How did Conner Prairie get started?
In 1934, philanthropist Eli Lilly purchased the land that would become Conner Prairie. He planned to return the Conner House to its original state. It had been abandoned for many years and left in ruins. After much research, the house was carefully restored. Lilly surrounded the house with historic outbuildings and offered tours to the public. In 1969 it was decided to expand the museum and the 1836 Prairietown opening in 1974. Further expansion followed: the Museum Center in 1988, the Lenape Indian Camp in 2000 and Liberty Corner in 2001.
