Photo provided by the Indiana State Museum A view an exhibit about fleeing slavery at the Coffin Interpretive Center at the Levi and Catharine Coffin State Historic Site in Fountain City, Indiana.
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites will offer free admission at all locations across the state on Saturday in honor of Juneteenth.
The Juneteenth holiday, recognized as a federal holiday on Thursday, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people following the Civil War, and is one of several holidays when the museum offers free admission.
“These free days allow us to give back to our communities and ensure Hoosiers have access to enjoy the Indiana State Museum and Historic sites,” said Carla Knapp, director of communication for Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites.
At the Indiana State Museum in downtown Indianapolis, families can enjoy festivities including a collaborative abstract mural, yoga and live music by Jasmine Eliott, and performances by Epiphany Dance Collective, 22StarvingArtist Drum Circle and Asante Art Institute.
All activities will center around a theme of “history, health and arts.”
The theme for the event was decided when considering the holistic wellbeing of a person, Knapp said.
“That theme seemed to perfectly encompass everything we at the Indiana State Museum want to highlight through our own galleries and activities as well as the additional performances we can offer with the help of our community partners,” Knapp said.
There will be exhibits open for exploration in addition to a film being shown. The film, “Major Taylor: Champion of the Race,” is a documentary telling the story of the civil rights pioneer Marshall “Major” Taylor, a man who set over twenty world records in speed cycling.
At the Levi and Catharine Coffin State Historic Site in Fountain City, guests can take guided tours through the home and property known as “the Grand Central Station of the Underground Railroad.” Tours are offered at 10:30 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3 and 4 p.m.
Guests can tour another historic home at the T.C. Steele State Historic Site in Nashville, known as the “House of the Singing Winds.” Impressionist artist T.C. Steele displayed his art throughout the home and property, which guests are welcome to self-guide or take part in guided tours. Steele had an outdoor studio on the property, which now features a wagon modeling Steele’s own traveling studio. Inside, guided tours are offered at 10:15 a.m., 1:25 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.
In Metamora, guests can visit the Grist Mill at the Whitewater Canal site to see real grain-grinding demonstrations and purchase freshly ground corn. Mill demonstrations will take place at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Free tours are reserved on a first come first serve basis and early registration is encouraged.
