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The Ambassador House Receives Grant Funding
The Ambassador House is pleased to announce it's been the recipient of a Hamilton County Visitor's Bureau Grant for $60,000. Grant funds will be used for start-up and material costs to make the Ambasssador House immediately available for community events. The assistance will go a long way toward making the Ambassador House a community destination. A big thank you to the Hamilton County Visitor's Bureau!
The Ambassador House & Heritage Gardens Renewal Begins!
The Ambassador House & Heritage Gardens is on its way to new life. After years of preparation, research and planning, the renewal of the home and development of surrounding heirloom gardens has officially begun. Thanks to the Fishers Town Council, who provided bond funding to help the project get underway.
Restoration begins!
MD Rowe Construction of Indianapolis has been hired to do the outside and inside renovation of the 2½ story Greek Revival home which is over 176 years old. When construction is complete the home will be ready to furnish with Victorian era items and begin its function as an educational center and museum to Fishers history. The anticipated date for the Ambassador House completion is late 2007.
Gardens will be planted!
The home will be surrounded with I ½ acres of Victorian era heirloom gardens reflecting the heritage of the Harris's, the home's most prominent residents. Additional bond funding is available to help plant the gardens, and the bidding process will begin soon. The gardens will feature fragrant plantings of heirloom roses, perennials, annuals, and wildflowers. White picket fences with stone corner posts and brick lined pathways will lead visitors from the porch area to the rose arbor, heirloom vegetable bed, grape arbor and orchard. The centerpiece of the gardens is a sunken patio surrounded by terraced gardens. The home and gardens will host educational programs, community events such as ice cream socials, and be available to accommodate up to 500 people for public and private activities. The anticipated completion date for the gardens is spring of 2008.
A place to learn about Fishers heritage
As an educational venue, The Ambassador House will help to tell the story of Fishers, from its pioneers and Ambassador through today's history makers. Programs are being planned in conjunction with Hamilton Southeastern Schools to bring the stories of the home's former inhabitants to life. Museum exhibits focused on local heritage are also planned.
A peaceful sanctuary
Nature lovers and gardeners alike will enjoy a sanctuary within suburbia in the Victorian era heirloom gardens surrounding the house. Arts, cultural and civic organizations and the community will be able to use the house and gardens as a performance, exhibition and meeting place.
Additional funding and volunteers needed
Donations needed
Although the Town is funding the project through a bond, the funds must be repaid over time. Additionally, the bond funds do not cover all of the landscaping, any furnishings, museum items, programs, events, educational materials, administrative expenses, maintenance or staffing. Which is why community support is so necessary and thoroughly appreciated. A list of naming and recognition opportunities is listed under the "How can you help" page. The Historic Ambassador House & Heritage Gardens, Inc. is a non-profit 501C3 organization. In-kind donations are also accepted. To access a donation form, please click here. For additional information, phone Pam Newell, Executive Director, 842-5513.
Volunteers needed
If you have a special interest in history, gardening, architecture, and museums or have other organizational skills talents and leadership ability, we encourage you to volunteer. Please contact us about the opportunities available to share your talents. Board meetings are open to the public, and are generally scheduled the second Thursday of each month at 7am in the Fishers Train Station. A posted notice confirms the meetings 48 hours in advance at the Town Hall. Please call Pam Newell, Executive Director, for additional information. - 842-5513.
More than 170 years ago, a two-story log house was built on what is now the northwest corner of 96th Street and Allisonville Road. Fashioned by Thomas West's descendants, this home near the White River became part of the 200+ acre farm owned by Addison and Indian Harris at the turn of the century.
A prominent Indianapolis attorney, Mr. Harris served as U.S. Ambassador to Austria-Hungary from 1899-1901.
For use as their summer residence, the couple enlarged the home and added stone columns and the adjacent outbuilding.
A collaborative effort between the Fishers Town Council and members of the Fishers Historic Preservation Committee saved this important part of our Town's heritage, which was scheduled to be destroyed.
To view pictures of the Ambassador House before it was moved, please click here.
On November 19, 1996, the Ambassador House was carefully cut into two sections and moved to its current location in Heritage Park (106th Street and Eller Road).
The preservation and renovation of the Ambassador House, truly, is a community-wide effort. The preservation of this historic home and the creation of period gardens will serve as a reminder of Fishers' grand heritage and provide a place for people to gather and enjoy the beautiful landscape. Click here to see the landscape plan for the Ambassador House.
Funding for the renovation and maintenance of the invaluable home is needed if we are to see our vision of a community space come true. Please join us in celebrating Fishers' rich history for which the Ambassador House serves as a precious symbol.
Several giving options are available through which you can participate in this remarkable project. All contributors will receive newsletters and direct mail pieces, which will update you on the progress and events at the Ambassador House.
When you donate to the Historic Ambassador House and Heritage Gardens, Inc., your gift not only preserves a historic treasure, but also the Fishers community.
THANKS TO OUR DONORS
To view a list of donors, please click here.
Attention: Ambassador House Restoration
One Municipal Drive
Fishers, Indiana 46038
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