The perspective of history grows to new heights when Conner Prairie opens its 2009 season April 2 with the addition of new signature exhibitions and community engagement initiatives. Conner Prairie joins forces with organizations worldwide to celebrate Year of Science 2009 and will introduce 1859 Balloon Voyage, Science Saturdays and History Science Theater to stimulate all-ages interest in scientific inquiry. 2009 also marks the debut of a new adult lecture and dialogue series that brings nationally-acclaimed historians, authors and scientists to facilitate discussions about relevant topics from both historical and current perspectives.
“Conner Prairie is nationally-recognized for engaging our guests with history in a personal approach. Science has always been embedded in our offerings, and our newest programs are a direct response to our community and educators’ needs to provide additional active and educational opportunities on this subject,” says Ellen M. Rosenthal, President and CEO of Conner Prairie.
Year of Science 2009 is a national, year-long celebration designed to engage the public in science education and improve public understanding about how science works and why it matters. “By expanding the historical view of science within the boundaries of our mission at Conner Prairie, we aim to inspire curiosity and foster learning by exploring the world around us through the lens of science in fun and unique ways,” states Rosenthal.
Science Saturdays will occur on the second Saturday of each month April through October. Experts will provide hands-on learning opportunities for families to connect modern science concepts to historical scientific processes. Conner Prairie kicks off Science Saturdays on April 11 with Blown Away: Indiana Storms and Tornadoes, lead by WISH TV meteorologist Ken Brewer. Guests can learn about cloud formations, explore how twisters form and learn how to prepare for severe weather. Other Science Saturday topics include ballooning and aviation, alternative energy and medical science.
History Science Theater is a new theater experience at Conner Prairie where guests will meet a burgeoning 19th-century scientist who will recreate the environment where discovery and fascination first took place by experimenting with early electricity. He will explore the basics of electricity and encourage audience participation in his theories and experiments. “We were inspired to offer this new program through a little-known Indiana historical fact that in 1880, Wabash, Ind., became the first electrically-lit city in the world,” says Rosenthal.
Also new this season is a lecture and dialogue process that follows the historical lyceum format popular in the early 19th-century. The Conner Prairie Adult Lecture Series will bring five nationally-acclaimed historians, authors and scientists to discuss relevant topics from both historical and current perspectives. “Lyceums were held in the 19th century as part of a self-improvement movement to educate and entertain gatherings of people through a variety of formats including lectures and slideshows,” states Rosenthal.
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The first lecture will feature Indiana University Professor of History David Thelen, who will speak on how Americans understand and use the past. To tie in with Conner Prairie’s newest exhibit, 1859 Balloon Voyage, which opens June 6, Dr. Tom D. Crouch will deliver a lecture related to early aviation in America on June 7. Crouch, who holds a doctorate in history, is Senior Curator at the Division of Aeronautics for the Smithsonian Institute’s National Air and Space Museum. This lecture is made possible through a matching grant from the Indiana Humanities Council in cooperation with the National Endowment for the Humanities. Additional lectures include: Richard F. Klein, the nation’s foremost Lincoln actor, An Evening with President Lincoln; Michael Zimmerman, Butler University professor and dean, Charles Darwin and the Origin of Species; and Marcus Rediker, author and University of Pittsburgh professor, The Slave Ship.
The lectures will be held in Conner Prairie’s Lilly Theater and begin at 4 pm on scheduled days. The full schedule is available at ConnerPrairie.org. Advance registration is requested. Members receive free admission, and non-members pay a nominal fee of $10 per person or can purchase a series ticket for $30 to attend five lectures for the price of three.
Additionally, Conner Prairie’s legendary 1836 Prairietown features the debut of fresh storylines and a new carpenter shop to give guests exciting adventures into Indiana’s past. Since it opened in 1974, Prairietown has seen more than 3.5 million guests and continues its acclaim among living history museums as the most innovative and engaging first person experience in the United States.
“Our long-time favorites, supplemented by these new program offerings, are a part of Conner Prairie’s plan to provide fun new ways to experience the past through a broader range of historical topics like science,” says Rosenthal. “The 2009 season promises to be one of the most exciting, engaging and enlightening seasons yet. Every visit is a unique adventure for each of our guests.”