Historic New Harmony manages historic sites throughout New Harmony. Some were built by the Harmonists between 1814 and 1824. Others were used by the Owenites from 1825 to 1827. A few tell the story of what happened after both utopian experiments ended. Together, they help you understand what people tried to create here, how they lived and worked and what they left behind.
New Harmony State Historic Site manages other significant sites in the historic district, including:
Visit New Harmony State Historic Site's or stop by their office at Community House No. 2 for information about their sites and tours.听
The Rapp-Owen Granary was built by the Harmonists to the store grain, and it later became a geologic laboratory for two of Robert Owen's sons. Today, the Granary functions as an event venue. An agreement with the Rapp Granary-Owen Foundation allows Historic New Harmony to take tour groups into the Granary when it is not being used for private events. This building is a regular stop on our History Tour.听 聽
Once the home of New Harmony High School's Rappites, the Ribeyre Center is an old high school gymnasium that today functions as an event venue. Team photos and sports trophies are on display there. Learn more about the Ribeyre Center on their .听听
The Jane Blaffer Owen Sanctuary grounds feature gardens, fountains and water features, sculptures, creative residences and other structures. Many of these places are open to the public for self-guided tours and some are available for rentals.
The Robert Lee Blaffer Foundation maintains the JBO Sanctuary. For more information about their sites and to download a walking map of the JBO Sanctuary, visit the Blaffer Foundation's .听听
The Working Men's Institute operates independently and contains special collections and a museum housing items from New Harmony's history. It also hosts a variety of programs, events and lectures. Check hours and programming on their .听
Many historic structures in New Harmony are private homes or businesses. Please respect property boundaries and residents' privacy. You're welcome to admire buildings from public streets and sidewalks, but don't trespass.听
If you want to go inside our sites and understand their stories, book a guided tour. That's the only way to access most interiors and get comprehensive interpretation.听
After the tour, walk around the historic district on your own. Look at buildings more closely. Notice details you didn't catch the first time. See how sites relate to each other spatially.听
Occasionally, we offer behind-the-scenes tours or specialty programs that provide access to sites or areas not included on regular tours. Check our events calendar for current offerings.听
Wondering about a specific building? Curious about what happened in a particular space? Interested in architectural details? Ask your interpreter during tours or contact us with questions.
These are old buildings, some with fragile features. During tours, follow the interpreter's instructions about what you can touch and photograph. Outside, stay on paths and respect barriers.听听
Please note that because so many of the places interpreted in Historic New Harmony date from the early 19th century, some historic buildings present accessibility challenges for visitors with limited mobility. Please contact us for information on specific buildings, locations or events.听
Want to know more about specific buildings? Have questions about access or interpretation? Contact us at harmony@usi.edu or 812-682-4488.