Working Men's Institute Finding Aids
The Working Men's Institute, established in 1838, is the oldest continuously operating public library in Indiana.
The Branigin Archive houses historical materials from the Harmony Society, the Owen Community and materials from 1827 on to the turn of the century when New Harmony was known as the Athens on the Wabash. Included are letters, journals, scrapbooks, business ledgers, business papers, photographs, drawings, pamphletes, books.
The Lilly Archive houses the rare book collection. From 1538 on, the books are from such donors as William Maclure, Richard Owen, Dr. Edward Murphy and many of the important historical figure from in and around New Harmony. The collection may be searched through the Internet by going to the WMI website at www.workingmensinstitute.org/.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Working Men's Institute was set forth by William Maclure in a letter dated August 27, 1838 to the members of the Working Men's Institute. "...this Institute should be solely and only applied to the diffusion of Useful Knowledge by mutual instruction amongst the producing classes who labor with their hands, and gain their bread by the sweat of their brow."
This statement is still the heart of our mission as we enter our third century of service to the people of New Harmony and beyond. Our library, archives and museum are the means by which we offer information with particular emphasis on the New Harmony experience.
For information on the Working Men's Institute, please call 812.682.4806 or by visit www.workingmensinstitute.org/.
The WMI is located at 407 West Tavern Street in New Harmony.
