4 upcoming events with the history tag

July 8; 3–4:30 p.m. | Center Building, Indiana Room   
Cost: $25 | Member Discounts Apply | Ages 13+ 

Enjoy refreshments while joining Director of Curation & Exhibition, Sebastián Encina, for a compelling look at 250 years of Hoosier history. Drawing from Minnetrista's dual America at 250 exhibitions, this talk explores East Central Indiana’s place within the broader story of the United States and how our region reflects the national narrative. Through stories of where we have been and where we are going, participants will gain a deeper understanding of our shared history and its lasting impact. Preregistration is preferred; limited walk-in tickets may be available—please call ahead. 

August 12; 3–4 p.m. | Center Building  

Cost: $10 | Member Discounts Apply | Ages 13+

Show your school spirit on a nostalgic journey through the Minnetrista Heritage Collection. Join the Collections team for a behind-the-scenes tour into secure storage areas, where you’ll discover the tools, trends, and traditions that shaped school life in our community. Explore artifacts rarely on public display, including educational toys, uniforms, sports memorabilia, instruments, photographs, class rings, and yearbooks—and maybe even spot a few objects from your own school days. This tour may include standing, stairs, and exposure to loud HVAC noise. Preregistration is preferred; limited walk-in tickets may be available—please call ahead. If you need accommodations, please notify us in advance.

https://www.minnetrista.net/events/collections-tour-aug-12-2026

August 13; 6–8 p.m. | Center Building, Indiana Room 
Cost: $28 | Member Discounts Apply | Ages 21+

 
Join Cody Sprunger, Archivist for Architectural and Design Records at Ball State University, for an exploration of the local built environment shaped by Herbert Smenner, one of Muncie’s leading 20th-century architects. Working both independently and alongside his professional partner Charles Houck, Smenner helped define the region’s architectural character through designs such as the Muncie Fieldhouse and the Grace Keiser Maring Library. Through original architectural drawings, documents, and photographs from Ball State University Libraries’ Andrew Seager Archives of the Built Environment, the program brings Smenner’s creative process to life while highlighting the lasting impact of his work across East Central Indiana. Guests are invited to see familiar places in a new way while enjoying delicious appetizers. Preregistration is preferred; limited walk-in tickets may be available—please call ahead. 

October 29; 3–4 p.m. | Center Building  

Cost: $10 | Member Discounts Apply | Ages 13+      

Step behind the scenes into secure storage areas where mysterious, unusual, and rarely displayed artifacts wait to be rediscovered. From puzzling tools to objects with surprising purposes, each piece carries a story. Guided by the Collections team, you’ll examine real collection items up close and put your detective skills to the test. Can you determine what these objects were used for, who made them, or why they were preserved? Perfect for the curious, the clever, and anyone who loves a good puzzle, this tour invites you to uncover the secrets hidden within these delightfully obscure treasures. This tour may include standing, stairs, and exposure to loud HVAC noise. Preregistration is preferred; limited walk-in tickets may be available—please call ahead. If you need accommodations, please notify us in advance.  

https://www.minnetrista.net/events/collections-tour-oct-29-26