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About the Alliance

The Conner Prairie Alliance has a rich history dating from 1982 when it began as a small offshoot of the Junior League of Indianapolis. Since then, the Alliance has raised more than $1 million to support Conner Prairie.

Proceeds from various fundraising efforts have supported such projects as the children's playground, Featherston Barn, the Zimmerman Farmhouse, Mary King's water pump, Animal Encounters, Discovery Station, Craft Corner and the 1859 Balloon Voyage.

The primary fundraiser is The Apple Store, a seasonal foods and gift shop managed by the women of the Alliance from September through October. Tasty treats include apples, cider slushies, caramel-dipped apples, popcorn, pies and many other food items and gifts.

Comprised of approximately 100 members, this passionate group is recognized at Conner Prairie for their hard work and valued funds generated for the museum. Alliance members are engaged throughout the year with Apple Store planning, as well as with educational and social events.

Open House | Featured Member

Mission

To advance the mission of Conner Prairie by promoting an interest in the programs and projects through creative fundraising.

Special Event for Prospective Members

Featured Member

Who are the women of the Alliance? Meet our featured member Jan Webber, World Traveler and Alliance President.

What is one interesting fact about your background? Raised in a military family, I spent over half my youth living outside of the United States. My career as a 'corporate warrior' enabled me to move another 8 times. I finally settled in Indianapolis in 2001 after retiring from Toyota Motor Sales.
 
Why did you join the Conner Prairie Alliance? In 2002, after enjoying 'retirement' for one year, I was introduced to the Conner Prairie Alliance right in the middle of Apple Store season. I was immediately hooked on the mission of this dynamic group. Always a student of history, with particular interest in military history (why not?), the accuracy and attention to detail by Conner Prairie Museum was and still is fascinating.
 
What do you love about being a member of the Conner Prairie Alliance? Over the past 8 years, I have been privileged to put some of my corporate talents to good use, serving for four years as Editor of the Prairie Tales, 2 1/2 years as Treasurer and now as President. The most special part of being a member of the Alliance has been meeting and getting to know women with such diverse backgrounds, skills and talents. There is a sense of community and teamwork within the Alliance that makes me want to sing our praises to everyone I meet.
 
What is one interesting skill you have? Attending Ivy Tech's culinary school in 2002-03, I continue to cook for both small and large groups in my home. Cooking and food have always been a passion and after marrying husband Al (the wine collector) in 1999, I was able to add the pairing of fine wine to dinner parties! 
 
Al's son Mike and his wife Emily live nearby with their beautiful daughter Maggie. Both Mike & Emily share our love for food and wine and we're anticipating that Maggie will be our newest family connoisseur. Babysitting for her is a joy and I don't even mind the car seat taking up much of the back seat!
 
If you could meet one historical figure, who would it be? With food and wine as a daily influence, I would have loved to meet Julia Child. I watched her show on black & white TV (filmed live!), collected her cookbooks starting from the first "Mastering the Art of French Cooking", and spent days recreating some of her magnificent dishes for friends. Even visiting her kitchen at the Smithsonian was a thrill! 

What do you look forward to with the Conner Prairie Alliance? After my year as President ends, I look forward to continuing my association with the Alliance. The women in leadership positions today as board members, committee chairs and committee members have amazing talent and dedication and it will be great fun for me to see the ongoing evolution of our group.

The Apple Store is open for the 2010 season!

To receive Apple Store coupons throughout our season, sign up for Conner Prairie e-news alerts and find the Apple Store on Facebook.

The Apple Store, open in the fall since 1984, will be offering all our traditional tasty treats throughout September and October:

• Hand-dipped caramel apples
• Cider slushies
• Apple and pumpkin donuts
• Popcorn
• Pasteurized apple cider
• Mulitple variety of apples from local orchards
• Jams and jellies
• Apple pies
• Amish goods
• Gourmet dog treats
• Special gift items
• Handmade fire pit pokers by Conner Prairie blacksmiths
• Special order gourmet caramel apples, upon request
• We will also feature new items from Local Folks Foods and Crown Point Graphics, all produced in Hamilton County.

Join Us

Join these creative, energetic, fun women in supporting Conner Prairie! Membership is open to all women who support the mission of the Alliance and Conner Prairie.

"I have been a fan of Conner Prairie since I was a child. It is very exciting to be a part of a group that supports the wonderful experiences Conner Prairie provides for my children today."
Staci P., Alliance Member since 2007

"The wonderful, fun women in the Alliance keep you coming back -- I have found many kindred souls in the group. And I just love Conner Prairie and our Apple Store!"
Karen C., Alliance Member since 1992

Ready to Learn More?

Alliance Information Request Form

Or, for more information about the Conner Prairie Alliance, please contact Jan Webber. You can also visit us on Facebook.