a blue-themed party seemed only fitting.

“The Culbertson Mansion is a place where visitors can experience a modern twist to a historical experience,” said Jessica Stavros, southeastern regional director for the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites. “Bringing back the Blue Banquet from 1889 is an opportunity we just couldn’t pass up.”

At the Blue Banquet, attendees are invited to wear their favorite shade of blue and enjoy each table’s unique blue décor during dinner. Live musical entertainment and batch cocktails are included with dinner.

Registration is required by calling (812) 944-9600. Tickets are $50/person for Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites members, $60/person for non-members and $550/table of 10.

This event is sponsored in part by the City of New Albany. 

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The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites is located in White River State Park in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. It is Indiana’s museum for science, art and culture, offering a place where you can celebrate, investigate, remember, learn and take pride in Indiana’s story in the context of the broader world. Even the building is a showcase of the best Indiana has to offer in architecture, materials and sculpture. Easy and convenient parking is available in the attached underground garage.