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Claire Eagle: Humanities Hero

Claire Eagle serves as the Interim Assistant Director at Historic New Harmony. Located in southern Indiana, the town is home to a unique utopian legacy. From its inception it has…

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Claire Eagle serves as the Interim Assistant Director at Historic New Harmony. Located in southern Indiana, the town is home to a unique utopian legacy. From its inception it has attracted innovative thinkers that have changed the trajectory of religion, education and scientific research in our society today. The future of the community and its utopian roots are limitless with the work of creative leaders like Eagle.

Eagle has partnered with Indiana Humanities for years, leading programs that connect literature, science and history to New Harmony. When Indiana Humanities’ digital media intern Mike Lee asked what program Eagle was most proud of, she replied Crossing Generations, a part of the Crossroads: Change in Rural America exhibit from the Smithsonian. The Indiana Humanities sponsored program brought established community members together with kids to have a conversation about New Harmony’s history and its future. Eagle’s dedication to creating multi-generational programming like Crossing Generations inspires future generations to be the pioneers of their community’s future. 

Another program Eagle leads is Historic New Harmony’s Annual Heritage Artistans Days. A three-day event where school children, teachers and students are invited to experience a taste of what life was like in early 19th century Indiana. This year’s programming will be virtual and feature blacksmiths, paper marblers, potters and fur traders. The program is supported by an Action grant from Indiana Humanities. 

In Late 2021, New Harmony was one of the Indiana communities selected to host the traveling Smithsonian Water/Ways exhibit. The exhibit dives into water – an essential component of life on our planet, environmentally, culturally, and historically. Eagle noted that, through the partnership between Indiana Humanities and Water/Ways, they have been able to cultivate relationships that are uncommon for history museums. Connecting with The Nature Conservancy and United States Geological Survey affords the organization the opportunity to merge history, science and conservation work. 

Inspired by all the creative programming Claire Eagle has accomplished in her community? Indiana Humanities has you covered with conversation, literature and thematic initiative-based programming. Be sure to check out all the programs here

Claire Eagle is a humanities hero! We appreciate all the work she has done to get her community involved and inspired through the humanities. Learn more about how you can be a Humanities Hero in your community with the help of an Indiana Humanities grant here.

Learn more about Claire Eagle’s recent work here and her feature on Big Car Collaborative’s Social Alchemy podcast.