Among other things, June is LGBT Pride Month, African American Music Appreciation Month and National Safety Month. For the staff at the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, June also means several things – including Canal Nights, a new gallery and the Major Taylor Festival/Juneteenth.
* The museum’s Canal Nights – a combination of outdoor activities and themed, hands-on experiments – run from 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays in June and July.
June 1 – Race Day: Discover different kinds of races and test engineering designs to see if what you build travels the fastest.
June 8 – Nature Play Day: Explore the museum grounds and White River State Park, and play and create with natural materials.
June 15 – Global Gathering: Cultural demonstrations and activities will take you for a trip around the globe without ever leaving the canal.
June 22 – Summer Nights Astronomy: Learn about the seasons, sun, stars and planets.
June 29 – Wonderful Water: We look at the science behind water, why it’s important and other ways water makes summers fun.
* The Major Taylor Festival, held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 18, is free to the public. The State Museum will celebrate the life and legacy of Marshall “Major” Taylor and the biking community of Indianapolis. Activities will highlight cycling, bike equity, transportation, bike safety, bike design and technology. The day includes live performances by local artists, exhibitors throughout the museum and front lawn, food trucks and hands-on activities. The Major Taylor Festival coincides with our celebration of Juneteenth, which includes free admission to most of the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites locations throughout the state (excluding New Harmony State Historic Site).
* Indiana State Museum visitors will have a new experience when they walk in the door beginning Saturday, June 25. The 5,500-square-foot space, Gallery One, invites visitors to examine objects from different viewpoints, interact with a mural, reimagine a piece of music and much, much more.
PHOTO ABOVE: The Indiana State Museum sits along the Downtown Canal in White River State Park.
