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Not to be missed! July 19, 2012 at 7pm at Indiana Landmarks Center--
"Revisiting Victorian Indianapolis" will be lead by Marsh Davis, President of Indiana Landmarks. Joining him will be David Peat, the son of former/ longtime director of the John Herron Art Museum, artist and author, Wilbur Peat who wrote and photographed the book "19th Century Homes of Indiana." The book celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Photos showing "Then and Now" depictions of Victorian Indianapolis should stir the heart of any architecture lover, preservationist, historian or passionate Indianapolis resident.

Preceding the program, the Hoosier Chapter of the Victorian Society in America will be presenting to Indiana Landmarks the prestigious VSA National Preservation Award for the inspiring and painstaking restoration of the Indiana Landmarks Center, formerly the Central Avenue Methodist Church. This is the first site in the state of Indiana to win this award, and the awards are not necessarily given each year. The only other full Award for 2012 is the Old Naval Hospital in Washington, D.C. Prior winners include the former Carson-Pirie Scott Department Store in Chicago, President Lincoln's Cottage and Visitor Center (where President Lincoln penned the "Emancipation Proclamation"), and Philadelphia City Hall.

Immediately following the program, stay to toast the three year anniversary of HistoricIndianapolis.com--co-sponsor of the evening's program-- and explore the evening romance of the Indiana Landmarks Center.

HVSA and Indiana Landmarks members: FREE
All others: $5

RSVP's not required, but may be directed to HoosierVSA@gmail.com

Victorian Era Films on Saturday, September 3, 2011

WHO: You and any other film lover you know
WHERE: INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
WHEN: Saturday, September 3, 2011- 12pm
WHAT: See the following excerpt
WHY: How often do you get to see film footage of the Victorian and post-Victorian era? Doubtful it's often.
COST: HVSA members FREE; all others $10


If you have a passion for the history of films, or are a motion picture enthusiast, then you are undoubtedly aware of local treasure, Eric Grayson. Whether you are or aren't, you will not want to miss this extremely rare opportunity to experience his presentation of some of the earliest known existing examples of film history he'll be presenting for the Hoosier Chapter, Victorian Society in America on September 3, 2011 at 12pm at the Indiana Historical Society. The program will showcase a number of films from 1893-1912, illustrating various developments in cinema and accompanied by fascinating and little known background of the evolution of motion pictures. Cost is $10 and reservations are encouraged. Reservations may be secured by emailing hoosiervsa@gmail.com or by calling 636-5409. Space is limited.
Our sincerest thanks to Indiana Historical Society for their generosity!

Victorians had Sex? Hear All About it 2/13/2011

Victorians had sex? ...Hard to believe, but let's face it, we wouldn't be here if they didn't!


Come explore the bedroom of yesteryear in the Hoosier Chapter, Victorian Society in America's first event of 2011.

Hosted at the beautifully restored Fishback-Annis House, home of Events on Delaware, 1101 N. Delaware Street at 2pm on Sunday, February 13, 2011.

We welcome HVSA members and the general public to hear "Lie Still and Think of the Empire: Love, Sex and Marriage in Victorian America," lead by Professor Karen Lystra, of California State University, Fullerton and author of "Searching the Heart: Women, Men, and Romantic Love in Nineteenth Century America."

The talk will challenge the still-dominant stereotype of Victorian culture that characterizes couples as prudish and sexually repressed, marriage as loveless, marital sex as aimed almost exclusively at reproduction, courtship as chaperoned and sexless, and women as raised to be passionless and men to to seek fun and sexual release with prostitutes.


Using love letters, Lystra will bring the audience into the Victorian parlor and bedroom to see and hear the real Victorian experience of sex and love which is full of erotic passion and romantic love.


Bring a copy of the book with you and Karen will gladly autograph it for you!




Admission Pricing: Current HVSA members, free
Public, $3 per person or 2 for $5

**-OR- become a member of HVSA, get admission to this event and save $5 off membership. Individual memberships, normally $40 will be $35 and Family membership, normally $50 will be $45.

Last Dinner on the Titanic/ Celebrating HVSA's Inaugural Year

The HVSA Board Celebrating our Inaugural Year! Left to Right: Jim Obergfell, J. Scott Keller, Leah Orr, Jennifer Capps, Vanessa Burkhart, Tiffany Benedict Berkson, David Buchanan (not shown: Aimee Rose Formo)

Hard to believe it's been so long since members of the Hoosier Chapter, Victorian Society in America set sail on the Titanic, but we certainly had a great time! And most importantly, we all lived to tell.

Cruise director giving some notes to passengers...

1st course

November 13, 2010- Elegantly attired passengers were greeted at The Propylaeum with scents and sounds such as Titanic's final passengers were treated to almost 100 years ago. What followed was course after course--eight in all--from the Titanic's 1st class dinner menu, as speaker, Craig Ware intermittently popped in to provide commentary on the clear night, sailing conditions and other insights.




After dinner, passengers were further entertained by Craig's brief talk about his experience as a Titanic enthusiast, and relative of some of the lost passengers. Craig's presentation was polished, informative and entertaining. Guests were so fascinated, they stayed long after dinner ended to have Craig answer their many questions.

Here are just a few highlights via photos, provided by Faith Blackwell, of Faith Blackwell Photography, LLC.


We again want to thank the passengers and the many businesses who contributed to this successful evening! It would not have been the same without the contributions of the following:

Faith Blackwell Photography, LLC, The Cork + Cracker, Rene's Bakery, Goose the Market, Colored Threads, Fancy Fortune Cookies, The Best Chocolate in Town, Engledow Group, Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, J. Scott Keller and etsy store, Preservation Station.

A toast to the HVSA's 1st successful year

Last Dinner on the Titanic

The Hoosier Chapter Victorian Society in America presents:
“Last Dinner On the Titanic”
Saturday November 13th, 2010 at
The Propylaeum, 1410 N. Delaware Street
Cash bar 6-7pm
Dinner 7-9 pm

Experience the flavors, sights and sounds of 1st class dining aboard the Titanic!
*Fancy dress encouraged, but not required
*8 course dinner including wine
*Guest Speaker, Craig Ware, local lifelong Titanic enthusiast

Pricing: $55 per person for members and $70 for non-members.
For this event only, add HVSA membership to the price of dinner for only $20. (Regularly $40) HVSA is a not-for-profit dedicated to preservation, education and enjoyment of our Victorian heritage.

Space is limited and it will certainly be A Night to Remember!

Register for this event by mail or email using this form.
Please include the full name of each attendee! and phone numbers and emails.

Registration forms with check or money order can be mailed to:
Victorian Society in America Hoosier Chapter
Attn: Titanic
1204 N. Park Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46202

Credit/Debit Card Payments are accepted via PayPal to hoosiervsa@gmail.com.

The Game Is Afoot--for those who missed it!

You should pass this building on your journey...

“THE GAME IS AFOOT:” An Architectural Treasure Hunt of Victorian Indianapolis
Created by the Hoosier Chapter, Victorian Society in America

For those of you unable to participate on June 19th, we offer a copy here. Simply highlight, copy and paste all that follows in this post and print at home! Enjoy!

When you are done, please email us at: hoosiervsa@gmail.com and we will email you the key/ answers.


DIRECTIONS: Beginning at the headquarters of the Hoosier Chapter, Victorian Society in America, the Morris-Butler House, you will work your way around a number of downtown locations with a question pertaining to each. If any question stumps you, try asking someone. Fill in the blanks for each question and save the “circled” letter from each answer on the bottom line to unscramble the anagram and answer the final question. The entire game may be walked, or you can drive to the first two or three stops (slightly north of downtown) and then park and walk. This should take between 2-4 hours, depending on how much time you spend at each location.


3 Helpful Definitions:

Façade - the front of the building

Column – a pillar supporting some portion of a building

Pediment – a triangular space, at the top of a structure, often used for decoration


1. 87 steep stairs lead from the Morris-Butler House's basement into its tower. From the vantage point of that tower, its three windows give a view of almost the whole city. There is no window facing which (compass) direction?

2. On April 25, 1890, President Benjamin Harrison signed the act that designated Chicago as the site of the World Columbian Exposition (also known as the Chicago World’s Fair). In the herb garden at the Benjamin Harrison Home a sculpture that won the grand prize at the Columbian Exposition now sits. Who designed and carved this 1893 sculpture?
2. At 528 North Lockerbie Street you will find the James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home, where famed Hoosier author, or “The Hoosier Poet,” as he was widely known, lived for over 20 years of his life. He loved the place so much, he composed an ode to this street called “Lockerbie Fair.” How many steps did Mr. Riley have to ascend from the sidewalk to the front door?


4. The building that started its life as “Das Deutsche Haus” and is now known as the Athenaeum is located where Massachusetts Avenue and Michigan and New Jersey Streets all meet. Because the structure was built in two phases, there is an East wing (built in 1893) and West wing, built in 1897. Looking at the Eastern tower on the East wing, there is a German phrase carved in stone that translates to: “Vibrant and free; strong and loyal.” Please write out the words as they appear on the building in German:


5. There is a shop on Mass Ave (across from question 6) that has been in the same location since 1886. People always remember the exotic bird and the “Baldwin Flyer System” which shuttles their chief product back and forth. What store is this?


6. Where Massachusetts Avenue intersects at New York Street and Delaware Streets (now dwarfed by the building next to it) is one of the oldest buildings on the avenue. This three-story flatiron Italianate building was erected in 1874. You will know you are looking at the right building if you find the word Hammond at the top of the front of the building. Looking on both sides of the building, how many columns do you find in the façade?


7. Next to a bank building on the east side of Pennsylvania Street, between Ohio and New York Streets, find a limestone statuary group in a small park-like plaza. This trio of figures originally stood above the main entrance of the magnificent Indiana National Bank building and is the only known remaining piece of that building's façade. The original site is now a plaza at the corner of Pennsylvania and Virginia. Which (compass) direction is the male figure staring?


8. On Market Street between Delaware and Alabama Streets, you will find the city’s original Victorian Farmer’s Market. Standing on the West side of the Market is a brick and limestone arch. This is all that remains of Tomlinson Hall, a public venue built for concerts, political rallies and various other kinds of meetings—free to be used by all people despite prejudices of the time. Built in 1886, the Hall was destroyed by fire in January 1958. As a tribute to a place that could easily be considered the city’s social epicenter for more than 50 years, this arch is the only remaining remnant. Look at the archway’s east side, (which means you are looking west)—how many circles do you find above the doorway including those inside the pediment?


9. The first “skyscraper” in Indianapolis reaches ten stories high and was designed in 1895 for the Indiana Gas Company by the same architectural firm that designed the City Market (D. A. Bohlen & Son). This Romanesque Revival style building can be found at 47 South Pennsylvania. What is the name of the building?


10. On Washington Street, the oldest building—that was standing when Abraham Lincoln’s body passed through the city on the way to Springfield, and even earlier when he visited the city during his campaign for President—is in need of repair. “The Hanaman Building” is located, empty and forlorn, at 40 East Washington Street—with only the top portion betraying its age. How many windows can you see in the upper/ 1860’s portion of the building?

11. Built in 1893, the structure formerly known as the Lombard Building is at 22 East Washington Street. Its current name relates to the organization sponsoring this event and is on the front of the building. What is it called?


12. The building next door to the previous question has a façade made of Terra Cotta (fired and glazed clay). But there are some other interesting elements on the building, such as the figures of Knights. How many knights are on the building?

13. In the 100 block of South Meridian, near Nordstrom, you will find the majority of the “Vajen Exchange Block” façade, which was dismantled from its former location, now a parking garage, and integrated into the exterior façade of the Circle Center Mall. There is a plaque (facing south) that tells about this 1872 building and its history. On what street was this building originally located?


14. Before modern steel was invented, cast iron played a prominent role in architecture. In the 200 block of South Meridian Street there are multiple buildings with cast iron in their façades. You will notice they sound and feel different when you knock on them, but if you use a magnet, you will know for sure. How many are there (both sides of street)? *Previous participants came up with a variety of answers for this one, so don't feel bad if you disagree with the answer*


15. Indianapolis opened the first “Union Station” in the country in 1853 on Jackson Place between Meridian and Illinois Streets. A union station is a building in which several different private railroads share a common train station. The current station was constructed in 1888 and is Romanesque Revival architecture composed of granite and brick. The north side of the building features a large round stained glass window and a tower. What feature on the tower moves?



16. 127 South Illinois street is one of the most famous and well-loved restaurants in Indianapolis. (They are best known for their fiery horseradish-laden shrimp cocktail sauce). In carved stone at the top of the façade, you will find the original name of the building. What is it?


17. At the junction of Market Street and Capitol Avenue is the East side of the State Capitol building. At the bottom of the stairs is a statue of Governor Oliver P. Morton, Indiana’s Civil War era governor. The walls on either side of the stairway have bronze panels with depictions of figures. On the southern staircase is a bronze depiction that features women working during the Civil War. What is the occupation of those featured women?


18. The oldest structure on Monument Circle even pre-dates the Soldiers & Sailors Monument. What is its name? (hint: it’s in the northeast quadrant)


19. There is only one other thing on Monument Circle older than the Soldiers & Sailors Monument. It is a statue of a governor in a different version than the statue of the same governor facing the Circle from in front of the Capitol. Who is featured in this statue?


20. There are two years repeated (once each) atop the Soldiers & Sailors Monument. The dates refer to the beginning and end of what nationally significant event?


21. There are a number of different animals featured in the sculptures on the Soldiers & Sailors Monument and its surrounding grounds. There are panthers, eagles, buffalos, snakes and these four-legged animals:


22. Stand in front of or inside the big window of the South Bend Chocolate Company. Imagine you are standing there 100 years ago. If you looked to the northwest quadrant of the circle, what hotel would you have seen? (If you need a hint: Look for a photograph of it inside the shop.)


23. The official crest of the Columbia Club on Monument Circle was originally designed by a company known in Victorian times for the beautiful stained glass designs of Louis C; today they are better known for expensive jewelry wrapped in a robin’s egg blue box. (The name started as a last and is now more commonly a first.)


ANSWER 1. ۝ __ __ __ __

ANSWER 2. __ __ ۝ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ - __. - __ __ __ __ __

ANSWER 3. __ __ __ __ __ __ __ ۝

ANSWER 4. __ __ __ __ __ __ - __۝__ - __ __ __ __;__ __ __ __ __ - __ __ __
__ __ __ __

ANSWER 5. ۝__ __ __ __’ __ - __ __ __ __ __

ANSWER 6. __ __ __ ۝__

ANSWER 7. __ ۝__ __

ANSWER 8. ۝__ __ __ __ __

ANSWER 9. __ __ __ - __۝__ __ __ __ __ __

ANSWER 10. __ ۝__

ANSWER 11. ۝ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ - __ __ __ __ __ __

ANSWER 12. ۝__ __

ANSWER 13. __ __ __ __ __ ۝ __ __ __ __ __ __

ANSWER 14. __ __ __ __ ۝

ANSWER 15. __ __ __ ۝__

ANSWER 16. ۝ __ __ __ __ __

ANSWER 17. ۝ __ __ __ __

ANSWER 18. __ __ __ ۝ __ __ - __ __ __ __ __ __ - __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

ANSWER 19. __ __ __ __ __ __ - __. - __ __ __ __ __ ۝

ANSWER 20. __ __ __ - __۝__ __ __ - __ __ __

ANSWER 21. __ __۝ __ __ __ (plural)

ANSWER 22. __ __ __ ۝ __ __ __’ __

ANSWER 23. __ __ __ __۝__ __ - & - __ __ __ __ __ __ __

Letters collected from all circles:


__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

By unscrambling the letters you have collected from all your answers, please answer the following question:

In the year 2016, the state of Indiana will celebrate what occasion:


__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ -- __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __**
**The blog will not allow division of the spaces provided for your lettering, so we have inserted dashes where normally would appear spaces.

Preservation hero and HVSA Board Member, Scott Keller

Re-post courtesy of http://historicindianapolis.blogspot.com about Scott Keller and his role in the HVSA's inaugural event.

Preservation and service to the community is just in some people’s blood. Scott Keller, an indefatigable preservationist and community contributor happens to have come from a long line of Hoosiers who helped shape Indianapolis as we know it today. From a great-grandfather who was a state senator to a grandfather who helped found Goodwill Industries here in Indiana, to his great uncle Frank who started Flanner House and a brother who works for the United Nations—Scott Keller propagates a long-held family tradition of community service and admirable commitment to leaving his corner of the world better.

When asked what first got Scott interested in preservation, he noted that his mother had an appreciation of old buildings and was an early member of Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana. It probably didn’t hurt that Keller grew up in a home built in 1919 in Johnsons Woods and as he grew up was exposed to many of the admired historic Indianapolis neighborhoods: Meridian Hills, Meridian Kessler, Butler Tarkington and others.

Lockerbie Court (1901) one of numerous structures Scott Keller helped save

After participating in various National Trust conventions where participants would visit neighborhoods in other cities like San Francisco, St. Louis and Chicago, touring the older districts that were being redeveloped, Keller couldn’t help noticing that Indianapolis lacked the same large scale movement towards preservation so prevalent in these other cities. With that in mind, Keller took it upon himself to recruit other locals to help change that—downtown business owners, banks and American States Insurance Company on North Meridian all heeded the call. All told, 414 people helped actualize the vision. To date, Scott has helped rehabilitate 614 historic homes—primarily in central Indiana. There doesn’t seem to be any aspect of preservation with which Scott has not had experience. He sponsored four historic districts (Chatham Arch, Meridian Park, Apartments and Flats and expanded Old Northside) as well as 38 major buildings in downtown Indianapolis including the Wilson, Sylvania, Dartmouth, Plaza, McKay, Glencoe, Martens, Raleigh, Van Dyke, Harness Factory Lofts, Jefferson, Pennsylvania and many more. He even served on the board of directors of “Preservation Action” a national lobbying group as well.

Forest Home, the one time home of Ovid Butler--deserving of a blog of its own at some point (note to self)

When asked to name some of his favorite historic buildings which he helped save and restore here in Indianapolis, Keller noted Lockerbie Court (1901) featuring an L-shaped courtyard in back “unique in Indianapolis” with real urban back doors and decks and porches and 643 Ft. Wayne. “Forest Home” on Park and 1226 North Broadway, both in the Old Northside, also favorites among private single family residences. It also must be said that all addresses easily trip off his tongue as if reciting a list of his dearest old friends.

1226 N. Park Avenue, one of my favorites in the Old Northside, too!

When asked if there was ever a building he regretted not being saved, Keller immediately responded with a detailed description of former apartment building called “The Saint Clair” which had been located at 109 West St. Clair St., between Capitol and Illinois. This was a 3 and a half story building with 2 units per floor, and filled with spectacular tiles and woodwork, some rooms featuring coffered ceilings, painted frescoes lining the stairways and a prominent Romanesque arch and porches on the front façade. Had the building been properly boarded, the the fire which destroyed it may never have happened…this being way back in 1987 or so.

After years of devotion to rehabbing historic homes, Keller expanded upon his experience and know-how by honing the art of appraisal. As it turns out, our fair city was in need of a personal property appraiser, and Keller—ever the savvy businessman—would be willing and able to fill that niche. Keller spent three years on and off living and studying in London and traversing other parts of England in search of antiques that could then be sold to dealers along Portobello Road. Keller obtained a Masters in Asian Art from the University of London, and a Masters in Fine Art from University of Oxford, Harris-Manchester College. The studies were intense, rigorous, real-world and hands on. Keller attended auctions at Christies, Sothebys, and other major auction houses in London and had the opportunity to touch and experience real items, not just a set of slides from the chair of a vacuous lecture hall. Of all the pieces he at one time possessed, there are a couple of Arthur Benson pieces he most wishes he still owned today. Untold numbers of unique and prized possessions have passed through his deft hands and been surveyed by his keen eye.

Scott Keller is now in his 21st year as a Professional Appraiser. A Professional Appraiser distinguishes himself by knowing how to do research, knowing the appropriate questions to ask and being cognizant of his own limitations. This particular Professional Appraiser also taught various courses at the John Herron Art Institute for 14 years: classes in Art History, Silver, Pottery, Porcelain and the list goes on. Mr. Keller has opted out of the jewelry, stamp and coin markets, but does appraise most everything else under the personal property umbrella.

Keller has also served on the city-county council, and currently is in his third year on the Metropolitan Development Commission. He is a staunch supporter of equal rights for all and an estimable and admirable asset to Indianapolis. This cool cat really does have nine lives, and in all of them, he has made a difference to Historic Indianapolis.

The Inaugural event of the Hoosier Chapter, Victorian Society in America, “Antiques Appraisal Show” stars J. Scott Keller, in the flesh on Saturday, 6 March, 2010. The event starts at 10 a.m. when Scott will present a brief introduction/ short lecture on “The Characteristics of Value” which will help the layperson understand why anything is or isn’t valuable.

Click to see your invitation close up!

Membership to the Hoosier Chapter of the Victorian Society in America is $20 for students, $40 for individuals, $50 for families(2 adults) and $100 for businesses. Membership includes appraisal of 2 items at Saturday’s event and a tour of the Morris-Butler House Museum, headquarters for the Hoosier Chapter, VSA—in addition to admission and/or discounts for events later in the year. If you aren’t ready to commit to membership, you may pay $15 per item to participate in the show and have your item appraised.

Commendation for the President Benjamin Harrison Home

One of the goals of the Hoosier Chapter of the Victorian Society in America is to help bring national attention to the best of Victorian Indiana. To that end, the new Hoosier chapter got quickly to work, nominating the President Benjamin Harrison Home for the national Victorian Society in America preservation award. Awards are granted on an annual basis for projects of outstanding merit in the preservation or conservation of Victorian material culture.

In May, The Victorian Society in America voted to honor the President Benjamin Harrison Home with a commendation for completion of a series of restoration projects to enhance and preserve this 1875 National Historic Landmark. The Society’s Preservation Committee was impressed by the meticulous care and professionalism of the restoration work, including: the reconstruction of the carriage house, the improvement of visitor amenities—including handicapped accessibility, landscaping of the grounds, and restoration of interior decorations.

PBHH President & CEO, Phyllis Geeslin accepting the VSA National Commendation award from Hoosier VSA President, Tiffany Benedict Berkson

"We are all very proud and excited to receive this commendation from an organization that sets the standards! Our sincere appreciation to Tiffany Benedict Berkson, Vanessa Burkhart, and Marsh Davis for their supportive words and admirable advocacy!" --statement issued from the President Benjamin Harrison Home

The Hoosier Chapter's first nomination, and first success! Congratulations to the President Benjamin Harrison Home for their meticulous work and dedication. This museum is a long-held favorite place to visit in Indianapolis.

For full information on criteria for nominations, check in on the website for The Victorian Society in America.

Our only regret is that the magnificent work completed at West Baden Springs Hotel, which would have undoubtedly been a shoo-in for an the award.

2nd Quarter event: The Game Is Afoot

The Hoosier Chapter, Victorian Society in America's event "The Game is Afoot," an architectural treasure hunt of Victorian Indianapolis, was a great success. Over 50 people participated in the HVSA's second quarter event on June 19th. Families, couples, friends and 'Bigs & Littles' all received sleuthing packets with questions that sent them scouring greater downtown for remnants of Victorian Indianapolis on the eve of the 173rd anniversary of Queen Victoria's ascension to the throne. Participants competed to win one of the two grand prizes--a free night's stay at the Columbia Club for those over age 18 and a large basket of chocolates and free museum tickets for Morris-Butler House and the President Harrison Home for those under 18.

In order to reach a younger audience, HVSA partnered for the first time with Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Central Indiana. Perhaps youth and Victorian history seem at odds, but HVSA President, Tiffany Benedict Berkson explained the rationale: "to inspire the next generation of historians and preservationists." The majority of Indianapolis' early fabric was woven within the time period highlighted by the HVSA (1837-1917).

Sponsors included: The Columbia Club, Indiana Historical Society, South Bend Chocolate Company, President Benjamin Harrison Home, Indiana Landmarks, Stout's Shoes, O'Malia's, Bioscrip Pharmacy and Rhea Cain.

HVSA President, Tiffany Benedict Berkson and HVSA Board Member, Leah Orr welcomed 50 participants to the Morris-Butler House Museum as the first of 23 locations for 'The Game Is Afoot'

The winner of the basket of chocolates from South Bend Chocolate Company was Robby Kile, age 15, who completed the hunt with his parents and brother. Robby's mother, Mrs. Linda Kile found out about the event from last weekend's Indianapolis Star. The Kiles had to forgo their usual summer vacation this year and were eager to participate in this event, saying it was wonderful to find a family oriented activity that would be fun, educational and free. "Free is my favorite word," she mused, "especially in this economy!" Since Robby's gift basket also included 2 free tickets for the Morris-Butler House Museum and the President Benjamin Harrison Home, the family have two more events the whole family can do together--with half the admission already paid for. Mrs. Kile felt she learned something new about Indianapolis--she was surprised to know there was so much Victorian history left downtown and "loved that those iron facades were moved," referencing the Vajen Block, for one, that was rescued by Indiana Landmarks and relocated and worked into the exterior of Circle Center Mall. The winner of the free night at Columbia Club is Corey Dalton, resident of Fletcher Place Historic neighborhood.

Coming Soon...More info on HVSA

Welcome to the page for the Hoosier Chapter, Victorian Society in America. We are headquartered in the historic Morris-Butler House Museum, a property of Indiana Landmarks 1204 N. Park Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46202
317-636-5409
Email: hoosiervsa@gmail.com

Coming soon...more about HVSA: who we are, what we do and how you may get involved.

Board of Directors:
Tiffany Benedict Berkson, President
David Buchanan, Vice-President
Scott Keller, Treasurer
Aimee Rose Formo, Secretary
Leah Orr, Director
Jennifer Capps, Director
Vanessa Burkhart, Director
Catherine Carvey, Director

Membership Information*
Regular Individual Membership: $40
Full time Student Membership: $20
Family (2 adults) Membership: $50
Business Membership: $100

*To Request a membership form, please email us at: hoosiervsa@gmail.com