Conner Prairie

You know what's a difficult word to spell? Prairie. I spell it wrong every time.

EVERY TIME.

Therefore, I am thankful for spell check.

Have you ever been to a live history museum? I hadn't before my visit to Conner Prairie in Fishers, Indiana. It's right north of Indianapolis if you're checking your map.

My friend Rach McF works there. She's a performer. Not too long ago her character was arguing against-that's right AGAINST-the woman's right to vote. That's why it's called acting, people. Because Rach McF totally believes in the power of women.

So, she goes to work and wears her costume. Down to the undergarments, she is authentically stuck in the 19th century.

What a hat. 

When Sarah and I visited she was talking up her uncle's flights in a hot air balloon.

She also was talking about communication via the telegraph and Morse code. Of course she has memorized the Morse code alphabet and she and her friend write ridiculous stories and translate them with one another.

There's lots to see and do at Conner Praire.

Dipping candles.

Bearded goat. It takes a strong lady to be this proud with that beard and then those two dangly bits hanging off her neck.

A fat donkey. Make the joke, I did.

Weaving! They take the raw wool, spin it, dye it and then weave it to make rugs, blankets, etc.

Awesome.

Then we went here.

Prairietown.

Let me tell you, I'm no picture of compete social perfection, but this place made me feel weird. These people are wandering around and sewing and working in their gardens and they're in character all the time.

Do you know how awkward it is to have a conversation with someone who pretends to be a servant in a house in 1836? How about when you talk to a woman who only wants to talk to you about the education of women? Umm...yes, I agree? What do you want me to say? I don't know!?!?! I feel uncomfortable.

It's a boarding house. They told us that if we were looking to rent a room, they were already full. Umm...OK? But what if we had demanded a room? Are we-the guests at the museum-supposed to play along and pretend like we're in 1836 too? I think it's rude to just walk around a strangers house, but that's what you're supposed to do.

I think I might have lost a little of my ability to pretend.

I think kids would LOVE it though. It's fun! It's learning! It's different from most other experiences!

Then we left and I returned to 2010. Here in 2010, I can feel normal (mostly) again.