George Rapp:
George Rapp was the leader of the Harmonists, a group of German Lutheran Separatists.  They called him "Father Rapp".  Through farming and manufacturing, the Harmonists became almost entirely self-supporting.  Harmonist products, such as cloth, shoes, pottery, baskets, and chairs were shipped to 22 states and 10 foreign countries.  The Harmonists lived in Indiana 10 years (1814-1824) before moving back to Pennsylvania.

Robert Owen:
Robert Owen was a wealthy industrialist and social reformer from Scotland who bought New Harmony from George Rapp to set up his own communal society.  This society lasted two years, from 1825 to 1827.

William Maclure:
William Maclure, known as "the Father of American Geology", brought many scientists and educators to New Harmony.  He was placed in charge of the community's school by Robert Owen.  Maclure and other teachers used the Pestalozzian Method, a Swiss method of education based upon learning by experience rather than by books.  An example of this method would be to teach science by taking field trips to the woods.