Historic New Harmony’s tour season kicks off with new leadership and a renovated Atheneum Visitors Center

MARCH 19, 202

The University of Southern Indiana Historic New Harmony has several announcements in tandem with the return of tours for the spring season.

Diane Sanders selected as Assistant Director of Historic New Harmony 

Diane Sanders has been named Assistant Director of the USI Historic New Harmony program. In this role, she oversees day-to-day operations in New Harmony.

Sanders previously worked at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center in Washington, D.C., where her most recent role was Exhibits Specialist. She holds a bachelor’s degree in historic preservation and human environmental sciences from Southeast Missouri State and a master’s degree in museum exhibition planning and design from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia.

Historic New Harmony renovations 

The award-winning Atheneum Visitors Center, designed by internationally acclaimed architect Richard Meier, is also showcasing recent renovations. Most notable are the tile roof replacement on the main portions of the building and refinished hardwood floors on all levels. These renovations will help ensure the Atheneum will continue as a key element in New Harmony, helping to connect the past to the present, and serving as a starting point for visitors as they tour the museum and town.

Visitors will also enjoy the new installation of the Harmonist Church Fan Window in Gallery II. The window was part of the Door of Promise located in the brick Harmonist Church built in 1822. It has been restored to its original color of Prussian blue thanks to a paint analysis by Matthew J. Mosca, a nationally recognized consultant in the field of historic paint research and restoration. An exhibition later this year detailing this work will also accompany the model of the Harmonist Church.

Historic New Harmony spring tours happening now

Historic New Harmony tours resumed on March 15. The two-hour tours begin at the Atheneum Visitors Center with an orientation film and include special exhibits and entry to select historic sites. Among the many sites on the tour are the David Lenz House (owned by the National Society of Colonial Dames of America in the State of Indiana), 1830 Owen House, Jaquess Parlor, and Maximilian-Bodmer Exhibit.

Historic New Harmony is a program of the University of Southern Indiana that promotes educational and cultural programs in New Harmony. More information can be found at USI.edu/hnh.