Along with historical facts, explore Indiana lore and tall tales in History Museum exhibit
SOUTH BEND — The exhibit “Indiana Lore” continues through May 12, 2024, at The History Museum, 808 W. Washington St.
Through historic photos and original art by the Indianapolis-based artists BrainTwins, “Indiana Lore” traces the roots of Indiana’s tall tales, from the green-eyed ghost of a bulldog guarding a grave at Terre Haute’s Highland Lawn Cemetery to the Grey Lady who lurks in the children’s book section of Evansville’s Willard Library.
Local stories from the St. Joseph River Valley are also featured in “Indiana Lore,” such as that of Hazel McNalley, accused of murdering her children, who she claimed had been only dolls. Also included in the exhibit is the bizarre tale of LaPorte County’s Belle Gunness, said to have advertised far and wide for would-be husbands, only to have them mysteriously disappear once they (and their fortunes) arrived at her farm.
Other tall tales explored include the palm reader at the Tuckaway House in Indianapolis, Churubusco’s Beast of Busco and the supernatural spirits that surround the Avon Bridge in Hendricks County.
Shown in conjunction with the Indiana Historical Society, these mysterious and mesmerizing campfire stories spark the imagination and illuminate another side of Hoosier history. Each story highlights a different region in Indiana and covers distinct themes surrounding houses and buildings, bridges and railways, parks and cemeteries, and seemingly impossible creatures.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.
Admission is $11-$7; free for members and ages 5 and younger.
For more information, call 574-235-9664 or visit historymuseumsb.org.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: 'Indiana Lore' explores mysterious Hoosier tales at History Museum
