For the Dissemination of Useful Knowledge the Workingmen's Institute, New Harmony, Indiana

Abstract

Southern Indiana holds a treasure, the Workingmen’s Institute. Founded in 1838 by William Maclure, it is the oldest continuously operating public library in the state of Indiana. While the origins of the Workingmen’s Institute (WMI) and its history in the community of New Harmony are fascinating subjects, they have also been well documented. Rather than focusing on the past, this article attempts to focus on the present and future of the Workingman’s Institute as it continues to define its three separate functions: public library, museum, and special collection.