About the Organization
Utopian community founded by Harmonists, later site of Robert Owen's social experiment. Preserved historic buildings interpret early 19th-century communal living experiments.
The Harmonist Legacy (1814-1824)
New Harmony stands as one of America's most significant historical sites, designated a National Historic Landmark for its role in two groundbreaking utopian experiments. The town was established in 1814 by George Rapp and his followers, German Lutherans who had separated from their church and immigrated to create a new society based on Christian perfection and communal living. Under Rapp's leadership, the Harmonists transformed 20,000 acres of wilderness into a highly productive, self-sufficient community that constructed more than 180 log, frame, and brick buildings between 1814 and 1824. The community's remarkable craftsmanship and industriousness enabled them to trade goods as far as New Orleans, Pittsburgh, and Europe. The restored Rapp-Owen Granary, completed in 1818, stands as the largest granary of its type built by German craftsmen in the United States and later served as the laboratory of David Dale Owen, Indiana's first state geologist.
Robert Owen's Utopian Vision (1825-1827)
In 1825, Scottish industrialist and social reformer Robert Owen purchased the entire Harmonist settlement for $150,000 to establish his vision of a "New Moral World" based on education, science, and communal prosperity. Owen and his partner William Maclure, a distinguished geologist, attracted some of the era's finest scholars, naturalists, educators, and early feminists to New Harmony, transforming it into a center of intellectual and scientific advancement. The community established America's first free library, a civic drama club, and a public school system open to both men and women—revolutionary concepts for the 1820s. Though Owen's social experiment dissolved by 1827, its impact on American educational theory and scientific research proved lasting and profound, with many participants going on to influential careers throughout the nation.
Preserved Heritage and Modern Experience
Today, more than 30 structures from the Harmonist and Owenite periods remain as part of the National Historic Landmark District, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into these pioneering social movements. Notable preserved buildings include the Robert Henry Fauntleroy House (1822-40), Rapp-Maclure-Owen House (1844), Barrett Gate House (1815), and Dormitory Number 2 (1822). Visitors can explore reconstructed log cabins, a potter's shop, barns, and the famous Labyrinth with its puzzling pathways. The modern Atheneum, designed by renowned architect Richard Meier, serves as the visitor center and introduces guests to this remarkable community. The historic district, spanning the period from 1814 to 1867, continues to inspire visitors with its testament to human idealism, craftsmanship, and the enduring quest for a better society.
Plan Your Visit
Please check the organization's website for current hours, admission fees, and any special events or programs. Many historical societies offer guided tours, educational programs, and research services by appointment.
Getting Involved
Historical societies thrive on community support. Consider becoming a member, volunteering your time, or making a donation to support the preservation of local history. Many organizations also welcome donations of historical artifacts, photographs, and documents relevant to the area's heritage.
Explore Indiana's Historical Landscape
Use the When It Was app to discover historical businesses, landmarks, and buildings throughout Indiana. See how your community has transformed over the decades.
Explore When It Was →