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Historic New Harmony

This is a picture of a wooded area surrounding a lake.

The University of Southern Indiana, in cooperation with the Indiana State Museum, manages programs and properties in Historic New Harmony, the home to two historic communal societies of the early 19th century.

Nestled in the wooded hills of southwestern Indiana, explorers, artists, writers, social activists, and intellectuals from all over the world have come to New Harmony over the past 175 years.

It all began in 1814, when a group of German religious dissenters, led by Father George Rapp, settled in the picturesque wooded area near the Wabash River. Known as the Harmonie Society, this group built a self-sufficient commune and established thriving businesses and industries in the span of ten years. The Harmonists sold the town to Robert Owen, a Scottish social reformer who dreamed of turning New Harmony into a Utopian society. Along with his partner William Maclure, Owen managed to attract the elite of the intellectual society from around the world. Although Owen's dream would go unfulfilled, New Harmony quickly became known as the intellectual and cultural center of the frontier.

This is a picture of a lake. The five buildings in historic New Harmony that are available to rent are the Atheneum, Thrall's Opera House, Murphy Auditorium, John Beal House, and the 1775 Double Log Cabin. These facilities are available throughout the year, except during Christmas week and any holiday. Murphy Auditorium is not available during The New Harmony Summer Theatre season.

Scheduling is on a first-come, first-served basis. Priority is given to programs sponsored by USI and Historic New Harmony. All rental policies in place for USI buildings and rooms apply to Historic New Harmony buildings. Sodexho Marriott does not serve as the exclusive caterer for events in New Harmony. Call 812/682-4488 for rental information.

8600 University Boulevard - Evansville, IN 47712-3596 - 812/464-8600