Museum Properties

The purpose of Museum Properties is to aid in the preservation, restoration, interpretation and maintenance of historic buildings and relics of early history.

The Indiana Society owns the David Lenz House in historic New Harmony in southwest Indiana, and contributes to the maintenance of both the home and its property.  In recent years, the Indiana Society has purchased a significant example of Rappite furniture for the Lenz House, created an heirloom herb and vegetable garden, and rebuilt the barn with historically accurate design and construction.

The Society has purchased several items for display at the J.F.D. Lanier Mansion in Madison, Indiana.  Recent acquisitions include ewer and basin sets for bedrooms and Staffordshire tableware and Ashburton goblets for the dining room.

Indiana Dames also helped purchase items for exhibits at the Indianapolis Museum of Art in its textile collection and the American wing, including furniture, clothing, artifacts and china.  The most recent donation was a rare French-style armoire, made in Vincennes, Indiana, by a French-Canadian furniture maker, Antoine La Lumiere, circa 1800.   Also purchased was a Philadelphia High Chest of considerable note.  Both are periodically on display.