Public Programs
The more you connect with Tippecanoe County history, the more it comes to life.
Stay connected, you don’t want to miss out! TCHA offers unique opportunities to engage with the past, whether you prefer lectures, tours, informal meet and greets, or interactive demonstrations, we’ll have something for you. So jump in – ask questions, offer opinions, listen, learn, and tour. We are constantly working to make the past enjoyable and accessible for you, so check out our programming calendar for the program that’s right for you.
Miss a program? View it on our You Tube Channel.
A Taste of the Past with Chef Lauren Reed
Theme: Farm to Table
Saturday July 26, 6:00- 8:00 pm
Chef Lauren creates a delicious menu to set the scene of the perfect Indiana summer; locally sourced ingredients that remind you of our state’s famous agriculture, farming, and captures the warm summer days from our past.
Menu coming July 12th! Menu released 2 weeks prior to meal to ensure the freshest seasonal ingredients.
Chef Lauren Reed is an accomplished local chef who is passionate about preserving history through culinary experiences.
Reserve a seat by calling (765) 476-8411 ext. 1. $65.00 per seat per meal, open to attendees age 16+.
Tuesday, August 12 at 6 p.m. at the History Center
Show and Tell Speed Round: Bicentennial Book Authors
Hear from contributing authors of the upcoming 200 Years of Tippecanoe County: A Community Tells Its Stories about their experience writing for the book including their inspiration, how they researched and any information they might not have been able to include. Each author will speak for about 10-15 minutes with a Q&A panel at the end.
A Taste of the Past with Chef Lauren Reed
Theme: Lafayette’s Bicentennial Celebration
Friday August 15, 6:00- 8:00 pm
Chef Lauren Reed and the TCHA are celebrating the last 200 years of Lafayette with a modern twist on well loved classics that remind us of why we love to call this place home!
Chef Lauren Reed is an accomplished local chef who is passionate about preserving history through culinary experiences.
Reserve a seat by calling (765) 476-8411 ext. 1. $65.00 per seat per meal, open to attendees age 16+.
This menu features:
(1825) Starters: Gooseberry Iced Tea Mocktail with Sour Sugar Rim, Colonial Bread and Butter.
(1925) Salad: Mixed Greens with Grilled Herbed Chicken Thigh, Dried Cranberries, Shaved Carrot with a Cherry Shallot Vinaigrette and Lafayette Sourdough Croutons.
(2025) Appetizer: Homemade Ravioli with Sun-dried Tomato Cream, Bacon, Grilled Corn, Chives and Gold Leaf.
(1875) Entree: Bison/ Beef Meatballs on Cauliflower Puree with Beef/ Mushroom Jus, Fried Onions and Greens.
(1975) Dessert: Bicentennial Shortcake with Honey Basil Strawberries, Vanilla cream, Chocolate Disk.
Saturday, September 6 at 11 a.m. (meet at the Arganbright Genealogy Center)
Historic South Street Tour: Fowler House to Five Points
Presented by Matt Meyer
Join Matt Meyer, Wabash College digital archivist, on a walk up South Street. Beginning at the Fowler House Mansion, learn about St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the former Ford School, the Five Points area and more! This event is FREE, but registration is required. We are limited to 20 participants. Register at: bit.ly/TCHABicentennialTours25
Tuesday, September 16 at 11:30 a.m. at the History Center
Show and Tell: Quackery and Doctoring in Tippecanoe County’s First 100 Years
Presented by Dr. Pete Bill
In the mid 1800’s cholera, ague and other pestilence threatened to wipe out whole communities including Lafayette. And the state of medicine and “doctoring” in Tippecanoe County abided by the rule that “if the cure didn’t kill you outright, it might just fix you!” This presentation will talk about the evolution of our local medical care in the late 19th century and early 20th century and the doctor-prescribed poisons commonly used to “kill or cure”.
Saturday, September 20 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Tippecanoe Battlefield
Archaeology Month Celebration
Join TCHA and Purdue University’s Department of Anthropology to celebrate Indiana Archaeology Month!
This all ages event will feature many hands-on activities such as an AtlAtl dart throw, Artifact Show and Tell and Identification, a mini excavation and archaeology activity books. The Tippecanoe Battlefield Museum will also have free entry.