Riley Museum to host program on Eugene V. Debs
GREENFIELD — The James Whitcomb Riley Boyhood Home and Museum will play host to “An Evening with Eugene V. Debs,” at 7 p.m., Aug. 29, at the museum, 250 W. Main St. This free event will feature Allison Duerk, executive director of the Eugene V. Debs Historic Home in Terre Haute, as the presenter. Debs was a well-known Hoosier labor reformer and a close friend of Riley. He was hailed by many as the “champion of the American worker,” while being denounced by others as an agitator. Debs, who lived from 1855-1926, worked nearly all of his life to instill labor reforms such as the 40-hour work weeks and anti-child labor laws. The event will explore the friendship between Riley and Debs as well as Debs’ passion for working people that prompted labor laws that are commonplace today. This discussion will be held in the Riley museum outdoor garden and on Facebook Live. For more information, visit jwrileyhome.org or call 317-462-8539.
Chalk Fest looking for vendors and artists
GREENFIELD — Registration is now open for the 2020 Chalk Fest. The event takes places from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sept. 19 on the Courthouse Plaza. With a theme of “Under the Big Top,” 3-by-3 foot spaces are available for $5. Chalk is provided. Vendors are welcome to reserve a 10-by-10 foot space for $25. Visit greenfieldmainstreet.org/events/ and click on Chalk Fest.
Fort Harrison State Park to host bird gathering
INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Audubon is hosting its annual fall birding gathering on Sept. 26 at Fort Harrison State Park, 6000 N. Post Road. This year’s event has been scaled down due to the pandemic but will include several outdoor bird watching activities that can be done while social distancing safely. Event highlights include the fall migration at both Fort Harrison and Eagle Creek park on the city’s west side. Attendees can tour the Eagle Creek Ornithology Center to see live birds of prey and participate in kayak birding. Early bird registration for the weekend event starts at $32 for adults and includes a boxed lunch. In addition to registering, attendees must reserve space for activities related to the gathering. Registration can be found on the events page at indianaaudubon.org/events. For more information about the weekend festival, call 219-728-8351 or email [email protected]. To learn more about the Indiana Audubon Society and to search for programs near you, visit them on the web at indianaaudubon.org.
The ‘Very Hungry Caterpillar’ comes to the museum
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., is currently home to an exhibit designed to appeal to the youngest of museum-goers: Very Eric Carle. The colorful and creative pages of author and artist Eric Carle’s most beloved children’s books — “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” “The Very Busy Spider,” “The Very Quiet Cricket” and others become a museum exhibit with interactive displays for children. Kids can become the Very Hungry Caterpillar by following his path, weave a web with the Very Busy Spider or create artwork using the same materials as Eric Carle uses for his books. Due to COVID restrictions, the museum is requiring visitors to pre-register for timed tickets to limit gallery capacity. This allows families to follow social distancing recommendations and for the staff to efficiently deep clean all hands-on interactives. Visitors are limited to a 45-minute time slot with no more than 10 visitors in the space. Visit indianamuseum.org for information on admission fees and to reserve a time slot.
