Lincoln Pioneer Village and Museum in Rockport, Indiana
What better way to end the work week than with a little Indiana history–and The Lincoln Pioneer Village in Rockport, Indiana is a great place to start.
This Spencer County attraction is one really great way to get further acquainted with everything Abraham Lincoln.
The Lincoln Pioneer Village and Museum in Rockport, Indiana
Our stop at the Lincoln Pioneer Village in Rockport was so much fun: inside and out. But today? Let’s begin with the inside–The Museum.
Walking inside, you can’t miss the gorgeous (and unusual) square piano with beautifully carved legs. From here, you’ll see all sorts of glass cabinets containing cases and cases of area history.
My husband, Jeremy, took the kids to the back of the Lincoln Pioneer Village and Museum so they could check out the history video. I took my time wandering among the cabinets led by Charlie Finecy, the Executive Director of the whole thing.
On the tour, the period dresses stuck out to me–did you know that widows wore all black and as time passed, they slowly added decorative touches to their black frocks?
Rockport, Indiana Attraction
Lincoln Pioneer Village and Museum in Rockport, Indiana
The Lincoln Pioneer Village and Museum had an elaborate hair wreath. Now, these things have always creeped me out a bit. I mean, a wreath made of hair from dead people? It’s not my cup of tea.
But, Charlie shared with me a little fact he learned: It wasn’t only the hair of someone who passed, in many cases, a lock of hair was taken on special occasions like weddings or confirmation. That puts a whole different (happier) spin on it. Even so…it’s still not something I’d particularly want to have to hang on my wall but I do appreciate the skill involved in making one.
There’s also a cabinet that Thomas Lincoln, Abe’s father, made for a neighbor. I didn’t even know he did that. Is that a neat bit of Indiana history or what?
What’s interesting is that the detail was done by Abe–which we know in part because it wasn’t the best. He was young so he didn’t yet possess the skillfulness of his father.
Go There
Lincoln Pioneer Village and Museum in Rockport, Indiana
If you think this sounds good, wait until you learn all about what lies outside. Here’s one clue: cabins. It’s just fantastic. More on that later.
Charlie Finecy, your knowledge is astounding. little Indiana and family learned so many things about Abraham Lincoln and pioneer life in general. It was truly one of the highlights of our visit. Thank you SO MUCH for your time–and patience.
Small Towns: Destinations, not Drive-Thrus. I’m Jessica Nunemaker and THIS is Little Indiana.
Just don’t forget to tell them that Little Indiana sent you.
Lincoln Pioneer Village and Museum
928 Fairground Drive
Rockport, Indiana 47635
812.649.9147
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Special thanks to Spencer County Tourism Bureau for hosting our stay. Opinions are mine and mine alone (as always).
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