William Maclure and other intellectuals came to New Harmony in 1826 to join Robert Owen's utopian experiment. In 1838, Maclure established the Workingmen's Institute as a model of self-education for laborers. It operated at various sites in New Harmony until construction of this Romanesque style building in 1894. Sponsored by Maclure's bequest, it is the last remaining workingmen's library of 144 in 89 Indiana counties. It still serves as a library, archives, and museum, is the oldest continuously operating public library in the state, and is part of the National Historic Landmark Historic District designated in 1966.

Photo: Courtesy:: Marilyn S. Wolf

Photo: Courtesy:: Marilyn S. Wolf

Photo: Courtesy:: Marilyn S. Wolf

Photo: Courtesy:: Marilyn S. Wolf

Photo: Courtesy:: Marilyn S. Wolf

Photo: Courtesy:: Marilyn S. Wolf

Photo: Courtesy:: Marilyn S. Wolf

New Harmony, Indiana · USA