From the commercials that are constantly extoling the virtues of being a part of historic moments, I thought this would be a cool place to visit. My daughter and I were disappointed because the exhibits were small and there were few interactive experiences.

Spending the day at an Indiana history museum is not something that would usually appeal to me, however, this museum is set up very differently than most. They have some permanent exhibits with computer interactions that give you history on some interesting topics in Indiana's history. They also have rotating exhibits, where you go "back in time" with live actors representing people from that time period! The actors are incredible! They are so knowledgeable, and never break from their "role"! The "Christian Temperance" woman in the prohibition exhibit was a hoot! I only wish they had more of these live action exhibits (there were three when we went over Christmas break), and that they could change them more often. There is a restaurant in the bottom floor, which has food for a meal or for snacks, and in the warmer weather you can sit out by the canal with your food or drinks and enjoy the view. They do have some free admission days (and I could have sworn their website said the day we went was free admission, but it turned out not to be), but otherwise there is a cost for admission and if you think you might go more than twice a year, a membership is very reasonably priced and would be a worthwhile option. One important note, there is a parking lot for the museum off of New York street where you get a "ticket" when you park, if you ask at the front desk they will validate your parking and it will be free (but we had to ask, they did not offer). I think this exhibit would appeal to school age children and above in particular, however, we saw several preschoolers there who really seemed to enjoy the live action exhibits.

You do not think Museum when you hear Historical Society - yet this building in addition to being a great research collection has an amazing interactive collection that puts the viewer into the historic event. There are rotating exhibits with period actors playing the parts of the history being described. And the food downstairs is good as well! Best time is in late spring when you can eat outside along the canal.

The Indiana Historical Society provides a new concept in history museums. I recreates period history that you can interact with and learn from! It is a great opprotunity learn about Indiana history, Eli Lilly and see the canal downtown.