NEW ALBANY, IN, (Oct. 2, 2012) – When did your family come here?  Where did they come from?  What language did they speak?  Were they Native American, English, French, German, Irish, Scottish, African-American, Mexican, Chinese, Vietnamese, or something different?

The public is invited to explore all these questions at the free preview of “The World Comes to Harrison County” at 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 11, at the Harrison County Community Foundation, 1523 Foundation Way NE, Corydon, Ind.   

The Center for Cultural Resources at IU Southeast joined Community Unity to prepare the project which was funded by a grant from Harrison County Community Foundation. The project is designed for use in local classrooms and civic organizations.

“The World Comes to Harrison County” includes an interactive timeline of events in the world, Indiana and Harrison County, plus a giant floor map of the county, and resource kits of materials and activities that will allow children and adults to explore Harrison County’s history through the different ethnic groups who have lived here. Additionally, many Harrison County citizens contributed their ancestors’ stories plus pictures and documents going back to the 1800s.

The IU Southeast Design Center, under the supervision of Coordinator Michael Koerner, helped design the map and timeline. IU Southeast students on the design team included Amie Villiger, a senior from Georgetown, Ind.; Brittany Norris, a senior from Sellersburg, Ind.; and Courtnee Howard.

The preview on Oct.11 will encourage visitors to roam the room, stopping at computer stations designated for the different groups.  They can browse through scrapbooks of materials and games while munching on appropriate refreshments from that area of the world (French éclairs, German cookies, Mexican salsa and more).

No reservations are needed, but for more information, please call Karolyn Mangeot at (812) 952-2273.