33rd Heritage Artisans Days Continue To Align With Grade School Curriculum

33rd Heritage Artisans Days Continue To Align With Grade

Historic New Harmony’s 33rd Annual Heritage Artisans Days will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., April 19- 21, in New Harmony, Indiana. This tristate tradition celebrates 19th century arts, crafts and industry through demonstrations and activities. The event continues to be a hands-on educational experience for school groups from Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky.

“This event gives students a chance to experience history in an interactive environment that applies to the fourth-grade Indiana Academic Standards,” said Erin McCracken Merris, community engagement manager. “Students will have the ability to trace the historical periods, places, people, events and movements that have led to the development of Indiana as a state.”

Demonstrators like Irv Rueger, will bring history to life each day. Rueger, an apiarist, explains the importance of bees to the past Harmonists, and the role bees have played in ecosystems and agriculture for centuries. After presenting annually for 33 years, this will be Rueger’s final year as a Heritage Artisans Days demonstrator as he will enter retirement.

Back by popular demand, the old-fashioned gun duel, a popular way of settling disputes during the era, will take place each day at 1 p.m. outside of the Atheneum. The Duelist, Michael Ramsey, will face off against the popular 19th century doctor, Albert Roberts. Roberts also will present strange medical practices of the 1800’s at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and noon daily in Murphy Auditorium. Admittance to this show is included in the ticket price, but registration for intended times is required.

School groups must register online in advance. Early ticket prices are $5 for adults and $4 for children, ages 7-17, if purchased by April 4. Educators also may obtain suggested lesson plans online.

New Harmony welcomes an average of 3,000 visitors for Heritage Artisan Days each year. While the event aligns with grade-school curriculum, it is also open to the public. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Atheneum.

For more information on Heritage Artisan Days, visit USI.edu/heritage.

Historic New Harmony is a unified program of the University of Southern Indiana and the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites. By preserving its utopian legacy, Historic New Harmony will inspire renewal and fellowship between people and communities through its programs and collections. Its office is a part of USI’s Outreach and Engagement.