STATEHOUSE (Nov. 1, 2023) – The Levi and Catharine Coffin State Historic Site will get some upgrades with the help of newly approved state funding, according to State Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond).
During the 2023 legislative session, Barrett voted in support of the historic site funding as part of the new state budget. The State Budget Committee formally approved releasing over $2.8 million on Friday to support repair, rehabilitation and HVAC projects at historic sites across Indiana, including the Levi and Catharine Coffin State Historic Site in Wayne County. As part of the funding, the site will receive new barn siding, and a new cultural landscape report and engineering study will be generated to determine what further upgrades and repairs are needed.
"The Levi and Catharine Coffin house is a treasured part of our community's history and helps tell the story of Indiana's important role in the Underground Railroad," Barrett said. "These improvements will go a long way in preserving this site for Hoosiers young and old to visit, learn and appreciate our storied past."
Located in Fountain City, Levi and Catharine Coffin's eight-room home, which served as a safe haven for more than 1,000 freedom-seekers on their journey to Canada, became known as “The Grand Central Station of the Underground Railroad.” The home is open for guided tours Wednesday through Sunday, at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. To learn more and purchase tickets for tours, visit indianamuseum.org/historic-sites/levi-catharine-coffin-house/.
Visit in.gov/sba/budget-committee for more information about the full list of projects approved by the State Budget Committee, as well as view agendas and archived meetings. Visit iga.in.gov to learn more about House Enrolled Act 1001, Indiana's new two-year state budget.
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State Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) represents House District 56,
which includes all of Wayne County and a portion of Henry County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
