Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site

Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, the former home of the 23rd President of the United States, Benjamin Harrison, is a historic house museum located in Indianapolis, Indiana, near Butler University and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The site showcases the life and legacy of Benjamin Harrison, who served as President of the United States from 1889 to 1893, and his wife, Caroline Lavinia Scott Harrison, a renowned White House hostess and advocate for Women's Christian Temperance Union. The site is also close to the Indiana Statehouse and the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. Benjamin Harrison was a grandson of William Henry Harrison, the 9th President of the United States, and a great-grandson of Benjamin Harrison V, a signer of the United States Declaration of Independence.

● History

The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site was built in 1875 and was the home of Benjamin Harrison and his family for over 40 years. During his presidency, Benjamin Harrison would often return to his home in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he would meet with United States Cabinet members, including James G. Blaine and John Wanamaker. The site has hosted many notable figures, including Theodore Roosevelt, William McKinley, and Grover Cleveland. Benjamin Harrison was a member of the Republican Party and played a key role in the passage of the Sherman Anti-Trust Act and the McKinley Tariff. He was also a strong supporter of education and the arts, and was a member of the American Historical Association and the National Geographic Society.

● Architecture

The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site is an example of Italianate architecture, with a mix of Second Empire and Queen Anne styles. The house features a distinctive mansard roof and a wrap-around porch, and is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, including a perennial garden and a vegetable garden. The site has undergone several renovations and restorations over the years, including a major restoration project in the 1960s led by the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the American Alliance of Museums.

● Museum

The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site is a museum that showcases the life and legacy of Benjamin Harrison and his family. The museum features a collection of artifacts and exhibits, including furniture, artwork, and personal belongings of the Harrison family. Visitors can tour the house and see the parlor, dining room, and kitchen, as well as the bedrooms and nursery. The museum also offers exhibits on the history of the Republican Party, the Women's Suffrage Movement, and the Spanish-American War. The site is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution and the National Archives and Records Administration.

● Preservation

The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site is preserved and maintained by the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the site and promoting the legacy of Benjamin Harrison. The foundation offers a variety of programs and events, including historic reenactments, lectures, and workshops. The site is also supported by the National Park Service and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. The foundation has received funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

● Tours and Events

The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site offers a variety of tours and events, including guided tours of the house and gardens, special exhibits, and re-enactments. Visitors can also attend lectures and workshops on topics such as history, politics, and conservation. The site hosts several events throughout the year, including a Fourth of July celebration, a Christmas open house, and a Garden Party. The site is also available for private events and weddings, and has hosted events for the Indiana Historical Society and the Society of Indiana Pioneers.

● Significance

The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site is significant not only because of its association with Benjamin Harrison, but also because of its role in preserving the history of the United States. The site provides a unique glimpse into the life and times of the 23rd President of the United States and offers insights into the politics, culture, and society of the late 19th century. The site is also an important part of the cultural heritage of Indianapolis, Indiana and the state of Indiana, and is a popular tourist destination for those interested in history, politics, and architecture. The site has been recognized by the American Institute of Architects and the National Council on Public History. Category:Historic house museums in Indiana