Hoosier Harvest at Indiana State Museum

The harvest season is upon us, and the Indiana State Museum is celebrating with a variety of classes and activities.

• Oct. 2-3 = Harvest Jubilee. Workshops include making gourd birdhouses, extending the growing season, and finding local food in Indianapolis. Don't miss the Hoosier Farmer's Breakfast at 9 a.m. Oct. 2 ($17).
  
• Oct. 9-10 = Crocked, Sauced and Pickled. Learn how to make your own refrigerator pickles or create a fall wreath. Afterward, snack of local jams, jellies and preserves at the Farmer's High Tea, at 3 p.m. Oct. 9 ($12).
• Oct. 16-17 = Urban Fresh. Workshops include composting 101, DIY rain barrels and spring garden planning. Celebrate with the Farmer's Chic Buffet, at 11 a.m. Oct. 16 ($17).
  

Chocolate: The Exhibition

It's been a stressful week in my world, and chocolate is my first defense. Fortunately, I can combine the need for chocolate with a learning experience: "Chocolate: The Exhibition," now open at the Indiana State Museum. I saw this exhibit at Chicago's Field Museum a few years ago, and it was a fascinating journey through the history of the world's best food. Did you know cacao beans were often used as currency?

The exhibit runs at the museum through Jan. 4. I'm hoping my stress doesn't last until then.

Off the Beaten Track: Museums and Historic Sites

Work has been crazy, so it's been a few days since my last blog. All work and no play makes this a dull blog.

Unfortunately, we're also in the summer doldrums where classes are concerned. That means it's time to take advantage of the year-round learning opportunities in Indianapolis, such as museums and historical sites.

You already know about the Indianapolis Museum of Art, the Eiteljorg and the Indiana State Museum, of course, but here are a few you might not have considered:

• The Morris-Butler House, a historic landmark, offers guided tours on the half hour Wednesday through Saturday ($5). The 1865 home is a window on the life of the upper-middle-class Victorian family who lived there.
• Did you know there's a museum inside the Soldiers and Sailors Monument? The Col. Eli Lilly Civil War Museum highlights the war experiences of Indiana residents.
• The Children's Museum of Indianapolis has several temporary exhibits you might find interesting, including one on the history of animation and one on comic-book heroes. (And I still think the museum is one of the best date spots in the city.)
• Conner Prairie continues its series of one-day and overnight On the Farm Experiences this summer. Tend the garden, feed the livestock, make a meal the old-fashioned way ... in other words: work hard while you learn.
• The President Benjamin Harrison Home showcases the life of Indiana's only president. Tours are available on the hour and half-hour (closed Sunday); cost is $8.

Now, back to work ...

Things You Didn't Know You Wanted to Know

Today, I'm presenting our first installment of the Things You Didn't Know You Wanted to Know feature. This week's topic: the "Build Your Own Dulcimer" workshop at the Indiana State Museum. Led by folk artist Cris Crismore, the five-day workshop (May 12-16) will teach students how to build and play their own dulcimers. The workshop is part of the Indiana Performing Arts Festival.

What the heck is a dulcimer, anyway? According to Wikipedia, it's a "fretted string instrument of the zither family," which clears things right up. Apparently I need to take this class.

Cost is $45 (or $25 for museum members), which includes materials. Reservations are required.