In Harmony Newsletter

FEBRUARY 2022 Edition

Interim Assistant Director's Update
We’re often asked if things are slow when the tour season ends and winter arrives. The truth is, not at all! The first few weeks of the year are all about preparation for the next tour season and the year ahead. Things have seemed especially busy this time around, as we have so many exciting things happening at HNH. Read more about what's happening

HNH Welcomes New Student Worker
In late January, HNH welcomed a new student worker. Hanna Clark, a senior at USI double majoring in political science and world languages and cultures with a focus in Spanish, will be assisting our team with the Religion and Cultural Institutions Initiative II planning grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. Learn more about Hanna

Devout & Disciplined: Harmonists in New Harmony, 1814-1824 on Exhibit on USI's Campus
Devout & Disciplined: Harmonists in New Harmony, 1814-1824, shares the continuing story of religious separatists seeking refuge in America from the strict formation of the German Lutheran Church. The exhibition includes artifacts from the Working Men's Institute and Historic New Harmony collections. Read more about this exhibition

NHGCA Update
In spite of snow days and COVID outbreaks, Vanessa Viruet’s solo exhibition PAÑUELXS is up and on view through March 5, 2022. Hear more from Iris as she shares what's next

DECEMBER 2021/JANUARY 2022 Edition

Interim Assistant Director's Update
When this year started, there were still a lot of unknowns as to what we’d be able to accomplish, but after weathering the storm of 2020, the Historic New Harmony team felt prepared to take on whatever came our way. We were ambitious as we began planning our 2021 season, and I’m happy to report that very little of what we planned did not come to fruition. Read more about we accomplished this year

A Look Ahead
As you read in Claire’s report on our activities and programs in 2021, the Historic New Harmony team was busy and is looking ahead to 2022 which shows no sign of stopping! At the top of our “To Do” list is embarking on a new strategic plan. This will inform our direction, priorities and engagement for the next five years. Learn more about what we have planned for 2022

Christmas Traditions
The way we celebrate Christmas had changed dramatically throughout the years. Read more about how New Harmony residents have celebrated in the past

NHGCA Update
The new year will start with a short break at the Gallery with PAÑUELXS opening January 22. Learn more about this upcoming exhibition

Robert Owen 250th Creative Writing Contest
Our Robert Owen 250th Celebration is coming to an end, which means our second and first place winners are now published! Read all the winning pieces

NOVEMBER 2021 Edition

Interim Assistant Director's Update
When I sat down to write my update this month, I was at a bit of a loss. Not because I had nothing to report—quite the opposite in fact. The HNH staff has been so busy in the last month wrapping up our daily tour season and our Robert Owen 250th celebration, hosting Water/Ways and even looking ahead to next year (you’ll hear more details about what we have planned in next month’s newsletter). I just couldn’t decide what to share and then it hit me... Read more about what HNH is thankful for this year

NHGCA Update
The NHGCA continues its partnership with the New Harmony Clay Project with Filled Up 2: A Ceramic Cup Show. Learn more about the latest exhibition

New Harmony State Historic Site Welcomes Site Coordinator
On October 25th, Jess began her tenure at the New Harmony State Historic Site. Learn more about Jess

Robert Owen 250th Creative Writing Contest
Our third place winner is all the way from England! Read Barry Carter's poem here

Museum Shop Update
Written and illustrated by the talented Marsha Bailey and produced by the Kiwanis Club of New Harmony, this coloring book is full of important New Harmony scenes. Read more about this new coloring book

Christmas in New Harmony
Every December New Harmony celebrates Christmas in a big way! The first weekend of December hosts Christmas in New Harmony, a spirit filled weekend sure to get you in ready for the holiday. The town will be decorated in the Christmas spirit along with a tree lighting, a performance of the Nutcracker, Artisan Vendors throughout the town and even visits from a certain someone to see if you have been naughty or nice! Learn more about how we are participating in Christmas in New Harmony

OCTOBER 2021 Edition

Interim Assistant Director's Update
While the tour season seems to be winding down, everything else seems to be getting busier! This past month (really the last year), a lot of our focus has been on Water/Ways, a Smithsonian Museum on Main Street traveling exhibit made possible in Indiana by Indiana Humanities. This exhibition, which dives into water—an essential component of life on our planet, environmentally, culturally and historically, is only traveling to six locations in Indiana. New Harmony’s connection to the Wabash River is an important one, and this has given us a great chance to explore those connections while cultivating new partnerships. Learn more about these partnerships

Pioneer Hearth Cooking Demonstration
Cooking in the age of pioneers was a lot different than it is today! Join Historic New Harmony Interpreter Becky Smyth as she demonstrates pioneer hearth cooking in the Double Log Cabin

Museum Shop Update
New Harmony, Indiana: Like a River, Not a Lake has flowed its way back onto our shelves after a short hiatus. Written by Jane Blaffer Owen and edited by one of our own talented tour guides Nancy Mangum McCaslin, it also includes Forewords from John Philip Newell and J. Pittman McGehee and Afterwords from Anne Dale Owen and Jane Dale Owen. Learn more about this book

Robert Owen 250th Creative Writing Contest
Charlie Gaston's essay "Robert Owen: Protector of Workers" was chosen as an Honorable Mention in our Robert Owen 250th Creative Writing Contest. As a New Harmony resident, his personal history and connection to our town make for an intriguing read. Read it here

Systems | Bodies | Parameters now open at the NHGCA
The exhibition, which runs through November 13 features 12 lush abstract paintings with surfaces that have to be seen in person. Learn more about the artist

SEPTEMBER 2021 Edition

Interim Assistant Director's Update
If you’ve liked us on Facebook, you might have noticed that each month this year there’s been a bit of a theme to most of our posts. As a part of our Robert Owen 250th Celebration, we’ve picked one topic each month to focus on in regard to Owen’s immense legacy. This month we’re looking at his global impact. Learn more about Robert Owen's international legacy

Lessons During a Pandemic Year, A Utopian Tour Guide Perspective
While our daily historic tours have continued throughout the last year, changes were made to keep our staff and visitors safe. Hear from Historic New Harmony tour guide Heidi Doss as she shares the lessons learned during a pandemic year

Robert Owen 250th Creative Writing Contest
The winners have been announced and the first piece is published! Read the winner of the 13-17 age group

NHGCA Update
Describing Language: Thinking Through Access and Communication continues through October 2. Hear from Iris as she shares other updates from the New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art

Maclure has returned to New Harmony!
Maclure of New Harmony by Leonard Warren has returned to the shelves of the Museum Shop in the Atheneum. This masterfully written book follows the twists and turns of William Maclure's life. Learn more about this book

AUGUST 2021 Edition

Interim Assistant Director's Update
On July 1st, Claire Eagle was named the Interim Assistant Director of Historic New Harmony. Hear from Claire in her first update as Interim Assistant Director

Advisory Board Spotlight
For Linda Warrum, New Harmony is home. She first became a resident of Posey County in 1976, moving to New Harmony in 1999 when she also became a tour guide for Historic New Harmony. After 20 years, Linda retired from Historic New Harmony last year. Read more about how Linda is staying involved with Historic New Harmony in her retirement

Describing Language: Thinking Through Access and Communication Opens August 21
The way someone can communicate to another person can be the point where they can access their needs, wants or desires. This upcoming exhibition serves as a laboratory for examining the ways in which language and other methods of communication allow or deny people resources and opportunities. Learn more about the exhibition and partnerships that made it happen

What's New in the Museum Shop?
Meditation and prayer were a fundamental aspect of the Harmonist religion. In honor of the legacy of the Harmonists and their dedication to meditation and prayer, we offer several items in our Museum Shop to aid you in your spiritual journey. Read more about those items

Historic Candle Dipping Demonstration
Harmonists needed hundreds of candles a day to light their homes, church and businesses. Hear from Historic New Harmony Interpreter Becky Smyth as she demonstrates how the Harmonists made candles during the early 1800's

JULY 2021 Edition

Assistant Director's Update
As we launch into a new season and prepare for many activities that we missed out on last summer, it’s so exciting to see businesses, venues, events and opportunities opening back up. With that said, my update this month is really a parting “thank you”… a sincere and heartfelt “thank you.” Hear more from Dan Mason in his last update as Assistant Director

Restocks at the Museum Shop
After a busy spring and start to the summer, the Museum Shop is all about restocks this month. Read more to see which items are coming back

Reflections on New Harmony 
For Katie Waters, and many others, New Harmony is a special place. As she begins her tenure as the Chair of the Historic New Harmony Advisory Board, she's shared some of her favorite memories. Read more from Katie

USI Alumna Returns to the NHGCA
This month, USI alumna Jennifer Niswonger returns to southern Indiana for her solo exhibition of recent paintings—News Feed. Learn more about News Feed and Jennifer Niswonger

New Harmony State Historic Site Update
For the first time in over 20 years, all rooms on the second floor, of Community House no. 2, that are not designated for artifact storage, will be open to the public. Finishing touches are happening now on the last room on that floor. Read more about the changes at Community House no. 2

JUNE 2021 Edition

Assistant Director's Update
To put it bluntly, New Harmony is back; visitors, students, educators and shoppers are returning and the Historic New Harmony Team has been quite busy lately. Read more about what the HNH team has been working on

What's New in the Museum Shop?
While most people know about Lewis and Clark and their expedition across America, the expedition of Prince Maxamillian and Karl Bodmer is lesser known but still equally as important. Historic New Harmony’s collection includes a set of Bodmer’s prints documenting the expedition. You may view it, as requested, through our daily tour. To celebrate that expedition and the collection, we have added several items to our Museum Shop. Learn more about the new items

Advisory Board Spotlight
Dr. Michael (Mike) Strezewski first visited New Harmony in 1997 as a graduate student at Indiana University. He was struck by how this “little town” had maintained a distinct identity almost 200 years after it was founded. Years later, he would become a professor at the University of Southern Indiana and become very involved in New Harmony. Read more about Mike's interest and work in New Harmony

Beautification Grant Update
The Efroymson Family Fund Historic New Harmony Beautification Grants are making beautiful things happen! Since this grant program was introduced in November 2020, several projects have been approved, funded and completed. Learn more about the projects that have been completed

NHGCA Update
Join the Gallery for a conversation with the artists and curator of Sapientia Gloria Corona Est. Find more info here

MAY 2021 Edition

Assistant Director's Update
It goes without saying that volumes can be and are written about the life and philosophies of Robert Owen. The interpretations of his work and beliefs vary just as greatly. Read more from Dan on one of our most frequently asked questions

Spring at the David Lenz House and Garden
Another year of planting has begun! Read more in an update from volunteer Kent Schuette

Sapientia Gloria Corona Est Opens this Weekend
Featuring works by Indiana artists Audrey Barcio and Rachel Leah Cohn, the exhibition is a part of of the ongoing Social Alchemy partnership with Indianapolis-based Big Car Collaborative. Learn more about the exhibition and upcoming programing

HNH Properties Available for Rent Once Again
After more than a year, our properties are again available for rent! Learn more about one of our most popular rental properties

Robert Owen’s Economic Experiment at New Harmony
Of the many reasons we celebrate the life and legacy of Robert Owen, perhaps the least talked about, is the practical and pragmatic application of his socialist economic ideas at New Harmony. Learn more about Robert Owen and his economic beliefs

APRIL 2021 Edition

Assistant Director's Update
Right now, as we look to kick off so many wonderful efforts, it’s clear that one of our greatest blessings is “partnership.” No matter the scope, no matter the topic, Historic New Harmony has exceptional partners making great things happen... the right way. Learn more about just a few of our current partnerships

Then and Now on Exhibit at the Atheneum
If you took a tour with us last year, you might have seen Then and Now: Snapshots of Posey County’s Ever-Changing Landscape, on exhibit at Thrall’s Opera House. After a quick update, it's been moved to the Atheneum! Read more about the exhibit

What's New in the Museum Shop?
As part of the celebration for the Robert Owen 250th, we have created a marvelous print of Robert Owen that can be purchased at the museum shop. See the print here

Advisory Board Spotlight
New Harmony residents and avid University of Southern Indiana supporters, David and Vicki Campbell started dating in New Harmony and ultimately made Utopia their home nearly 20 years ago. As you can imagine, this town is special to the Campbells and so is Historic New Harmony. Read more about David and Vicki's vision for HNH

Weaving Water now open at the NHGCA
Featuring new works by textile artist Laura Foster Nicholson, the exhibition runs from March 28 to May 8. Learn more about the exhibition and upcoming programing

MARCH 2021 Edition

Assistant Director's Update
After a few weeks of (generally welcomed) snowstorms and low temperatures, it truly feels like spring has officially arrived in New Harmony—the start of another magical season on the Wabash. Residents and visitors are again safely returning to public spaces and taking in the wonderful air, sun and sights of Utopia. Read more about our upcoming season

Daily Historic Tours Start March 16th
Welcome back to another season here in Utopia! Read more about the continued safety measures we are taking during out daily tours

New Harmony Welcomes new NHGCA Gallery Manager
At the beginning of the month Iris Williamson began her tenure as the gallery manager. Learn more about Iris

Beautification Grants Still Available!
Well, it does seem that spring has made its way to New Harmony again… it’s just a matter of time before daffodils make their appearance and trees begin to bud. As you or your organization make plans for projects this season, we want to remind you of the wonderful beautification grants still available! Learn how to apply

New Harmony State Historic Site Update
In 1937, The Daughters of the Minerva Society installed a large plaque on the side of “The Old Fauntleroy Home,” commemorating those individuals who had lived and worked in the house over the years. Read more about this plaque and its new home

FEBRUARY 2021 Edition

Assistant Director's Update
As we kick off a new year and new season, one of the key projects that the team and I are working on is caring for and refreshing the Historic New Harmony collection of about 2,200 artifacts. Working with the University of Southern Indiana, the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, and with our Collections Review Committee (CRC), we are about to move to a new technology platform to manage the items, re-inventory, re-photograph, address items that have been deaccessioned from the collection or need to be added and just physically dust things off.  Read more about the work we are doing

NHGCA Update
Each year, the New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art partners with the New Harmony Clay Project to showcase their resident artists. From February 6-March 20, 2021, work from artists Cori Crumrine, Maxwell Mustardo, Alisha Porter and Amanda Straeffer will be exhibition at the gallery. Learn more about the artists

History Lesson, Robert Owen’s Life and Legacy
In March, we'll kick off a celebration of Robert Owen like no other. Learn more about Robert Owen before the celebration begins

HNH Welcomes New Intern
HNH welcomed a new intern in January. Veronica Portillo, a junior at the University of Southern Indiana, will be assisting in the planning of our Robert Owen 250th Celebration. Read more about our new intern Veronica 

Maintenance Update
You’re about to see a lot of construction around New Harmony! Learn more about the upcoming projects

Welcome Back!
Here at the Atheneum, we are planning to reopen on March 2nd. Our hours will be 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays through Sundays. You’ll notice that we are going to continue to close on Mondays, to ensure the weekends are properly staffed. Read more about our re-opening