New Harmony Working Men's Institute

New Harmony Working Men's Institute New Harmony’s Working Men’s Institute is based on Robert Owen’s utopian experiment in the 1820s, aim

Library founded by William Maclure, who was a prominent part of the community of founded in New Harmony in 1824 by Robert Owen. In his words, it's mission is to dedicate itself to "the diffusion of knowledge by mutual instruction amongst the producing classes who labor with their hands, and gain their bread by the sweat of their brow."

Our Director, Ryan, was visiting Maple Hill cemetery today and stumbled upon this young deer resting on one of the grave...
08/29/2026

Our Director, Ryan, was visiting Maple Hill cemetery today and stumbled upon this young deer resting on one of the graves.

08/26/2026

A celebration of Dolly’s enduring legacy of books, literacy, and a lifelong love of reading.

Dolly Parton spent her remarkable life bringing joy to millions through music, storytelling, and her generous spirit. Ye...
08/25/2026

Dolly Parton spent her remarkable life bringing joy to millions through music, storytelling, and her generous spirit. Yet one of her most meaningful legacies may be found not on a concert stage, but on the shelves of libraries and in the hands of children discovering the magic of a book for the very first time.

Dolly understood something that librarians have always known: a book can open a door to an entirely new world.

Dolly's contribution to literacy also reflects one of the most important missions of libraries: ensuring that knowledge, imagination, and opportunity are available to everyone. Libraries have never been simply buildings filled with books. They are places where children discover stories, students find answers, families learn together, and people of all ages are welcomed.

In that sense, Dolly Parton and libraries share a common belief—that everyone deserves the opportunity to learn, dream, and imagine.

Her generosity has helped countless children experience something her father did not have: the opportunity to grow up surrounded by books.

Her work reminded us that literacy is about much more than learning to read words on a page. Reading builds confidence. It encourages curiosity. It helps children understand people and places beyond their own experiences. It gives them the freedom to imagine possibilities that may not yet exist.

And perhaps most importantly, reading gives children permission to dream.

That is why Dolly Parton's contribution to libraries and literacy deserves recognition and gratitude. Her work has strengthened communities, supported families, encouraged young readers, and reinforced the idea that books should be accessible to every child.

As librarians, educators, parents, and members of our communities, we can all be grateful for Dolly's dedication to putting books into the hands of children. Her legacy is not simply measured by the number of books distributed. It is measured in bedtime stories shared, imaginations sparked, questions asked, and dreams made possible.

Dolly Parton has given the world many wonderful gifts through her music and her extraordinary career. But perhaps one of her greatest gifts is the simple reminder that every child deserves a book, every child deserves the chance to read, and every child deserves the chance to dream.

For that gift, libraries everywhere can say:

Thank you, Dolly. Rest in Peace!

Dolly Parton 1946-2026

The New Harmony Farmers' and Artisans' Market, presented by the Working Men's Institute, is open until noon! The FWMI Bo...
08/08/2026

The New Harmony Farmers' and Artisans' Market, presented by the Working Men's Institute, is open until noon! The FWMI Book Cart is available outside! There are only four market days remaining this season!
We are in those dog days of August, so come on into the WMI and cool off and enjoy our fabulous museum, or check out a good book! We are open until 4:30 today.

The New Harmony Farmers' and Artisans' Market presented by the WMI is open! These vendors are unstoppable! Not even the ...
08/01/2026

The New Harmony Farmers' and Artisans' Market presented by the WMI is open! These vendors are unstoppable! Not even the rain can keep them away! The market is open until noon, and the WMI is open until 4:30. Come on in and check out our new selection of books! Due to the rain, the FWMI book cart will be inside today.

Mark your calendars! Pre-School Story time is returning in August, and it is a fantastic opportunity for young minds to ...
07/28/2026

Mark your calendars! Pre-School Story time is returning in August, and it is a fantastic opportunity for young minds to discover the joy of reading!

The New Harmony Farmers' and Artisans Market, presented by the WMI, remains strong and vibrant, even in the rain, which ...
07/25/2026

The New Harmony Farmers' and Artisans Market, presented by the WMI, remains strong and vibrant, even in the rain, which showcases their resilience and community spirit. However, the book cart isn't as resilient as the vendors! Today, it will be placed inside to ensure it stays safe and dry. The market is open until noon, and the WMI will remain open until 4:30 PM—an ideal place to embrace the joy of summer while staying dry from those unexpected rain showers!

The New Harmony Farmers’ and Artisans’ Market presented by the WMI is open! Parking is a bit of a challenge today due to...
07/18/2026

The New Harmony Farmers’ and Artisans’ Market presented by the WMI is open! Parking is a bit of a challenge today due to some repairs the town is completing. We are uncertain how long these repairs will take place so please be sure to be cautious. Market is open until noon today.
If you need a place to cool off from this heat, come in inside the WMI and check out our fabulous museum and library! We have lots of new books waiting to be checked out. Open until 4:30!

The New Harmony Farmers and Artisans Market presented by the WMI is open! Due to the weather the book cart will be insid...
07/11/2026

The New Harmony Farmers and Artisans Market presented by the WMI is open! Due to the weather the book cart will be inside today.

Is anyone missing this cat? Hanging around outside the WMI.
07/07/2026

Is anyone missing this cat? Hanging around outside the WMI.

Address

New Harmony, IN
47631

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 7pm
Wednesday 10am - 7pm
Thursday 10am - 7pm
Friday 10am - 4:30pm
Saturday 10am - 4:30pm
Sunday 12pm - 4pm

Telephone

+18126824806

Website

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