Special tours, free events part of anniversary celebration at Corydon Capitol State Historic Site
CORYDON – More than two centuries after its composition, the original 1816 Indiana Constitution will return temporarily to the place where it was written, commemorating two significant milestones in the history of the state and the nation.
From June 10 through July 5, visitors can see the foundational document during special tours of the Corydon Capitol State Historic Site. The Indiana Archives and Records Administration has provided the original constitution on loan to the historic site in recognition of the 210th anniversary of Indiana’s first constitutional convention in Corydon. This rare opportunity for visitors to connect with Indiana’s heritage is also part of the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites’ year-long celebration of America’s 250th birthday, which will include several free events at the historic site that are supported by the Duke Energy Foundation.
“Having Indiana’s first constitution on view during the period of the constitutional convention through the United States’ 250th birthday recognizes Corydon’s formative and enduring importance to the state’s history,” said Susannah Koerber, chief curator and research officer for the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites.
Starting on June 10, 1816, 43 delegates drafted Indiana’s first constitution over the course of 18 days. Among the delegates, Jonathan Jennings, who later served as Indiana’s first governor, was chosen as president of the convention while the secretary was William Hendricks, who became the third governor. They and the other delegates adopted and signed the document on June 29, 1816, sending it on for the eventual signature of then-President James Madison on Dec. 11, 1816, and making Indiana the 19th state to join the Union. Based on the constitutions of the United States and other states, Indiana’s document began with a preamble and included 12 articles with a bill of rights. It served as the state’s legal framework until it was replaced by the 1851 Indiana Constitution that remains in place today.
“Indiana’s 1816 Constitution allowed the state to become a part of the United States’ federal government and simultaneously created a system to govern its own affairs,” said Chandler Lighty, executive director for the Indiana Archives and Records Administration. “It proudly proclaims, ‘That all power is inherent in the people; and all free Governments are founded on their authority, and instituted for their peace, safety and happiness.’ These personal rights and liberties protected in the Constitution are incredibly important to Hoosiers.”
A different section of the 72-page, leather-bound constitution will be showcased for each week it will be on display in the Governor’s Mansion at the historic site, offering visitors an up-close look at significant portions of the document during their tour. Guided site tours also include the original State Capitol building, First State Office building and the Porter Law office, and are offered at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Tours are free for Indiana State Museum members and included with admission, and advance registration is encouraged.
Additionally, visitors can learn more about the constitution and continue celebrating America’s 250th birthday during several free events happening through the end of the year at the historic site thanks to funding from the Duke Energy Foundation.
This summer, visitors can step into the role of delegates at the 1816 constitutional convention as they visit the Constitution Elm and compare the foundational documents of the state and the U.S. during Two Constitutions in One Nation from 1-2 p.m. on June 12. Guests can enjoy a special reading of the Declaration of Independence by a costumed interpreter during Breaking from the Monarchy, from 11 a.m.-noon on July 4 and 6-7 p.m. on July 8. Taking place from 1-2 p.m. on Aug. 15, Benjamin Harrison V: Corydon’s Connection to a Patriot will explore Harrison’s life, local connections and legacy.
Later in the fall, visitors can learn about the Revolutionary War soldiers who fought and lived in Indiana during Corydon’s Heroes from 6-7:30 p.m. on Sept. 26. Guests can take a lantern-lit tour of the State Capitol and hear stories of early Hoosiers and Revolutionary War descendants during Lanterns of Liberty Night Tour from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Nov. 6. Lastly, happening from 1-2 p.m. on Nov. 21, George Rogers Clark: Frontier General will highlight Clark’s instrumental role during the Revolutionary War, including during the Siege of Fort Sackville, and how his land grant helped shape Indiana.
These are a handful of events the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites will offer to commemorate America’s 250th birthday. To find a complete list of the museum system’s celebration events and purchase admission, visit IndianaMuseum.org.
About the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites
The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites is a museum system with 12 one-of-a-kind locations across the state that ignite wonder, inspire curiosity, reveal stories and create connections. The museum, located in White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis, serves as a central hub offering immersive experiences for visitors of every age and interest — from art and architecture, to history and culture, to science and nature. The historic sites stretch north to the shores of Sylvan Lake, south to the banks of the Ohio River and many places in between. Learn more at IndianaMuseum.org.
