A stroll through Pioneer Village

INDIANAPOLIS — The legacy of Mauri Williamson, creator of the Pioneer Village, lives on in every corner of the village at the Indiana State Fair.

He was a storyteller and agricultural advocate. He wanted Hoosiers to learn about and celebrate their agricultural heritage.

“Mauri Williamson was passionate about educating Hoosiers about the important role of agriculture in our society,” said Donya Lester, former executive director of Purdue Ag Alumni Association and friend of Williamson.

“Farmers of all kinds were his heroes, and he was especially drawn to the stories of pioneer farmers who carved out a life for their families and built communities in wild, unsettled lands.

“Their ingenuity and resourcefulness were a continual inspiration to him, and he always looked for ways to share their stories so they could continue to inspire others.”

Williamson passed away in 2017, but the care he put into the village is still evident.

Williamson knew that how you tell the story is every bit as important as the story itself. He built Pioneer Village as a way to tell stories that people might not otherwise hear, Lester said.

“From the old hand-operated water pump on the porch of the main building, to inviting children to climb into a wagon of freshly threshed wheat, he wanted every exhibit and every person in the village to engage fairgoers so they will learn these stories in ways they will never forget — and so that they will want to know more,” she said.

“Williamson knew, too, that fun was an integral part of this kind of learning experience, and, more than anything else, he wanted Pioneer Village to be the most fun place at the Indiana State Fair.”

This year, craftsmen and artisans flexed their skills. Blacksmiths, quilters, woodworkers, musicians, and many other talented artists interacted with fairgoers.

Here’s a glimpse at this year’s Village — a place where time stands still and memories are made.