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Our Advisory Board

Advisors helping us preserve history and build the future.

The Historic New Harmony Advisory Board brings together people who care deeply about New Harmony and its stories. Board members include community leaders, scholars, preservation professionals and others with expertise relevant to our mission. They provide guidance on everything from collections strategy to program development to community partnerships.

Good advice matters. These board members help us think through complicated questions, connect us with resources and expertise we need and make sure we're serving the communities we exist to serve: residents of New Harmony, visitors, researchers, students and anyone interested in what happened here. 

2026 Hat Luncheon Fundraiser

Friday, May 15, 2026
Doors open at 11 a.m. | Program begins at 11:30 a.m.

Ribeyre Center
603 Main Street, New Harmony, Indiana

Each spring, Historic New Harmony comes together for an event that blends style, creativity and purpose—the Hat Luncheon Fundraiser. More than a social gathering, this cherished tradition invites supporters to connect, celebrate imagination and invest in the preservation and educational mission of Historic New Harmony.

Guests enjoy a beautifully designed luncheon, an engaging featured presentation and the joyful tradition of creative hats that spark conversation and community. Proceeds from the event directly support preservation, outreach and programming efforts that sustain New Harmony as a place of exploration, dialogue and inspiration.

Whether you’re drawn by the artistry, the fellowship or the mission, the Hat Luncheon offers a meaningful way to engage with Historic New Harmony beyond the ordinary.

Decorative table setting

Join the Hat Luncheon

More than a luncheon, it’s a beloved Historic New Harmony tradition. Discover how this stylish spring gathering brings people together to celebrate creativity, connection and preservation.

Explore the event & how to take part

2025-2026 Advisory Board Members

Role

Name

Chair

Silvia Rode

Vice Chair, Development

Trudy Stock

Vice Chair, Special Events

Katie Waters

Vice Chair, Community Engagement

Andrew Wilson

Vice Chair, University Engagement

Kevin Valadares

Vice Chair, Nominating Committee

Marsh Davis

  • Lora Arneberg

  • Bix Branson

  • Kent Brasseale

  • Greg Brown

  • Vicki Campbell

  • Marsh Davis

  • Del Doughty

  • John Dunn

  • William Elliott

  • Judy Griffin

  • John H. Grizzell

  • Mary Beth Guard

  • Kati Schultheis Guenther

  • Tom Guggenheim

  • Matt Hanka

  • Ron Henderson

  • Jan Kahle

  • Jeffrey Knight

  • Tara Overton

  • Mark Krahling

  • Caroline D. Lewis

  • Jeanne Maudlin

  • Richard McCoy

  • Paul Moser

  • William Muller

  • Barbara Northern

  • Laurie Parker

  • Stella Ress

  • Silvia Rode

  • Ronald Romain

  • Trudy Stock

  • Kevin Valadares

  • Karen Walker

  • Katie Waters

  • Barbara Coyle Williams

  • Brian Williams

  • Linda Willis

  • Andrew Wilson

  • Ed Jones

  • Marylu Sonntag

  • Ann Stack

  • Connie Weinzapfel

Committee

Members

Executive Committee

Silvia Rode, Chair

Trudy Stock, Vice-Chair Development

Katie Waters, Vice-Chair Special Events

Andrew Wilson, Vice-Chair Community Engagement

Kevin Valadares, Vice-Chair of University Engagement

Nominating Committee

Marsh Davis, Chair

Development Committee

Trudy Stock, Chair

Special Events Committee

Katie Waters, Chair

Community Engagement

Andrew Wilson, Chair

University Engagement

Kevin Valadares, Chair

What the Board Does

The Advisory Board meets quarterly to discuss Historic New Harmony's work and provide guidance on strategic priorities. Board members:

  • Offer expertise in areas like historic preservation, museum practice, education, community engagement and fundraising
  • Help us think through long-term planning and program development
  • Connect us with resources, partners and opportunities
  • Provide perspective on how we're serving different audiences and communities
  • Support fundraising and advocacy efforts when appropriate 

Board members don't manage day-to-day operations (that's the staff's job). They ask good questions, share their expertise and help us think bigger and more strategically about our work.

Expectations of Board Members

  1. Have a strong interest in and knowledge of New Harmony and its history.
  2. Understand and be supportive of the relationship of Historic New Harmony with the University of Southern Indiana.
  3. Provide advice and support to acquaint new USI faculty and students with New Harmony’s rich cultural and artistic history and promote greater involvement of all USI faculty and students in New Harmony.
  4. Make a commitment to attend the quarterly board meetings and become familiar with the agenda and related items in advance of the meeting.
  5. Attend Historic New Harmony sponsored events and activities.
  6. Make an annual gift to Historic New Harmony through the USI Foundation. The amount is not as important as the commitment to the concept of giving by all members.
  7. Be an advocate for Historic New Harmony and be willing to identify sources of support, both financial and otherwise. Information about donors and donations is confidential and should be treated with discretion.
  8. Be willing to assume positions of leadership on the Board and participate in committee work as needed.
  9. Be willing to assist in identifying and recruiting other members who meet the expectations of the Historic New Harmony Advisory Board.
  10. Be cognizant of the multiple organizations forming the physical and social infrastructure of New Harmony.
  11. Use discretion and keep privileged information confidential.

Interested in Serving?

We're always interested in hearing from people who care about New Harmony's history and want to support Historic New Harmony's mission. If you have expertise or connections that might be valuable, or if you're passionate about this work and want to help, reach out to Diane Sanders at desanders@usi.edu. 

We look for board members who bring diverse perspectives, relevant expertise, genuine interest in the work and willingness to actively engage. Board service is volunteer work, but it's meaningful work that shapes how Historic New Harmony serves communities and preserves history. 

Contact Us

Questions about the Advisory Board? Contact Diane Sanders at desanders@usi.edu or 812-682-4488.

Connect With
Historic New Harmony

(812) 682-4488