Long-time neighbors of the museum, Lee and Arlana Clark love seeing the joy Conner Prairie brings to guests—as volunteers and as donors.
Lee and Arlana moved to Hamilton County in 1979, close enough to Conner Prairie that they could sometimes hear Symphony on the Prairie concerts. “I specifically remember several times when the kids would be in their pajamas and watch the Symphony fireworks from the living room couch, then hustle off to bed,” Lee shared.
As their kids were growing up, the years were filled with Conner Prairie field trips and more Symphony on the Prairie concerts. Eventually, the Clarks’ daughter became a youth volunteer, serving as a costumed interpreter in Prairietown. “To this day she speaks fondly of the Gooseberry pie she helped make,” they shared.
In April 2020, Lee and Arlana decided to retire. And by March of 2021, they were looking for ways to get out of the house and engaged with the community. They had friends who had volunteered here for years. Connecting with the Conner Prairie volunteer team was a no-brainer.
Since then, Lee and Arlana have served in key positions throughout the grounds, including working in the Conner House and 1859 Balloon Voyage, greeting guests at Clowes Commons and in Prairietown, and supporting festivals like Headless Horseman, Merry Prairie Holiday, and Jupiter Flights!
One of Lee’s fondest volunteer memories was helping inflate the new balloon. Despite the long, hot, and muggy day, he shared that the sight of the inflated balloon, after the sun had set and he was headed home, was a true feeling of accomplishment.
For the Clarks, meeting new people and watching guests fall in love with Conner Prairie is what it’s all about. In 2023, the Clarks chose to take their support further and give philanthropically with a Qualified Charitable Donation (QCD) from their IRA. “Since we have to take the money from our IRAs and we want to assist Conner Prairie, this was a great solution,” Lee explained.
Today, Lee and Arlana remain dedicated supporters of the Conner Prairie mission and love seeing the special moments that their gifts make possible for guests every day.
“The look of wonder and awe on the children’s faces is always so much fun,” Lee reflected, “but the Museum Experience Center has now doubled their excitement. You can’t help but smile when a child comes up the stairs and does a little ‘happy dance’ on their way to Wellspring. It is a home run!”
Learn about how you, too, can support Conner Prairie’s mission through our Annual Impact Fund, which makes possible the many activities, exhibits, and educational experiences that take place at Conner Prairie.