At Conner Prairie, our commemoration of the nation’s founding goes far beyond the Revolution. Throughout the year, we’re reflecting on the ongoing struggle to fulfill the promises set forth in America’s founding documents and how everyday people have shaped the country we know today.
Discover the diverse stories of everyday individuals who shaped history from the ground up. From crafting physical structures to forging relationships, from our ties to the White River to the daily experiences of life in the nineteenth century, we explore how people come together to create something larger than themselves.
We invite you to reflect on the past, engage with the present, and imagine a future shaped by community, curiosity, and connection.
Civic Season
Join us in celebrating Civic Season, in partnership with Made By Us. Throughout Civic Season, we will offer a mix of in-person and virtual events, kicking things off with Free Day on Juneteenth! Dissenting Voices will close out our Civic Season, encouraging all of us to ponder historical dissenting views on the Fourth of July and showcase criticisms of American Freedom. Through art, play, discourse and kinship, we hope you feel inspired to fall in "civic love" this season.
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About Civic Season
Civic Season is the flagship program from Made By Us, a network of hundreds of museums, historic sites, libraries and archives unleashing access to history for younger generations. Civic Season will take place Juneteenth through the Fourth of July, and unites our oldest federal holiday with our newest, mobilizing a movement to understand our past and shape our future. Conner Prairie's Civic Season celebration reflects the initiatives of Made By Us by emphasizing community engagement and education, and by creating a space where diverse stories are shared and preserved.
Write a wish for our future
In 2026, America celebrates our 250th anniversary of becoming a country! A milestone many are calling a birthday celebration. In the American birthday tradition, we close our eyes and make a wish before blowing out the candles on our cake. Since we’ll be celebrating America’s birthday this year, doesn’t America deserve to wish too? The New York Historical and Made By Us sure think so! They decided that it’s a fine time for Americans to wish together!
Conner Prairie will be joining museums across the nation to participate in the nationwide initiative, “On Our 250th". This project was created to help uplift our collective heritage and spark an inspiring dialogue about our future. Inspired by American patriot, Patrick Henry’s, famous call for unity, “I am not a Virginian, but an American” this initiative provides an outlet for all Americans to use their voice and be heard!
Civic Season Happenings
Beyond the Revolution
2026 marks the Semiquincentennial of the United States' Declaration of Independence. A single, yet very influential moment in time for the history of this country.
The signing of the Declaration of Independence occurred during the midst of the American Revolution, a decade-long conflict that would stretch beyond the thirteen now independent colonies, but into what is now Canada, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, and the Mediterranean, while engulfing countless Indigenous peoples on the North American continent.
Curatorial associates Ryan Shank and Easton Phillips will be discussing the impact of the Declaration of Independence Beyond the Revolution to explore how We the People built the community over time and formed a shared American identity.
America's Table Series
- Spring into Chocolate
- Soy, Are you from Around Here? Soybeans in America
- The All-American Hot Dog?
- I'm All Ears! Corn in America
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Explore the intersection of food, culture, and immigration’s impact on our modern gastronomy through a deep dive into one of America’s most loved sweets – chocolate. Follow cacao’s path from Central America around the globe and look at the European influences that forever tied chocolate to Easter celebrations.
Throughout the evening, we will craft some boozy take-home treats for your adult Easter basket. Whisky tasting included, small bites and take-home candies provided, good cheer guaranteed.
Date: Mar 26, 2026
Time: 7 – 9 p.m.
Price: $45 Members / $50 Nonmembers
Ages: 21+ -
Explore the intersection of food, culture, and immigration’s impact on our modern gastronomy through a deep dive into one of the Hoosier state’s top crops – soybeans. This evening program blends food history with hands-on activity as we investigate soy’s agricultural and culinary roots, as well as its impact today.
Throughout the journey, we will crack a beer, taste some surprising soy-based treats, and make a take-home soy-based sauce perfect for elevating your summer barbeques.
You’ll pick up recipes and historical knowledge that will give you a new understanding of this versatile legume!
Date: May 14, 2026
Time: 7 – 9 p.m.
Price: $45 Members / $50 Nonmembers
Ages 21+ -
Join us for a delicious journey through the intersection of food, culture, and immigration’s impact on our modern gastronomy as we explore how the hot dog became a national icon. Dive into the global roots of traditional condiments like ketchup and relish and discover how diverse culinary traditions shaped what we now consider “all-American.”
You will make your own mustard and then spend time around the fire to enjoy lively conversation and taste some delicious dogs. Crack open a beer if you desire. Recipes to take with you and fascinating food history will enhance your next cookout. Ticket price includes one hot dog, small take-home pot of mustard, and a beer.
Date: Jun 25, 2026
Time: 7– 9 p.m.
Price: $45 Members / $50 Nonmembers
Ages: 21+ -
Explore the history of the Hoosier state’s most famous crop from field to table. This program takes you on an educational journey as you explore corn’s agricultural roots, cultural impact, and the ways immigration has shaped American cuisine.
Taste some locally made whiskey and create corn-based treats you can sample. You’ll leave with recipes and a deeper appreciation for how this resilient grain became a cornerstone of American foodways.
Date: August 13, 2026
Time: 7 – 9 p.m.
Price: $45 Members / $50 Nonmembers |
Ages 21+Thank you to our supporting sponsor:
Thank you to our Sponsors:
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