Conner Prairie Takes a Powerful Step Toward Inclusive History with Promised Land as Proving Ground
Tough conversations aren’t always easy. Learning the truth about the history of one’s country and people can be difficult, especially if the truth is hard and you weren’t always told it from the beginning.
Conner Prairie in Fishers is doing its part to accurately and honorably change that; to tell the stories of African American history from the voices of those who lived it. Promised Land as Proving Ground is part of Conner Prairie’s mission to fully immerse guests in the Black history journey. This initiative will encourage dialogue and conversation about the impact of the African American community on Indiana’s past and present.
Conner Prairie’s Hyacinth Rucker shares more about this experience, which is centered around deep and profound growth, allowing people of color to see themselves and their ancestors in a new light.
Promised Land as Proving Ground: Interview with Hyacinth Rucker
1. Where did the initial idea of Promised Land as Proving Ground come from, and how long did it take to complete?
The idea for Promised Land as Proving Ground grew from a place of listening and reflection. We began by asking ourselves whose stories we were telling—and whose voices we were missing. That led to honest conversations with community members, scholars, artists, and cultural advisors who helped guide the vision forward. It’s been a multi-year journey shaped by care, collaboration, and commitment. From research and design to community engagement and creative development, every step was taken with intention. We were able to open a soft launch of the exhibit in 2024, which gave us space to gather feedback, make meaningful updates, and ensure the experience would truly resonate with our visitors.
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2. What do you hope attendees will learn or take away from this experience?
Our hope is that visitors leave Promised Land as Proving Ground with more than just historical knowledge—we want them to walk away with empathy, understanding, and a deeper appreciation for the strength and resilience of Black communities across time. This exhibit isn’t just about what happened; it’s about how people endured, thrived, and shaped the culture we all share today.
3. How does this exhibit help tell the story of Indiana's history, and what can attendees expect to see or hear?
Indiana’s history is layered and complex, and this exhibit adds crucial depth to that story. Promised Land as Proving Ground shines a light on how African Americans helped shape this state, often under the harshest of circumstances. It balances the pain of oppression with the beauty of resilience, creativity, and community-building. Visitors will journey through four powerful spaces—each representing a different era. Expect to hear personal narratives, see cultural traditions that survived across centuries, and interact with technology that brings forgotten stories to life. From the augmented reality experiences to artist exhibits and sacred spaces, this isn’t just something you walk through—it’s something you explore, engage, and learn from.
4. From your perspective, how did you react or feel upon immersing yourself in the new exhibit?
Proud, yes - but also deeply moved. When I walked through the exhibit, I felt the weight of history and the beauty of perseverance at the same time. There’s something incredibly humbling about standing in spaces that honor people who fought, dreamed, built, and believed - even when the odds were against them. More than anything, I felt hope that this incredible exhibition can help spark deeper conversations and help bridge gaps in understanding. It’s a reminder of how far this country has come—and that we still have work to do.
Making an Impact
Promised Land as Proving Ground is proud to offer an immersive journey through Black history, highlighting the vital role of food, fellowship, family, and faith. While growth can sometimes be painful, it’s often necessary. Rucker said many visitors to the exhibit describe their experience as emotional and even transformative. “We’ve heard from guests who felt seen for the first time in a museum space and from others who left with new questions they wanted to explore,” she said. “That’s the kind of impact we hoped for—reflection, dialogue, and growth.”
And it’s the kind of impact Conner Prairie hopes to continue to make. Team leaders are working to successfully reimagine what it means to be a museum, and they know it starts by telling the truth about history, one story at a time.
Map from the Conner Prairie website
MORE INFO: You can visit Conner Prairie and its newest exhibit, Promised Land as Proving Ground, at 13400 Allisonville Road in Fishers. For a map of the location and other exhibits, visit: Map of Conner Prairie's Grounds for Guests.
To learn more, call 317-776-6000 or visit Promised Land as Proving Ground.
