Community Calendar

Discover the remarkable history behind one of the most acclaimed creative nonfiction novels of the twenty-first century, The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson.

This engaging evening program explores the extraordinary story of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition and the visionaries who transformed Chicago into the legendary “White City.” At the same time, it examines the chilling crimes of H. H. Holmes, whose infamous activities unfolded amid the excitement and optimism surrounding the Fair. Through the intertwined narratives of architect Daniel Burnham and Holmes, guests will gain a deeper understanding of the ambition, innovation, and contradictions that shaped America at the dawn of the modern age.

The program will also feature a special presentation of artifacts currently on exhibit at Barker Mansion that were purchased by members of the Barker family during their visit to the World’s Fair. These fascinating objects offer a tangible connection to one of the most influential cultural events in American history and provide insight into the souvenirs, craftsmanship, and innovations that captivated Fairgoers more than 130 years ago.

Following the presentation guests are able to do a self-guided tour of the mansion.

Additionally, guests will also have the opportunity to sample foods that made their debut at the 1893 World’s Fair, adding another layer to this exploration of one of America’s most celebrated exhibitions.

Whether your interests lie in history, architecture, true crime, Chicago, or Erik Larson’s bestselling book, this unique evening offers a compelling look at the people, places, and events that continue to capture the public imagination more than a century later.

Program Includes:

- Lecture on The Devil in the White City
- Special presentation of Barker family World’s Fair artifacts
- Samples of foods introduced at the 1893 World’s Fair
- Self-Guided tour of Barker Mansion

Please note: Program length may vary slightly depending on guest count and other event factors. All programs begin promptly at the scheduled start time. Guests may arrive up to 15 minutes prior to the program; earlier entry cannot always be accommodated.

Museums have a history spanning over 250 years and come in a variety of subjects, found all around the world. But how did they originate, and what purpose do they serve? Introduction to Local Museology explores museums as cultural institutions and discusses their significance for both culture and individuals.

In this course, students will have the opportunity to visit four local museums: IU Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Monroe County History Center, WonderLab Museum of Science, Health, and Technology, and IU's Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art. At each museum, participants will (1) explore what each has to offer and (2) engage in conversations with leading local museum professionals to gain a deeper understanding of how museums operate.

Along with these museum visits, the course will be facilitated by local artist and retired IU Bloomington faculty member, Frank Lewis, who taught courses in museum management with the O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Frank will lead the first and last class meetings at the Ivy Tech Bloomington Main Campus, with visits in between for behind-the-scenes tours of local museums and discussions about the dynamic pasts, presents, and futures of these institutions.

NOTE: Participants will be responsible for their own transportation and parking for our museum trips on July 22, July 29, August 5, and August 12, but will not be required to pay any admission fees for our visits.

Museums have a history spanning over 250 years and come in a variety of subjects, found all around the world. But how did they originate, and what purpose do they serve? Introduction to Local Museology explores museums as cultural institutions and discusses their significance for both culture and individuals.

In this course, students will have the opportunity to visit four local museums: IU Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Monroe County History Center, WonderLab Museum of Science, Health, and Technology, and IU's Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art. At each museum, participants will (1) explore what each has to offer and (2) engage in conversations with leading local museum professionals to gain a deeper understanding of how museums operate.

Along with these museum visits, the course will be facilitated by local artist and retired IU Bloomington faculty member, Frank Lewis, who taught courses in museum management with the O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Frank will lead the first and last class meetings at the Ivy Tech Bloomington Main Campus, with visits in between for behind-the-scenes tours of local museums and discussions about the dynamic pasts, presents, and futures of these institutions.

NOTE: Participants will be responsible for their own transportation and parking for our museum trips on July 22, July 29, August 5, and August 12, but will not be required to pay any admission fees for our visits.

Presented by William Tyre, Executive Director and Curator, Glessner House.

William Tyre has served as the Executive Director and Curator of Glessner House since October 2007. A Chicago native, Tyre holds a master’s degree in historic preservation from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. He is the author of Chicago’s Historic Prairie Avenue, published in 2008, and Frances Glessner Lee and the Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death, published in 2019. He resides in the Town of Pullman, a National Historical Park on Chicago’s Far South Side, where he has restored an 1881 manager’s house.

Museums have a history spanning over 250 years and come in a variety of subjects, found all around the world. But how did they originate, and what purpose do they serve? Introduction to Local Museology explores museums as cultural institutions and discusses their significance for both culture and individuals.

In this course, students will have the opportunity to visit four local museums: IU Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Monroe County History Center, WonderLab Museum of Science, Health, and Technology, and IU's Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art. At each museum, participants will (1) explore what each has to offer and (2) engage in conversations with leading local museum professionals to gain a deeper understanding of how museums operate.

Along with these museum visits, the course will be facilitated by local artist and retired IU Bloomington faculty member, Frank Lewis, who taught courses in museum management with the O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Frank will lead the first and last class meetings at the Ivy Tech Bloomington Main Campus, with visits in between for behind-the-scenes tours of local museums and discussions about the dynamic pasts, presents, and futures of these institutions.

NOTE: Participants will be responsible for their own transportation and parking for our museum trips on July 22, July 29, August 5, and August 12, but will not be required to pay any admission fees for our visits.

Come listen to various topics related to Indiana farming and agriculture. New speaker each time!

Come listen to various topics related to Indiana farming and agriculture. New speaker each time!

Come listen to various topics related to Indiana farming and agriculture. New speaker each time!