Published: June 30, 2008 05:45 pm         

Where history lives

Noblesville's Conner Prairie offers an escape from Modernism, right back to the Hoosier state in the 1800s

A place exists within Fishers that offers time machine efficiency, where visitors march into the beginning of the nineteenth century. Time-travel into history is available for all ages to create multiple dimensions of awe-inspired appreciation for the past.

First, skirt the busy city life of Indianapolis and travel on I-465 North, then exit onto Allisonville Road. There, a fascinating change develops as guests pass through the entrance of living history at 13400 Allisonville Road. This experience is unspoken, but felt by the slowed pace and timeless tranquility.

The first segment of the Conner Prairie property devotes a completed historical mockup of William Conner's 1802 Trading Post, and Lenape Indian Camp. As a boy, William Conner decided to pursue the lifestyle his father sustained as an Indian trader. He and his brother packed up and moved into the Conner Prairie area, establishing a very profitable fur trade with the Indians. The original Trading Post was a double-pen cabin with a dogtrot placed strategically on the White River.

Today, Lenape Indian Camp, Conner's Trading Post and Trader's Cabin stand grouped together likened to 1802. All ages of visitors walk the grounds at the exhibit with eyes wide open, mesmerized by the quality of life the Lenape and Trapper accessed. Both a summer and winter wigwam endure the elements within the clearing for curious guests to explore.

Inside the compound, William built housing for the Indians to stay in while trading. During warm weather, a round construction form, surrounded by woven cattails, aided air flow comfort. Fashioned for warmth, the winter wigwam is a long oval, covered by large sections of bark pulled tightly to make the structure waterproof.

Michael Pace is a direct descendent of the original Lenape Tribe. This is his fourth year passing down knowledge at the exhibit within Conner Prairie. His Indian name is Xingweleno Kaweethetoking and his knowledge of the Lenape is deep and well-articulated. As the Economic Department Director, he developed their casino. Today, he assists in preservation of their culture and language.

Between 1700 and 1800, the Lenape lived on or near Conner Prairie. In 1820, they moved westerly to their jurisdictional area in Oklahoma, and today, the total population there is 800. Mike describes traditional Lenape culture and portrays a walking example while demonstrating the Water Drum, singing for recreational dances, and speaking Lenape fluently.

Another division of the property showcases the Conner home standing where originally built in 1823. It's believed to be one of the first brick homes in the area. The intriguing historical home is open to the public and touts an elongated built-in oven capable of baking 10 loaves of bread. Next door, the loom house functions in all stages of cloth from spinning raw wool, dyes and working the loom into fabric. Iron kettles hang over an open fireplace, filled with urea, herbs and plants to dye spun wool, developing enduring colors for fabrics. The Loom House continues to produce all household rugs used throughout Conner Prairie and sells small samples at the Museum gift shop. Visitors are encouraged to touch the wool and thread as it is spun to experience the process.

Each area within Conner Prairie has period characters bringing the displays to life. Real people are selected to portray fictional individuals from that period of history, to interact, converse and live a day in the life of that specific person. Volunteers know the history and freely answer questions.

A working candle dipping shed edges the Conner Homestead with open fire pits propelling boiling pots of beeswax. The candlemaker plunges the wick repeatedly to create a sizable candle and guests are encouraged to lend a hand.

1836 Prairietown offers insight of small towns during that era. The public indulges in frontier life activity through exploration. Watch the Blacksmith physically form nails from heated iron and pottery wheels influence common clay into usable bowls in one afternoon. Dr. Campbell is in his office ready for any medical emergency. Just down the street is Whitaker's Store, stocked and open for business, and the schoolhouse is sure to be in session.

1886 Liberty Corner features seasonal activities. Re-enactments of the Civil War, Fourth of July celebrations and County Fairs are just a few offers from the everyday citizen's standpoint. Zimmerman's immense home is a working farm, always enlisting extra hands to move the hay and animals as the family carry on with the normal chores of the day.

Interaction at Conner Prairie equals enjoyment. Animals await the touch of a child, and history are within reach of hungry eyes.

"We want each guest to connect with some aspect of the past in a very personal way - to form a connection that inspires him or her to further explore that idea after they leave," Museum Experience Director Dan Freas said. "This could be by returning to the Conner Prairie website, by reading a book, or by simply looking at a family photo or heirloom in a new way. More than anything, however, we want our guests to leave convinced that learning about the past can be a lot of fun!"

A visit is not complete without going to a Meeting House Performance or consuming sustenance in the Eatery. Special events are found online at www.connerprairie.org. While planning an excursion, keep in mind that Conner Prairie isn't open on Mondays. May through September it's open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and October, Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Make reservations for Hearthside Suppers January through March.