The holidays are quickly approaching, and celebrations are a plenty for Downtown Indianapolis. To speak on all things merry and bright, we spoke with new GIPC Board Member Cathy Ferree, President and CEO of the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites (ISMHS). We invite you to plan your visit to the Indiana State Museum’s Celebration Crossing, opening on November 29th!
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Tell us more about you!
As a longtime Indianapolis resident, I have spent my career at institutions that are focused on informal education, including The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Conner Prairie and the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites. I believe in the power museums have to support K-12 education. I also believe in the ability arts and culture institutions have to create stronger communities that will draw people to want to live, work and play in Indiana.
Can you share more about the history of Celebration Crossing at the Indiana State Museum?
Celebration Crossing is a tradition that dates back more than 30 years. In 1991, the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites acquired the Santa Claus Express train and the holiday window displays from the downtown Indianapolis L. S. Ayres™ store, and those pieces became the centerpiece of a holiday exhibit called Toy Soldiers Playground that continued for years at the museum’s former location in the old Indianapolis City Hall building on Alabama Street. The name was changed to Celebration Crossing when we opened at our new location in White River State Park in 2002, and the experience has been growing ever since. However, our visitors can still see the original L. S. Ayres windows and the Santa Claus Express at Celebration Crossing.
What experiences can guests enjoy at Celebration Crossing throughout the holiday season?
The centerpiece of Celebration Crossing is one of our newer additions. The Snowfall Express is an 18-passenger train that takes families on a journey through a snowy forest filled with music and movement. Children watch in wonder as charming woodland critters come to life within the whimsical wintertime scenes — and it actually snows! The 25-foot-tall 92 County Tree is another focal point, showcasing ornaments that have been hand-crafted by Indiana artisans to represent the different counties. We have also added a new, interactive lighting display and kiosk to help visitors find each county’s ornament and learn more about the artist who created it. Families can also meet Santa inside his fanciful house that features the inviting illustrations of local artist Candice Hartsough, whose work is featured throughout Celebration Crossing.
What events and exhibits are in store for the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites in the new year?
Our 2025 schedule is filled with engaging experiences that center around our visitors, starting in January with Cardboard Storyland and Dream Tomorrow Today. Designed by our own team, Cardboard Storyland is a new experience that invites children and adults to bring to life anything they can dream in their imagination using cardboard and their own ingenuity. Dream Tomorrow Today is an immersive traveling experience that incorporates STEM skills and hands-on activities to empower children to positively impact the future. We have so many more exciting experiences in the works, so I would recommend checking IndianaMuseum.org for more details.
How can GIPC Board Members become more involved with ISMHS?
We have an incredible facility in downtown Indianapolis that is great for meetings and events. By utilizing our spaces, you’re helping to support our operating budget. If you are looking for a place to host an event, please consider the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites.