The Lenape Indians, were one of the first tribes to encounter European explorers and traders in North America. The Indians originally lived in the area that is now New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania. Also known as Delaware Indians, they were a part of the Northeast Woodland culture. Expanding European settlements pushed the Lenape westward forcing them to leave their homeland. Their migrations eventually brought them here to the White River in 1795. In 1820 the terms of the Treaty of St. Mary's forced the Lenape to move west of the Mississippi River. One of the theme areas sets the year as 1816. Seven years earlier, Duncan McKinnen came from the east to establish a trading post among the Lenape Indians. The Lenape, built a temporary camp at the trading post. They hunted and trapped animals for furs to exchange with McKinnen for tools fabrics, cookware and other manufactured items. This exchange is called the Fur Trade, a complex network in which animals pelts are traded for goods from around the world. The fur trade has brought the American Indian and the European cultures into continual contact, changing the way both groups live. As we visited the trading post we found tall John Elder just as he finished chopping wood for the evening fire. In true living museum tradition, John found it difficult to understand cameras, TV, radio or electricity. All the re-enactors in the park are locked in a mind set of the early 1800s which often produces interesting conversations with the tourists. John took us into the trading post and showed us all the items available to the Indians as well as several pelts he had recently acquired from a passing hunting party which had stopped for supplies. Prairietown is, in every aspect, a town locked in time, complete with mothers, children, and Indians. Each practiced in the character they represent, and never straying from that position. It's like walking through a stage play that just keeps unfolding in every direction. The school teacher who had just dismissed his class for the day discussed the educational merits of his 19th century beliefs, with confidence. There was a blacksmith shop, a wood working building and many other business of the time. But the real entertainment was found, wondering into the homes of those who would live there and sitting a spell while discussing the issues of the day, as to whether or not Prairietown would get a new saw mill, or whether Mrs. Jones' oldest daughter, Emily, would marry that young Davenport boy. All carried off with never so much as a smile or look to see who was watching. There are dozens of acres of activities to see and much time will be needed. In addition to the town and the Indian area, there is the original house of William Conner which is open for guided tours only, and a children's activities area filled with all those neat things that can be picked up, touched , or handled which include a small assortment of animals, all suitable for the kids. Of all the museums in this land, I love the living museums the best. I always leave wanting to join the actives and become part of the past. It is quite an experience. If you would like to find out more about Conner Prairie check out their website at: http://www.connerprairie.org.

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