Community Calendar

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.

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.

Join us for an evening with author and relationship therapist Michele O'Mara, who will be discussing her latest book, Couples Communication Cure: When Trying Harder to Communicate Isn't Working and What to Do Instead.

Accompanied by a state-of-the-art light show, lasers, video projections, inflatables, and theatrical staging, "The Moon, The Wall and Beyond" promises to be Brit Floyd's most ambitious and immersive production to date -- a must-see event for lifelong Pink Floyd fans and new generations alike. Support WTIU with a monthly gift of $17 and receive two tickets for the show Wednesday, July 29^, 2026 at Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park in Indianapolis. Support WTIU with a monthly gift of $20 or more for a special VIP experience that includes a special soundcheck performance and meet and greet/autograph opportunity with the band before the show.

Science Story Time is geared toward listeners toddler through early elementary ages. This program uses children’s picture books to engage as well as support scientific concepts and experiments. Young scientists develop literacy and STEM skills as well as build vocabulary by actively participating in the hands-on program. Activities designed for ages 2-6. All are welcome. Activities vary monthly.

Recommended Ages: Children ages 2-6 and their caregivers

Exhibition of photos of Cuba over the years by 6 photographers. One of whom is Cuban & still lives there.
Several of the photographers will be present.

Curiosity Lab is an after-school, free play program for kids ages 6-10 years. Children are invited to explore, experiment, and engage in hands-on sensory activities at their own pace. No instructions, no pressure—just curiosity-driven play. Held in WonderLab (or sometimes outdoors weather permitting), the space is set up for exploration with a variety of rotating materials and stations.

There will be one main activity/installment/manipulative for the month that will be brought out every Thursday. This will rotate with the month and the month's theme.

Recommended Ages: Designed for children ages 6 - 10, but siblings are welcome.

Swing into the weekend with laidback jazz duos every other Thursday at Poindexter Bar inside the Graduate Hotel in downtown Bloomington. July 30, hear emerging pianist Holland Majors in one of his first performances in Bloomington!

Vincent Vega (John Travolta) and Jules Winnfield (Samuel L. Jackson) are hitmen with a penchant for philosophical discussions. In this ultra-hip, multi-strand crime movie, their storyline is interwoven with those of their boss, gangster Marsellus Wallace (Ving Rhames) ; his actress wife, Mia (Uma Thurman) ; struggling boxer Butch Coolidge (Bruce Willis) ; master fixer Winston Wolfe (Harvey Keitel) and a nervous pair of armed robbers, Pumpkin (Tim Roth) and Honey Bunny (Amanda Plummer).

Rated: R
Length: 2 hrs 29 mins
Format: DCP

Get closer to the wild side with Animal Hour and Dive Deeper! These weekly programs let you chat with WonderLab’s animal experts, discover what it takes to care for creatures from around the globe, and meet snakes, lizards, insects, arachnids, and more—up close and out of their habitats.

Animal Hour takes place on most Fridays, while Dive Deeper happens on the last Friday of each month at WonderLab’s stunning coral reef aquarium.