President Benjamin Harrison Museum

Written by Julie Greiner

Whether you are a political campaign memorabilia buff, an historian or an antique enthusiast - The President Benjamin Harrison Home, which is now a museum dedicated to his life, is a must see when visiting Indianapolis. Benjamin Harrison was the 23rd President of the United States from 1889 to 1893. He was President 100 years after George Washington, which made him the Centennial President. The Harrison Home Campaign Exhibit

houses some 3,700 artifacts and 2,440 books. About 75% of the artifacts in the home actually belonged to the Harrison's. In the home the visitors see ten of the rooms with period furnishings and Harrison items. The third floor, originally a ball room, houses exhibits. A new exhibit opens every six months with Harrison Home artifacts and borrowed artifacts. Textiles, dresses, and other artifacts are displayed through out the house.

Home of the 23rd President of the United States

So often, when one thinks of politicians, one thinks of lawyers. While it is true that many politicians happen to be lawyers by trade, nowhere is it more evident than in the occupation of the Presidency. Twenty-six have held the occupation of lawyer. Amongst those gentlemen are some rather distinguished names such as Founding Fathers Adams, Jefferson and Madison, Supreme Court Justice Taft, and Franklin Roosevelt. For lawyers, that would be rather exclusive company to keep. Who's the best of these lawyers? Benjamin Harrison.

Indiana's First Citizen-Lawyer

(1833-1901) A Civil War General, United States Senator from Indiana, and Twenty-third President of the United States. His great-grandfather, Benjamin Harrison V, was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and governor of Virginia. William Henry Harrison, his grandfather, was the first governor of the Indiana Territory, congressman, senator, and the ninth President of the United States. His father, John Scott Harrison, was a representative from the state of Ohio. The Harrison family record of service to the United States government is matched by few other families through-out history. Benjamin Harrison lived in the home until his death in 1901, except for the years he spent in Washington, D. C. In 1876 Harrison ran for Governor of Indiana. He was defeated in a close race. The Indiana legislature elected Harrison to the Senate where he served from 1881-1887. In 1888 he was chosen to run for President on the Republican ticket. He campaigned on a platform of high protective tariffs often using many of the campaign slogans from his Grandfather's famous 1840 campaign.

Benjamin Harrison

The President Benjamin Harrison Research Library contains the personal

library of Benjamin Harrison, as well as collections relating to Harrison and the era in which he lived. Funding for the library is provided by The Arthur P. Jordan Foundation and by individual contributions. The library receives no federal funding. Harrison's personal book collection, including Harrison publications, government reports, law books, political books, Civil War/Grand Army of the Republic records, literary works, Presbyterian Church records and reports, and older publications from his father's possessions. Harrison genealogy, the presidency of the United States, Indiana history and the Victorian era are among topics of the remainder of the book collections. The Benjamin Harrison House Museum is located at 1230 North Delaware Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202. Reservations are required and for more information call: (317) 631-2717 weekdays between 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.