American Alliance of Museums
The American Alliance of Museums has been a leader in developing best practices and advocating for museums since 1906. More than 35,000 individual museum professionals and volunteers, institutions, and corporate partners benefit from the work of the Alliance.
T.C. Steele State Historic Site is a member of the AAM.
Brown County Art Gallery
The Brown County Art Gallery was established in 1926 by the early members of this important regional art colony who began exploring rural southern Indiana in the 1890s. Visitors to the Brown County Art Gallery will still find the work of today’s top Indiana artists for sale and can learn the history of those who came before through special exhibits, video presentations, books, and historic programs.
Brown County Art Guild
With roots going back to April of 1925, the Brown County Art Guild resides in the historic Minor House, which was built in 1857 and purchased by the Guild in 1954. In 1985, The Indiana State House recognized Brown County as “a historic and current center of art in Indiana,” and stated The Brown County Art Guild and The Brown County Art Gallery Association “have contributed much to preserving the heritage of Brown County as a center for art and artists.”
Brown County Historical Society
The Brown County Historical Society has a mission of collecting, preserving and presenting the history of Brown County, Indiana. The Brown County Historical Museum is a trip back in time to when the first settlers and pioneers came here in the 1850s. One of the buildings was an actual log cabin that was dismantled and rebuilt on the museum site. Other buildings include a doctor’s office, a log jail, a blacksmith shop, and a pioneer cabin.
Brown County State Park
Nicknamed the “Little Smokies” because of the area’s resemblance to the Great Smoky Mountains, Brown County encompasses nearly 16,000 acres of rugged hills, ridges and fog-shrouded ravines. Glaciers from the most recent ice ages stopped short of the “hills o’ Brown,” but their meltwaters helped create the narrow ridges, steep slopes and deep gullies of Brown County State Park. Indiana’s largest park is a traditional fall color hot spot, with nearly 20 miles of tree-lined roads and many scenic vistas overlooking miles of uninterrupted forestland.
Brown County Visitors Center
Visit the center and discover Brown County’s hidden treasures, where the locals go for entertainment, the unique attractions Brown has to offer and new ideas on fun things to do during your visit. Escape to Brown County and experience our eclectic boutiques and galleries, breathtaking scenery, welcoming accommodations, and endless outdoor adventures await in the one of America’s original artist’ colonies.
Claude Monet’s Home in Giverny
Claude Monet noticed the village of Giverny while looking out of a train window. He made up his mind to move there and rented a house and the area surrounding it. In 1890 he had enough money to buy the house and land outright and set out to create the magnificent gardens he wanted to paint. Some of his most famous paintings were of his garden in Giverny, famous for its rectangular Clos Normand, with archways of climbing plants entwined around colored shrubs, and the water garden. Monet lived in the house from 1883 until his death in 1926. He and many members of his family are interred in the village cemetery.
Eckert & Ross Fine Art
Located in Indianapolis, Eckert & Ross Fine Art and viewed as experts in early Indiana art. Since 1973 they have published scholarly catalogs, organized exhibits and worked closely with the heirs of their artists. The gallery actively maintains an extensive inventory of Hoosier Group and Brown County artwork, as well as works by other important Indiana and Midwestern painters and sculptors. Eckert & Ross are members of the Fine Art Dealers Association.
Eskenazi Museum of Art – Indiana University
Since its establishment in 1941, the Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art has grown from a small university teaching collection into one of the foremost university art museums in the country. The first exhibition, Sixteen Brown County Painters, opened on November 21, 1941. The currentbuilding was designed by famed architect I.M. Pei and completed in 1982. Today, the Eskenazi Museum of Art’s internationally acclaimed collection, including paintings by Claude Monet’s Port of Argentieul and T.C. Steele’s The Boatman, painted in 1884 as his student exhibition piece at Munch’s Royal Academy of Fine Arts. The Boatman won a Silver Medal from the Munich academy.
Haan Mansion Museum of Indiana Art
This Lafayette, Indiana private Art Museum features Indiana art and ceramics in a mansion moved from the 1904 St Louis World’s Fair. Collection includes T. C. Steele and other key Hoosier Group artists. The Hoosier Group is a designation given to five artists in 1894 at an exhibition in Chicago and they all exhibited regularly in the state for several decades, and were instrumental in forming the Society of Western Artists. The Hoosier Group included T.C. Steele, J. Ottis Adams, William Forsyth, Otto Stark, and Richard Gruelle who have historically comprised the most important group of Indiana artists.
Historic Artists’ Homes & Studios
The Historic Artists’ Homes and Studios program (HAHS) is a coalition of more than 30 museums that were the homes and working studios of American artists. The Historic Artists’ Homes and Studios program grew out of an initiative proposed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. HAHA is a coalition of independent museums that have come together to celebrate and investigate creativity and is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the places where art was made.
T.C. Steele State Historic Site is a member of Historic Artists’ Home & Studios and can be found in the complete listing for these historic places on the HAHS website.
Hoosier Art Salon
The Hoosier Salon began in 1925 as an exhibition art works by Indiana artists. For 94 consecutive years since the Hoosier Salon has presented an annual juried exhibition. The Hoosier Salon is a statewide nonprofit artist-service organization whose mission is to create an appreciation of visual art by promoting Indiana artists and their work and has galleries in Carmel, Indiana and New Harmony, Indiana.
Hoosier Hikers Council
Since 1995 the Hoosier Hikers Council has been building, repairing, and maintaining hiking and running trails in the state of Indiana. HHC provides maps and information for hikers, backpackers, and runners to assist in the use and enjoyment of Indiana trails. If the Hoosier Hikers Council (HHC) has a signature trail, the 42 mile Tecumseh Trail in Indiana is probably it. Built by the HHC in 1998-2002, the Tecumseh Trail begins at Morgan-Monroe State Forest Headquarters, which is about 5 miles south of Martinsville. The trail ends in a remote area of Brown Country forest near Monroe Reservoir, just south of State Road 46 near Crooked Creek Road.
The T.C. Steele State Historic Site has 5 trails available for hikers: Trail of Silences (1/2 mile, moderate), Wildflower Trail (1/2 mile, moderate), Whippoorwilll Haunt Trail (3/4 mile, moderate), Woodpecker Trail (1/2 mile, difficult), Inspiration Ridge Trail (1/4 mile, easy) – download a detailed map on our Gardens & Trails page. The site is home to Selma N. Steele State Nature Preserve, a 92-acre tribute to natural beauty.
Hoosier History Live
Hoosier History Live is a weekly radio adventure through Indiana history with host Nelson Price. This popular show was developed by Nelson Price and Molly Head and is independently produced weekly radio show along with a consortium of Central Indiana journalists, historians, event planners, marketers, web and audio artists/technicians. Hoosier History Live airs live at noon to 1 p.m. ET each Saturday on WICR 88.7 FM in Indianapolis.
Indiana Arts Commission
The Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) is a state agency committed to a vision of the arts everywhere, every day, for everyone in Indiana. The IAC’s mission is to provide a positive impact to the cultural, economic and educational climate of Indiana by providing responsible leadership for and public stewardship of artistic resources for all of our state’s citizens and communities. The Indiana Arts Commission is an agency of State Government funded by the Indiana General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
Indiana Hiking Clubs and Organizations
The Department of Natural Resources for the State of Indiana provides a comprehensive listing of Indiana Hiking Clubs and Organizations, many of which have national affiliations.
The T.C. Steele State Historic Site has 5 trails available for hikers: Trail of Silences (1/2 mile, moderate), Wildflower Trail (1/2 mile, moderate), Whippoorwilll Haunt Trail (3/4 mile, moderate), Woodpecker Trail (1/2 mile, difficult), Inspiration Ridge Trail (1/4 mile, easy) – download a detailed map on our Gardens & Trails page. The site is home to Selma N. Steele State Nature Preserve, a 92-acre tribute to natural beauty.
Indiana Historical Bureau
The Indiana Historical Commission was created in 1915 to plan the centennial celebration of Indiana statehood in 1916. The Indiana Historical Bureau evolved from the Indiana Historical Commission. The Indiana Historical Bureau provides publications, programs, and other opportunities for Indiana citizens of all ages to learn and teach about the history of their communities, the state of Indiana, and their relationships to the nation and the world.
The Indiana Historical Bureau also administers the Indiana Historical Marker Program. Indiana honors T.C. Steele with two historical markers, one in Indianapolis “T.C. Steele Studio and Herron” and one at the historic site in Belmont, Indiana “T.C. Steele Home, Studio, Gardens”.
Indiana Historical Society
Established in 1830, the Indiana Historical Society is a private, nonprofit membership organization. IHS maintains the nation’s premier research library and archives on the history of Indiana and the Old Northwest and presents a unique set of visitor experiences called the Indiana Experience. IHS is a Smithsonian Affiliate and a member of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience.
Indiana Landmarks
Founded in 1960, Indiana Landmarks is the largest statewide preservation organization in the U.S. In 1960, Hoosier civic and business leaders founded Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana, renamed Indiana Landmarks in 2010, to preserve significant sites for the benefit of present and future generations. The inaugural co-chairmen—Eli Lilly and Herman Krannert—ensured a promising degree of respect and clout.
Indiana Plein Air Painters Association
This association is comprised of artists who paint plein air or open air. Established to educate and organize Indiana artists to paint landscapes through special projects, workshops, and paint outs. The organization represents 250 members from seven states in the regional area and holds monthly paint outs or painting opportunities throughout Indiana from April through October.
Indiana State Library
Through its history, the Indiana State Library has developed strong collections in the fields of Indiana history and culture, Indiana state government and United States government publications, Indiana newspapers, genealogy and family history resources on Indiana and the eastern United States, and American history, politics, and economics.
Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites
Located in White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis, the Indiana State Museum brings the best of the museum world to Indiana. Spanning three floors, the museum tells the story of the Hoosier state, and features a year-round calendar of exhibits that explore Indiana art, science and culture. Constructed completely from Indiana materials – including limestone, sandstone, steel, brick and glass – the building itself is a work of art, with icons representing each of Indiana’s 92 counties integrated into its exterior walls.
Indianapolis Art Museum – Newfields
On November 7, 1883, an exhibition of 453 works by 137 artists opened at the English Hotel on the downtown Indianapolis Circle. The success of that exhibition, established the Art Association as a viable factor in the local cultural scene and led to more exhibitions, as well as lectures, and eventually a campus featuring both a museum and an art school. IN 1969, the Art Association changed its name to the Indianapolis Museum of Art. In 2017, the IMA announced it will unify the entire campus under one name – Newfields, A Place for Nature and the Arts. Newfields becomes the home for the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Fairbanks Park, The Garden, Lilly House, and the Elder Greenhouse.
Morgan-Monroe State Forest
Morgan-Monroe State Forest encompasses more than 24,000 acres in Morgan and Monroe counties in south central Indiana. The forest land encompasses many steep ridges and valleys, and is forested with some of the state’s finest hardwoods. The original settlers of the area cleared and attempted to farm the ridges, but were frustrated by rocky soil unsuitable for agriculture. The state purchased the eroded, abandoned land to create Morgan-Monroe State Forest beginning in 1929.
National Academy of Design
The National Academy of Design is an honorary association of American artists, founded in New York City in 1825 by Samuel Morse, Asher Durand, Thomas Cole, Martin E. Thompson, Charles Cushing Wright and others, “to promote the fine arts in America through instruction and exhibition.”National Academicians are professional artists and architects who are elected to membership by their peers annually. They represent some of the most distinguished practitioners in their respective fields.
In 1913 T.C. Steele was elected as an Associate National Academician to the prestigious National Academy of Design in New York City.
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of our country’s historic buildings, districts, sites, structures, and objects worthy of preservation. It was established as part of the National Historical Preservation Act of 1966 and is overseen by the National Park Service. The National Register recognizes more than 90,000 properties for their significance in American history, architecture, art, archeology, engineering, and culture.
T.C. Steele House and Studio was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, #73000029
National Trust for Historic Preservation
The National Trust for Historic Preservation protects and promotes historic places which create connections to our heritage that help us understand our past, appreciate our triumphs, and learn from our mistakes. Historic places help define and distinguish our communities by building a strong sense of identity.
National Trust for Historic Preservation recognizes T.C. Steele State Historic Site as one of 180 “Distinctive Destinations” in America.
Outdoor Painter
Painting from nature out-of-doors, “en plein air,” and painting from life are the foundation of all painting throughout the history of art. Today tens of thousands of artists and collectors have joined a new plein air movement, which you can follow in PleinAir Magazine. The magazine is published bi-monthly in print and digital format
Plein Air Convention & Expo
The Plein Air Convention & Expo is the world’s largest gathering of plein air painters. Art historian Jean Stern, director of the Irvine Museum, calls PACE “the most important gathering of artists in history” because each convention is different — each features incredible painters, gathered to learn painting techniques from the world’s top artists.
Portrait Society of America
The purpose of the Portrait Society is to foster and enhance an understanding of the practice, techniques and applications of traditional fine art portraiture and figurative works. Founded in 1998 as a national non-profit organization formed to increase aesthetic and technical knowledge of the practicing portrait artist, artist’s representatives, art students and the general public.
Richard E. Peeler Art Center – DePauw University
The Peeler Art Center features three spacious galleries and hosts approximately 10 exhibitions annually. Included among the building’s 80,000 square feet are three large exhibition spaces; a 90-seat auditorium with state-of-the-art acoustics, designed for public events, films and recitals; classroom and studio space for pottery, sculpture, painting and photography; and offices for the art department faculty. The building is the first in DePauw’s history to be dedicated to the teaching, creation, and display of art.
Richmond Art Museum
Richmond Art Museum (RAM) has a remarkable permanent collection of 19th and 20th Century art, and a variety of stimulating child-centered activities and the only independent art museum to be housed within a public school. RAM’s purpose for over one hundred years has been to promote art culture and encourage art appreciation, and it carries out this mission by offering an array of exhibits and programs that appeal to all ages.
Richmond Art Museum has four paintings by T.C. Steele: Whitewater Valley, 1910; Valley Scene (Brown County), 1912; Autumn Woods, 1913; Untitled (Landscape), 1914.
The Hermitage Bed & Breakfast
The Hermitage is located in the Whitewater River Valley near Brookville (Franklin County) Indiana. The Hermitage is situated on the edge and adjacent to the town park of this historic 1804 town both of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, along with the Brookville Historic District. The Hermitage is 10 minutes east of Metamora, a historic 1838 Canal town with many shops and attractions.
In 1898 noted Indiana artists, J. Ottis Adams and T.C. Steele selected this site to set up their home and studios, where the Hoosier Group painted for several years.
The Lilly Library – Indiana University
It is the role of the Lilly Library to stimulate the intellectual curiosity of both the dedicated researcher and the casual visitor. In order to achieve this, the Library promotes a wide range of activities including exhibition and special events such as poetry readings, musical performances and receptions, as well as lectures, tours, and class presentations. Lilly Library holdings include about 400,000 books, more than 100,000 pieces of sheet music, and more than 7.5 million manuscripts.
The Nature Conservancy – Indiana
For more than 55 years, The Nature Conservancy has helped to protect 100,000+ acres in Indiana for the benefit of both people and nature. The Nature Conservancy began when leading scientists, committed citizens and dedicated leaders came together with a shared vision to protect and care for nature. The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. We are impacting conservation in 72 countries—protecting habitats from grasslands to coral reefs, from Australia to Alaska to Zambia.
The Portfolio
The Portfolio, founded in 1890 with Hilton U. Brown as the first president, came about because Mrs. T. C. (Mary) Steele wanted to form a club with a group of congenial spirits and practitioners of the various arts who had been meeting informally for a long time. The purpose was to discuss the life and direction of the arts in Indianapolis. Membership in The Portfolio was to include men and women on an equal basis, with each member (or at least one member of a couple) being a professional in some facet of the arts and all members having an active interest in fostering the arts.
Mary Elizabeth (Libbie) Lakin was born in Rushville, Indiana and she met T.C. Steele at Waveland Academy in Waveland, Indiana. Steele married Mary in 1870. From 1880 to 1885 he studied in Munich, taking his wife and family with him (children Rembrandt Theodore “Brandt”, Margaret “Daisy”, and Shirley). He returned to Indianapolis with an interest in landscape painting. By the 1890s, Steele was becoming nationally recognized for his landscapes. Mary “Libbie” Lakin (Steele) died the evening of November 14, 1899, at age 49 after battling rheumatoid arthritis.
Yellowood State Forest
Yellowwood State Forest was created in 1940 when federal land was leased to the state of Indiana. The land was deeded to the state in 1956. Yellowwood Lake was completed in 1939. The 133-acre lake is about 30 feet deep. Yellowwood State Forest is close to Brown County State Park, the quaint village of Nashville, Indiana, T.C. State Historic Site, Monroe Lake, and Morgan-Monroe State Forest.