By KARA KAVENSKY
As the nation commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States throughout 2026, members of the Caroline Scott Harrison Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution continue celebrating America’s history through a series of public events across Indianapolis.
Following this year’s Liberty Tree Dedication – a symbol of unity, resilience, and the enduring ideals of freedom – and a Colonial Fair held in June, the chapter is preparing to unveil its newest initiative: a digital museum created in partnership with the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site.
The museum will officially open during a ceremony from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, at the Caroline Scott Harrison Chapter House at 4635 N. Illinois St. An open house will follow.
The digital collection showcases artifacts connected to President Benjamin Harrison and First Lady Caroline Scott Harrison, including White House china from the Harrison administration, fabric from Caroline Scott Harrison’s inaugural gown (the gown itself is part of a Smithsonian collection), one of her personal gowns, Civil War-era military swords associated with her brother, Benjamin Harrison campaign ribbons, and several additional historical objects that help tell the story of Indiana’s connection to the nation’s history.
Featured speakers will include Charles Hyde, president and CEO of the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site; Elaine Sholty, Indiana state regent of the Daughters of the American Revolution; and Jill Fewell, regent of the Caroline Scott Harrison Chapter.
FOR CONSTITUTION WEEK / The chapter will continue its America 250 programming with its annual Constitution Week observance on Tuesday, Sept. 16, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. The ceremony will begin promptly at 9 a.m. The public is invited to attend.
Scheduled speakers to that event will include Charles Hyde; Indiana State Regent Elaine Sholty; Caroline Scott Harrison Chapter Regent Jill Fewell; Mayor Joe Hogsett; and Judge James P. Hanlon of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana. Rachael Homkes and the Theatiki Fife and Drum Corps will provide patriotic musical performances.
Constitution Week is observed annually from Sept. 17–23 and traces its origins to the Daughters of the American Revolution. In 1955, the organization successfully petitioned Congress to designate the week as a national observance dedicated to educating Americans about the U.S. Constitution. The resolution was signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on August 2, 1956.
As America celebrates its semiquincentennial, the Caroline Scott Harrison Chapter hopes these events will encourage Hoosiers of all ages to connect with the people, artifacts, and ideals that helped shape the nation.
