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Listed in Historical landmark, History museum, Visited by Old Folks Adventures

• 407 Tavern Street
  New Harmony, Indiana 47631
• 812 682-4806
• https://workingmensinstitute.org/

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1. Overview
2. Reviews
3. Map & Directions
4. Contact/Other

Description

The Working Men's Institute is one of New Harmony's most significant historic landmarks and is recognized as Indiana's oldest continuously operating public library. Founded in 1838, the institute grew from the community's remarkable legacy of education, science, and intellectual curiosity that began with the Harmonists and continued under the leadership of social reformer Robert Owen and renowned geologist William Maclure.

Following the establishment of Owen's utopian community in 1825, New Harmony became home to many of the nation's leading scientists, educators, and scholars. William Maclure, often called the "Father of American Geology," believed education should be available to everyone and played a major role in supporting schools, libraries, and scientific study in the community. His vision helped inspire the creation of the Working Men's Institute, where local citizens could continue learning through books, lectures, and educational programs.

Today, the Working Men's Institute remains much more than a public library. Visitors can explore exhibits highlighting New Harmony's unique history, including displays on the Harmonists, the Owenite community, natural history, archaeology, and the scientists who helped make this small Indiana town internationally known during the nineteenth century. The building also houses museum collections that preserve artifacts from New Harmony's remarkable past.

Whether you're exploring New Harmony's historic district or following its rich story of innovation and social experimentation, the Working Men's Institute is an essential stop for anyone interested in Indiana history, early education, and one of America's most extraordinary communities.

Historical References / Learn More

Working Men's Institute (Official Website) – History, museum collections, and visitor information.
Indiana Landmarks – Working Men's Institute and New Harmony history.
National Park Service – New Harmony – History of the Harmonists, Owen Community, and educational legacy.
University of Southern Indiana – Historic New Harmony – Educational programs and historical resources.
Indiana Historical Bureau – New Harmony historical resources.

Listing Tags

Education, Geology, Harmonists, Historic Library, Historic Museum, Indiana History, Museum, New Harmony Historic District, New Harmony Indiana, Posey County, Public Library, Robert Owen, Utopian Community, William Maclure, Working Men's Institute

plusCode

43H7+CF New Harmony, Indiana

Street

407 Tavern Street

Monday Hours

Closed

Tuesday Hours

10 AM–7 PM

Wednesday Hours

10 AM–7 PM

Thursday Hours

10 AM–7 PM

Friday Hours

10 AM–4:30 PM

Saturday Hours

10 AM–4:30 PM

Sunday Hours

12–4 PM

Latitude

38.128755

Longitude

-87.936209

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Country

USA

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