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Communique Online
May 16, 2008
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Table of Contents:

Training Opportunities and Conferences
Historic Southern Indiana’s 5th Annual Lincoln Institute for Teachers
South Shore Line Centennial Conference: The Last Electric Interurban Railway
Programs
Historic Preservation Day at the Cass County Historical Museum
A Victorian Chautauqua at the Howard Steamboat Museum
This Old House: Architectural Styles of the Historic Old Northside
Queen Victoria Birthday Tea
Summer Story-Reading Program for Kids at the Center for History
Program on the Maker of the Tucker Automobile
The Whistle Pigs at Music in the Gardens
Funding Opportunities
Student Scholarship to Attend Cornelius O’Brien Conference on Historic Preservation
IHS News
Slinging Doughnuts for the Boys: An American Woman in World War II
Awards
Nominations Requested for 2008 Governor’s Awards for Tomorrow’s Leaders
Exhibits
Abraham Lincoln: Self-Made in America
Cordially Invited: A Look at Vintage Weddings

People in the News
Kristie Erickson Named Special Project Curator at Center for History
Job Opportunities
Historic Site Manager at the Ohio Historical Society

Training Opportunities and Conferences

Historic Southern Indiana’s 5th Annual Lincoln Institute for Teachers
This program, A House Dividing: Lincoln and the Emergence of Modern Politics, will be held on June 19-20 at the University of Southern Indiana campus in Evansville.

The focus will be on the year 1858 as a turning point in American politics and we will explore such events as impact of the Kansas-Nebraska Act, the rise of Republican Party, and the Lincoln-Douglas debates. Since 2008 is a Presidential election year, we will also focus on the nature of political discourse in our current political process and compare and contrast that with the early days of the modern two-party system in the Civil War era.

Various registration packages are available starting at $85. The registration deadline is May 30. 

Additional information and online registration is available at http://www.usi.edu/hsi/index.asp or by calling Historic Southern Indiana at (800) 489-4474 to receive a brochure.


South Shore Line Centennial Conference: The Last Electric Interurban Railway
This conference, presented by the Midwest Railroad Research Center of the Indiana Historical Society, will take place from June 26-28 at the South Bend Regional Airport.

The cost for the three days of activities is $45.

Schedule of Activities:

Thu., June 26:

  • 7-9 p.m.: Reception in the Atrium at the South Bend Regional Airport with light hors d’oeuvres and cash bar. At the reception the poster by Mitch Markowitz commemorating the centennial will be unveiled. Copies of the poster will be available for purchase at the conference.

Fri., June 27:

  • 8:30 a.m.: Registration Opens
  • 9 a.m.: Sand, Steel, and Rail: The Northwest Indiana Historical Context of the South Shore Line by Steve McShane, Archivist-Curator, Calumet Regional Archives
  • 10:30 a.m.: The Development of Railroads in the Region including the South Shore Line by Bill Middleton, Railroad Historian
  • 11:30 a.m.: Buffet Lunch – Served by the South Bend Café at the airport.
    (Cost of lunch payable to the restaurant)
  • 1 p.m.: The Creation of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) by George Smerk, Professor Emeritus of Transportation, Indiana University-Bloomington
  • 2:15 p.m.: The Present and Future of Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District by Jerry Hanas, General Manager NICTD
  • 3:30 p.m.: South Shore Freight Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow by Richard D. Bunton, retired Vice President of Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad, Peter Gilbertson, Chairman of South Shore Freight and Henry Lampe, President of South Shore Freight. Moderated by Norm Carlson, Member, Indiana Historical Society’s Midwest Railroad Research Center Advisory Committee

Sat., June 28:

  • 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.: A round-trip train ride between South Bend and Michigan City with a visit at the Shops. A box lunch will be served on the train.

For more information or to register visit http://www.indianahistory.org/southshoreline.htm.

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Programs

Please confim events specifics with sponsoring organization, especially if traveling any distance.

Historic Preservation Day at the Cass County Historical Museum
This event will take place on Sat., May 17, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Admission is free to the public. All the buildings on the museum grounds will be open.

Attractions Include:

  • Displays at booths by the Logansport Firefighters, Longcliff Museum, Cass Co. Visitor Bureau and Historic Preservation Foundation
  • The ReVere and other vintage cars on display!
  • An open house of 136 Eel River Ave. on famous Banker’s Row will be ongoing!
  • Don’t miss the log cabin as a pioneer school with “old time teachers” Mrs. Andrea Perrone and Mrs. Eileen Copeland! See what school was like in the 1800’s – and how the teachers dressed!

Park your car at Riverside Park and you can ride an interurban trolley down to Eel River Ave., then up E. Market St. to the museum grounds!  The Eel River Ave. stop will be a continual drop off and pick up spot for the event.


A Victorian Chautauqua at the Howard Steamboat Museum
This festival will be held on Sat., May 17 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sun., May 18 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

General admission is $3 for the festival. Children under 12 are free with an adult. No pets please.

This is a family oriented festival featuring quality arts and crafts booths, entertainment, a large herb & perennial sale, Carriage House Antique Sales, food, book signings and mansion tours. The theme of the Chautauqua this year is “Celebrating 50 Golden Years” in honor of the 50th Anniversary of the opening of the Museum on May 18, 1958.

Sat. Schedule of Events

  • 10 a.m. A Victorian Chautauqua Opens
  • 10 a.m.-6 p.m.: Concurrent: Family Fun Festival – Sponsored by Clark County Youth Shelter in the Port Fulton Park behind Museum
  • 11 a.m.: Landmark Institutions: The Howard Steamboat Museum and the Remnant Trust, a presentation by Phil Vogt, Visiting Remnant Trust Scholar in the mansion.
  • noon-2 p.m.: Purple Back Pocket and Hi Tops kid rock bands performing at the park.
  • noon: Clark County in the 50's, a presentation by Carl and Mary Kagin Kramer.
  • 1 p.m: Buildings, Roads and Neighborhoods: How Has Metro Louisville Changed Since 1958?, a presentation by Steve Wiser in the mansion.
  • 2 p.m.: River City Concert Band in the tent.
  • 3 p.m.: Spring Street – A Play.
  • 3 p.m.: Hula Hoop and 50's Fashion Contest in the tent.
  • 4 p.m.: Fort Hill String Band in the tent.
  • 5 p.m.: Nannie Thorp Experience improv in the tent.

Sun. Schedule of Events

  • 10 a.m.: A Victorian Chautauqua Opens
  • 11 a.m.: Garden Talk by Cheryl Gilbert of Olde Thyme Log House Gardens at the booth.   
  • noon: Sam Stone on the dulcimer in the tent.  
  • noon: Bob Hill showing Slides of Year of Views at Hidden Hill Nursery in the mansion.
  • 1 p.m.: Spring Street – A Play in the tent.
  • 2 p.m.: Tom Galligan, mayor of Jeffersonville will make the proclamation of Howard Steamboat Museum Day in the tent.
  • 2:15 p.m.: The U.S. Postal Service opens Howard Steamboat Museum Golden Anniversary Station – Cancellation in the tent.
  • 2:30 p.m.: Birthday cake and Elvis.
  • 3-4 p.m.: Elvis Impersonator, Ray Glenn.

For more information or with questions contact Yvonne B. Knight at (812) 283-3728 or e-mail HSMSTEAM@aol.com.

The Museum is located at 1101 E. Market St. in Jeffersonville. Free parking is available.


This Old House: Architectural Styles of the Historic Old Northside
This event will take place on Sat., May 24, from 9:30 a.m-noon, beginning at the Morris-Butler House Museum in Indianapolis.

Take an architectural trip through Indianapolis history during This Old House: Architectural Styles of the Historic Old Northside celebrating National Historic Preservation Month. Gather at the Morris-Butler House Museum for a brief presentation by Director of Heritage Education and Information, Suzanne Stanis, on the history and hallmarks of Indiana’s architectural heritage. Then head outside to see real-life examples on a walking tour highlighting the Old Northside, one of the city’s premiere historic neighborhoods.

The cost is $20 per person, or $17 for members. Reservations are required. Register by May 14 and receive a $5 discount on the purchase of your registration. Call (317) 636-5409 for reservations.

The Morris-Butler House is located at 1204 N. Park Ave. in Indianapolis.


Queen Victoria Birthday Tea
This event will be held on Sat., May 24, from 1-3 p.m. at the Morris-Butler House Museum in Indianapolis.

Join us at the Morris-Butler House Museum for the celebration of Queen Victoria’s birthday during a delicious tea featuring Queen Victoria’s favorite tea fare and foods inspired by England’s longest reigning queen. Have tea with the Queen herself and indulge in English Breakfast tea, Victoria Sponge Cake, Ruby Scones, Victorian Jubilee Cake, Chicken Curry Sandwiches and Victorian Kisses. Following a tour of the house, make lavender sachets to reflect Queen Victoria’s favorite scent with the Queen. Tea is provided exclusively by Tea’s Me Café, and the event is sponsored in part by Willowfield Lavender Farm.

Tickets are $30 per person, or $25 for members of the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana. Reservations are required. Please contact the Morris-Butler House staff at (317) 636.5409 or mbhouse@historiclandmarks.org for reservations.

The Morris-Butler House is located at 1204 N. Park Ave. in Indianapolis.


Summer Story-Reading Program for Kids at the Center for History
Young ones ages 3-6 are invited each Wednesday, beginning June 4, for Voyages in Time at the Center for History in South Bend.

The summer story-reading program is designed to help children learn about simple topics of history. Taking place in the museum’s galleries, kids hear stories from contemporary and classic children’s books. Themes connect the readings to museum exhibits and artifacts in a way that is fun and easily understood by children.

The 30-minute program will feature such books as The Best Fish Ever, Farmer Pig's Busy Day and Frances Builds a Crazy Thing.

Admission is $2 and free for members. Children must be accompanied by adults, whose admission is free. Reservations are required by the Tuesday prior to each session.

For information, call (574) 235-9664, ext. 241, or visit http://www.centerforhistory.org/.


Program on the Maker of the Tucker Automobile
This program will take place on Wed., June 4, at 1:30 p.m at the Center for History in South Bend.

Stephen Hofer, Ph.D., Curator at the Philo T. Farnsworth Television History Center in Auburn, Ind., will give a presentation about the Tucker automobile at the Center for History’s Insights in History for Seniors. Dr. Hofer will focus on the life of Preston Thomas Tucker, from his time in Detroit to Ypsilanti Michigan, to the Tucker Corporation headquarters in Chicago, Illinois. He will chronicle the head-turning features of the Tucker '48, including its three headlights in the front and six exhaust pipes below the rear bumper, and discuss why only 53 of the Tucker '48 were produced.

Artifacts related to the Tucker Corporation will be on display in conjunction with the presentation.

Admission is $3 and reservations are requested by June 3.

For more information, call (574) 235-9664 or visit http://www.centerforhistory.org/.


The Whistle Pigs at Music in the Gardens
The Whistle Pigs are the featured performers at the season opener of Music in the Gardens, taking place on Fri., June 6, from 5-8:30 p.m. at the Center for History in South Bend.

The event is co-hosted by the Center for History and 88.1 WVPE Public Radio. Sponsors are the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care and NIPSCO. The Whistle Pigs band continues the tradition of versatile musical offerings including contemporary, classic rock, jazz, and rhythm and blues. Entertaining Michiana audiences of all ages since 1993, these entertainers provide a polished and exciting musical experience.

The lush grounds of Copshaholm provide a perfect setting for Music in the Gardens. Copshaholm is the 1896 home built for industrialist J. D. Oliver and his family. The mansion’s surrounding 2 ½ acres of gardens, in full bloom at this time of year, offer a fragrant backdrop to the evening of music.

Complimentary first floor tours of the Oliver Mansion will be available at Music in the Gardens. Guests can also view the Center for History’s newest exhibits, 100 Years of Design, R.I.P. - Victorian Mourning Customs, and Lost Landmarks: Then and Now.

Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets. Food and beverages will be sold. No carry-in foods or beverages are permitted. The event will be held rain or shine. Corporate table packages may be purchased by calling the Center for History.

For more information, call (574) 235-9664 or visit http://www.centerforhistory.org/.

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Funding Opportunities

Student Scholarship to Attend Cornelius O’Brien Conference on Historic Preservation
Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana is currently accepting applications for the Maudie L. Anderson Scholarship.

This scholarship pays all expenses (lodging for two nights, meals and registration) for an African American college student in history, historic preservation, architecture, education or African American studies to attend the Cornelius O’Brien Conference on Historic Preservation to be held in Bloomington on Oct. 16-18, 2008. The conference brings together historians, scholars and historic preservation professionals to hear nationally prominent speakers, exchange ideas, tour historic properties and get to know one another during social events.

For more information contact Historic Landmarks Foundation at (317) 639-4534 or (800) 450-4534.

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IHS News

Slinging Doughnuts for the Boys: An American Woman in World War II
This lecture by Professor James H. Madison will take place on Wed., May 21, from noon-1 p.m. at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center in Indianapolis.

Admission is Free.

Professor Madison will discuss his recent book, Slinging Doughnuts for the Boys: An American Woman in World War II. The book focuses on Elizabeth Richardson, a Red Cross Clubmobile worker from Mishawaka, Indiana who worked in Europe serving coffee and doughnuts to men going to and returning from combat. Using her diary, letters, paintings and photographs, Madison shows Richardson's experiences in World War II. Elizabeth was killed in a plane crash over France in July of 1945. She is buried at the American Cemetery in Normandy.

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Awards

Nominations Requested for 2008 Governor’s Awards for Tomorrow’s Leaders
The Indiana Humanities Council is now accepting nominations for the 2008 Governor's Awards for Tomorrow's Leaders (GATL).

The GATL award recognizes individuals for their outstanding contributions to Indiana communities in the areas of entrepreneurship, academics and/or civic leadership. If you know an exceptional individual—whether a student, co-worker, community activist, or member of your family—please refer to the nomination requirements at http://www.indianahumanities.org/.

Award recipients will be recognized formally in a ceremony in Indianapolis in October. The award will be presented by the IHC in conjunction with the Office of the Governor and the GATL sponsors. The 12 recipients will also be given a monetary award in the amount of $1000 to be used as an educational scholarship for the recipient or donated to one or two charities of the recipient's choice.

The deadline is June 2, 2008.

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Exhibits

Abraham Lincoln: Self-Made in America
This mobile museum exhibit developed by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM) in Springfield, Ill., will stop at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, where people are encouraged to visit free of charge on Fri., May 16, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sat., May 17, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

The exhibit will travel the United States over the next two years inspiring visitors with the story of Lincoln’s life and accomplishments.  The only exhibit of its type in the country, the mobile museum uses an engaging mixture of interactive elements, graphics, facsimile documents and artifacts inside a 53-foot long, double expandable trailer to commemorate the Lincoln Bicentennial.

The exhibition examines Lincoln’s life from his poor beginnings to his ascension to the presidency and his assassination.  Highlights include a visual recreation of Lincoln’s 1861 Farewell Address from a train car in Springfield as he left for the White House and the award-winning The Civil War in Four Minutes video presentation.

For up-to-the-minute tour dates and locations, additional information about the mobile exhibit or to learn more about the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, visit http://www.abelincolnmuseum.org/.

Applications to host the exhibit are now being accepted. For more information on how your institution can be part of this monumental bicentennial event visit http://www.lincoln200.net/alplmf/.


Cordially Invited: A Look at Vintage Weddings
The preview party for this exhibit will be held at the La Porte County Historical Society Museum on Fri., May 30 from 6-9 p.m.

Featured will be an elaborate display of historic fashions and accessories of brides and grooms of the past. The historical society’s collection of wedding attire ranges from the 1870s to the 1990s and all periods in between. The gowns will be presented in their correct period rooms of the museum as well as being featured in a showcase, an antique buggy and the lobby of the museum. 

Admission to the party is $8 for society members and $10 for non-members. The admission price includes traditional wedding reception food and drink as well as a preview of this most extravagant display. 

Please RSVP for the party by Sat., May 24 by telephone at (219) 324-6767.

The museum is located at 2405 Indiana Ave. in La Porte, Ind. The display will be open to the public starting May 31 and will be featured through August. 

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People in the News

Kristie Erickson Named Special Project Curator at Center for History
Joining the Center for History as Special Project Curator is Kristie Erickson. Upon completion of her thesis, Erickson will hold a Master of Arts in Archaeological Studies from Yale University. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Purdue University.

As part of the museum’s curatorial department, Erickson will be responsible for cataloguing artifacts in Copshaholm, the 38-room mansion that was once home to the J. D. Oliver family.

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Job Opportunities

Historic Site Manager at the Ohio Historical Society
The Ohio Historical Society is seeking an experienced museum professional to manage the operation and interpretation of Adena Mansion & Gardens in Ross County, Oh.

Responsibilities include coordinating and supervising the operation of the site, including the museum, extensive grounds and historic buildings, supervision of other staff and volunteer positions, and extensive work with the local community.

Bachelor's degree, preferably in history, communications, education or related field with a minimum of four years management experience is required.

Candidates must demonstrate strong understanding of management principles, excellent skills in organizing projects and professionalism to internal and external clients. Applicants with living history museum management, volunteer coordination and community relations experience will be given preference.

Complete benefits package. Salary commensurate with experience.

Send resume/cover letter to hr@ohiohistory.org or fax to (614) 297-2293. EOE.

For more information on the Adena Mansion & Gardens visit http://ohsweb.ohiohistory.org/places/sw01/.

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Note from the Editor:

Do you know someone who might want to receive Communique Online? Anyone may join the mailing list by e-mailing col@indianahistory.org.

If your historical organizations, genealogical society or museum has changed its address or phone number in the past six months, please send the updated information to Coordinator, Local History Services, at the above e-mail, or Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, 450 W. Ohio St., Indianapolis, IN 46202.

Communique Online is provided for the benefit of local historical societies and museums throughout Indiana. It is e-mailed to a subscriber list maintained by the Local History Services department of the Indiana Historical Society.

Anyone may subscribe. This is a free publication.

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News releases from local societies are welcomed and may be faxed to (317) 234-0427, e-mailed to the above address or mailed to Local History Services, Indiana Historical Society, Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, 450 W. Ohio St., Indianapolis, IN 46202.

Please visit the IHS Local History Services Web site at www.indianahistory.org/LHS.