Benjamin Harrison was an American lawyer and politician, serving as the 23rd president of the United States from 1889 to 1893. In 1874, he and his wife, Caroline, began construction of their beautiful 16-room home and carriage house at 1230 N. Delaware St. Indianapolis.
In 1951, the home was open to the public, and by 1966, the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site was created to maintain and operate the home in honor of Harrison.
Daily Tours
Daily tours are available, giving guests an inside look at the furniture, photographs and exhibits from Harrison’s time in Indianapolis. The 10,000-square-foot Italianate Victorian family home of President Benjamin Harrison was built in 1875, and features two special exhibit spaces.
Annual Exhibits
On the third floor of the home, what once was a ballroom and space to entertain guests has become an annual exhibit room. In 2022, visitors can see the exhibit “No Compact of Silence: Black Civil Rights Advocates in the Harrison Era,” which features Black civil rights advocates during the Harrison era. Featured individuals include Frederick Douglass, Ida B. Wells, William D. McCoy and Dolly Johnson, among others.
Summer Events and Programs
Future Presidents of America is a youth leadership camp to help develop civic literacy, citizenship and leadership skills. The summer event is June 27–July 1, 2022. The camp is for ages 12 to 16 and all selected participants receive full scholarships (a $400 value).
Project POTUS is a challenge for 6-8th grade students to research an American President, create a video of 60 seconds or less and submit to the national contest online by April 15, 2022. Winners will be featured in the upcoming video 46 in 45 posted in May of 2022.
Not-to-Miss Annual Events
Presidential Egg Roll: On April 9 from 9-10:30 a.m., the free Presidential Egg Roll event offers egg roll races (pushing a wooden egg through the grass with a spoon), photos with the Easter Bunny, crafts, music and lots of fun. Though the event is free, be sure to register, as space is limited.
Juneteenth Foodways Festival: On June 17 from 4-8 p.m., for the first time, the Benjamin Harrison site will celebrate with a food festival, including interactive food experiences and highlighting local Indianapolis’ diverse food options. When Harrison took office in 1889, one of the first changes he made was to fire the French chef working in the White House and invited renowned Black caterer and chef Dolly Johnson to bring All-American cuisine to the White House.
More Info About The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site
Address: 1230 North Delaware Street in Indianapolis.
Website: For more information or to register for any event, visit https://bhpsite.org.
