Madison Honoring Indiana’s Influential Women

Three-day Hoosier Heroines event series is part of the America 250 celebration

MADISON, Ind. (Jan. 21, 2026) — The historic town of Madison will come together March 13-15 to host Hoosier Heroines weekend, honoring the influential Indiana women whose lives helped shape the stories of the state and the nation.

Organized by the Lanier Mansion State Historic Site and Historic Madison, Inc., this three-day community celebration will feature a series of fascinating events across eight participating locations. Aspart of the commemoration of America’s 250th birthday, Hoosier Heroines weekend will also give visitors the opportunity to create personal connections to this important milestone in the nation’s history.

From film presentations to art exhibitions, live performances to informative workshops and more, these programs will offer attendees a deeper appreciation for the resilience, creativity and leadership of historic Hoosier women. Events are free, though some require advance registration due to limited seating capacity.

To register for events and find additional details, visit the Historic Madson website. 

The celebration's event lineup includes:
Women Veterans Leading the Way
March 13-15 • 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday • 
Scarlet Begonia (118 E. Main St.)

To honor Hoosier female veterans, Scarlet Begonia will highlight their stories, feature art and products, and provide resources from the Jefferson County Veteran Service office. Female veterans can ask about a special gift with purchase.

Paintrix: An Exhibition of Female Artists
March 13 • 5-7 p.m. • Madison Area Arts Alliance, Gallery at the SPOT (326 Mulberry St.)Celebrate Hoosier women during a special reception for our Women’s History Month exhibit.

“Theodora Goes Wild” starring Irene Dunne
March 13 • 7:30-9:30 p.m. • Ohio Theatre (105 E. Main St.) Enjoy a riotous night of 1930s comedy with the classic film, “Theodora Goes Wild.” Before the film, Randy Lakeman will give a special presentation about the life and career of Irene Dunne. 

Researching Records of Women Ancestors and Dating Vintage Photographs
March 14 • 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. • Jefferson County Public Library, (420 W. Main St.)
Join professional genealogist, Phyllis McLaughlin, and the John Paul Chapter DAR Lineage Research Team for a workshop about researching records of women and dating historic photographs. Supported by Lanier Mansion State Historic Site and John Paul Chapter DAR.

Whiskey in a Teacup: Poetry and Music Celebrating Women Artists
March 14 • 1-3 p.m. • Madison Area Arts Alliance, Gallery at the SPOT 
This lively gathering will feature performances by Indiana Beat Poet Laureate Chris Dean and Kentucky poet Rita S. Spalding, with music by Charlsee Gandee.

Fierce Forest Protectors! Including Hoosier Heroines
March 14 • 2-3 p.m. • Jefferson County Public Library
Gene Stratton-Porter, Selma Steele, Rachel Carson, Mollie Beattie and Wangari Maathai were fierce protectors of wildlife and forests. Learn about their contributions and participate in hands-on activities like planting a flower, starting a nature journal and going on a nature scavenger hunt. 

Women Who Saved 
March 14 • 3-4:30 p.m.• Shrewsbury-Windle House (301 W. Second St.)
Discover the unsung heroines of Madison’s preservation history during a special program that showcases the pivotal role eight women played in preserving Madison’s heritage.

Music at the Mansion 
March 14 • 6-8 p.m. • St. Michael the Archangel Church (519 E. Third St.)
Experience an uplifting performance by folk singer-songwriter Becki Davis. The evening will feature selections from her nationally recognized debut album “Lost & Found,” along with familiar folk and contemporary songs chosen to celebrate the heroine spirit that moves through every community.
Supported by the Lanier Mansion State Historic Site and Historic Madison, Inc.

Leading Ladies in the Field of Interpretation
March 15 • 10-11 a.m. • Clifty Falls State Park Nature Center 
On this one-hour moderate hike, hear about women who were leaders in the field of interpretation and study of nature. Supported by the John Paul Chapter DAR Conservation Committee.

Meet Abolitionist Patsy Ann Harris
March 15 • 1-2 p.m. • Lanier Mansion State Historic Site (601 W. First St.)
Meet Patsy Ann Harris, an Underground Railroad activist who helped freedom-seekers with her husband minister Chapman Harris. Reenactor Sue Livers will bring her to life in this presentation.