About the Alliance
Events
The Conner Prairie Alliance has a rich history dating from 1982 when it began as a small offshoot of the Junior League of Indianapolis. Since then, the Alliance has raised more than $1 million to support Conner Prairie.
Proceeds from various fundraising efforts have supported such projects as the children's playground, Featherston Barn, Animal Encounters, Discovery Station, Craft Corner and the 1859 Balloon Voyage. At their 2011 holiday luncheon, the Conner Prairie Alliance presented a check for $85,000 to Conner Prairie President and CEO Ellen Rosenthal designated to the River Crossing Play Area in the 1863 Civil War Journey: Raid on Indiana experience.
Their primary fundraiser is The Apple Store, a seasonal food and gifts shop managed by the women of the Alliance from September through October. Tasty treats include apples, cider slushies, caramel-dipped apples, popcorn, pies and many other food items and gifts.
Comprised of approximately 100 members, this passionate group is recognized at Conner Prairie for their hard work and valued funds generated for the museum. Alliance members are engaged throughout the year with Apple Store planning, as well as with educational and social events.
Mission
To advance the mission of Conner Prairie by promoting an interest in the programs and projects through creative fundraising.
Spring Luncheon at the President’s House at Conner Prairie
Find out about this dynamic group of women who support Conner Prairie projects through creative fundraising and have fun doing it! Then decide if you'd like to become a part of the Alliance too.
Tuesday May 8
11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
RSVP to gutowski_magda@comcast.net or 317.289.5815 by May 1.
Featured Member
Who are the women of the Alliance? Meet our featured member Leslie Morgan, past president of the Conner Prairie Alliance.
Why did you join the Conner Prairie Alliance?
I have always loved visiting Conner Prairie with my family and had it in the back of my mind to get more involved when the time was right. When a neighbor asked me if I’d be interested in joining the Alliance in 2007, I recognized that as my signal that the time must be right! I attended a reception for prospective members and enjoyed meeting some of the current members and learning more about the mission of the organization. After hearing President Ellen Rosenthal speak about all of the exciting programming and exhibits, I couldn’t resist getting involved with this world-class institution that was right in my backyard! I also felt that the requirements were not so demanding that I couldn’t jump in while raising my raising my two sons and continuing with other volunteer and recreational activities.
What do you love about being a member? There are so many reasons why I have enjoyed this group! I must admit that I love making new friends and building relationships! The Alliance is an intergenerational group of diverse, talented women with a common passion to serve the museum. I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know most of the women through committee work, serving on the board, working at the store, and attending the monthly Baker’s Dozen recipe group. That last group is all about food and no formal business, so what’s not to love?
Serving in the Alliance has also been a way to use some of the skills I acquired during my career. After being home with children and spending days wiping up crumbs and folding laundry, getting involved in volunteer work was a welcome opportunity to use leadership, communication and organizational skills. And it sure didn’t hurt to have a reason to keep up on some computer skills and play with excel spreadsheets!
And have I mentioned how much fun it is to dip caramel apples, run the cash register and serve long lines of customers during the crazy evenings of Headless Horseman? We wouldn’t continue doing this year after year if we didn’t have such a good time during the store season!
What do you hope to accomplish? The bar continues to be raised each year in terms of fine-tuning store operations and the organization as a whole. I’m counting on the talented women of the Alliance to continue that trend. Although our primary focus is on raising funds for Conner Prairie’s educational programs, we as a group also serve as ambassadors for the museum out in the community. We will continue in 2011 to devote significant time in our general meetings and social gatherings to educate our members about the various facets of the museum and all of the exciting plans to improve the guest experience. The more we are educated, engaged and enthused, the more we can promote this jewel of a museum that we love!
The Apple Store
Open every fall since 1984, The Apple Store offers traditional tasty treats throughout the months of September and October including:
- Hand-dipped caramel apples
- Cider slushies
- Apple and pumpkin donuts
- Popcorn
- Pasteurized apple cider
- Mulitple variety of apples from local orchards
- Jams and jellies
- Apple pies
- Amish goods
- Gourmet dog treats
- Special gift items
- Handmade fire pit pokers by Conner Prairie blacksmiths
- Special order gourmet caramel apples, upon request
- Items from Local Folks Foods and Crown Point Graphics, all produced in Hamilton County
Join Us
Join these creative, energetic, fun women in supporting Conner Prairie! Membership is open to all women who support the mission of the Alliance and Conner Prairie.
"I have been a fan of Conner Prairie since I was a child. It is very exciting to be a part of a group that supports the wonderful experiences Conner Prairie provides for my children today."
Staci P., Alliance Member since 2007
"The wonderful, fun women in the Alliance keep you coming back -- I have found many kindred souls in the group. And I just love Conner Prairie and our Apple Store!"
Karen C., Alliance Member since 1992
Ready to Learn More?
Alliance Information Request Form
Or, for more information about the Conner Prairie Alliance, please contact Alliance President Megan Wiles. You can also visit us on Facebook.