445 Past Events at Minnetrista Museum & Gardens

September 20; 3–4:30 p.m.
Cost: $16; member discounts apply

Join Minnetrista's Archivist Susan Smith for a Tea & Talk program celebrating the Ball women's community involvement and social action legacy. This engaging afternoon will explore the historical significance of women's clubs in Muncie, where women pursued their interests, socialized, and worked collaboratively on civic and welfare issues. Discover the powerful impact of the Ball women, who were active participants in many community projects, and learn about their contributions to forwarding the community through their dedication and hard work.

Thank you to our generous sponsor: LifeStream Services.

Cost: $60; member discounts apply
Registration deadline: September 19

Craft your own spooky glass beads this fall. Unleash your imagination and fashion stunning beads to adorn a captivating necklace, bewitching charm, or a spellbinding pair of earrings. Choose from a variety of glass colors and textures, and work with kilns, torches, and safety gear. Join us for a memorable learning experience and take home your unique glass beads.

All tools, supplies, and safety gear will be provided. Glass Workshops are 13 & up unless otherwise noted.

Cost: $70; member discounts apply

Paint with a Certified Ross Instructor on the site where Bob painted for years. This workshop is the perfect opportunity to get creative and learn the process of painting in Bob Ross’ signature style. Just bring yourself, and we will provide everything you need to have a great time. Just like Bob said, “Let’s get crazy!”

Bob Ross Painting Workshops are 14 & up unless otherwise noted. All supplies are included. Everyone in attendance must be registered for the workshop, and The Bob Ross Experience ticket is not included. This workshop space is only accessible via a staircase. We do offer workshops in accessible spaces throughout the year. Contact our front desk at 765.282.4848 for more information about accessibility.

Paint with a Certified Ross Instructor on the site where Bob painted for years. This workshop is the perfect opportunity to get creative and learn the process of painting in Bob Ross’ signature style. Just bring yourself, and we will provide everything you need to have a great time. Just like Bob said, “Let’s get crazy!”

Bob Ross Painting Workshops are 14 & up unless otherwise noted. All supplies are included. Everyone in attendance must be registered for the workshop, and The Bob Ross Experience ticket is not included. This workshop space is only accessible via a staircase. We do offer workshops in accessible spaces throughout the year. Contact our front desk at 765.282.4848 for more information about accessibility.

Join the Minnetrista Horticulture team for a special volunteer day to help maintain our beautiful gardens! Volunteers will have the opportunity to learn and grow in their knowledge of garden cultivation alongside helpful professionals. Whether cleaning and preparing the soil for future seeds or digging and planting, there’s always plenty of work to be done!

If you are interested in volunteering, please email Mary Zwickl at mzwickl@minnetrista.net.

September 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28; 8–11 a.m.

Join the Minnetrista Horticulture team for special volunteer days to help maintain and further our lively gardens! Volunteers will have the opportunity to learn and grow in their knowledge of garden cultivation alongside helpful professionals. Whether cleaning and preparing soil for future seeds or digging and planting, there’s always plenty of work to be done!

If you are interested in volunteering, please email Mary Zwickl at mzwickl@minnetrista.net.

Cost: $70; member discounts apply

Paint with a Certified Ross Instructor on the site where Bob painted for years. This workshop is the perfect opportunity to get creative and learn the process of painting in Bob Ross’ signature style. Just bring yourself, and we will provide everything you need to have a great time. Just like Bob said, “Let’s get crazy!”

Bob Ross Painting Workshops are 14 & up unless otherwise noted. All supplies are included. Everyone in attendance must be registered for the workshop, and The Bob Ross Experience ticket is not included. This workshop space is only accessible via a staircase. We do offer workshops in accessible spaces throughout the year. Contact our front desk at 765.282.4848 for more information about accessibility.

September 30 – December 31

Center Building, Gallery 2

Turtles may seem slow, but they are expert travelers. Whether traveling thousands of miles or hundreds of yards, all turtles and tortoises face hazards along the way. You can help these reptiles survive and migrate safely! Play Turtle Migration in a giant board game, see how shell shapes suit different lifestyles and habitats, design a turtle-friendly housing development, and so much more!

Developed by: EEC! (Environmental Exhibit Collaborative) with funding from Jane’s Trust and IMLS.

October 7–January 7, 2024

Center Building, Gallery 3

Brain literally takes you inside the brain! Designed to appeal to audiences of all ages, this exhibit employs innovative special effects, hands-on learning activities, and interactive technology to delve into the brain's inner workings, including its processes, potentials, and mysteries.

October 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26, 31; 8–11 a.m.  

Join the Minnetrista Horticulture team for special volunteer days to help maintain and further our lively gardens! Volunteers will have the opportunity to learn and grow in their knowledge of garden cultivation alongside helpful professionals. Whether cleaning and preparing soil for future seeds or digging and planting, there’s always plenty of work to be done!

If you are interested in volunteering, please email Mary Zwickl at mzwickl@minnetrista.net.

Cost: $16; member discounts apply

Immerse yourself in the profound wisdom of words and discover the transformative power of literature. Take a captivating journey alongside Professor James Connolly from Ball State University as he unveils the intimate tapestry of life in Muncie through the remarkable Muncie City Building Library. Delve into meticulously preserved records from November 5, 1891, to December 3, 1902, and unravel the intriguing patterns of the people who shaped and nurtured Muncie. This digital database collaboration between Ball State University and Muncie Public Library has unearthed a treasure trove of our town's reading habits, illuminating a rich and vibrant history. Prepare to be enchanted as you uncover the literary tapestry that weaves the very fabric of our community.

Thank you to our generous sponsor LifeStream Services

October 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26, 31; 8–11 a.m.  

Join the Minnetrista Horticulture team for special volunteer days to help maintain and further our lively gardens! Volunteers will have the opportunity to learn and grow in their knowledge of garden cultivation alongside helpful professionals. Whether cleaning and preparing soil for future seeds or digging and planting, there’s always plenty of work to be done!

If you are interested in volunteering, please email Mary Zwickl at mzwickl@minnetrista.net.

October 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26, 31; 8–11 a.m.  

Join the Minnetrista Horticulture team for special volunteer days to help maintain and further our lively gardens! Volunteers will have the opportunity to learn and grow in their knowledge of garden cultivation alongside helpful professionals. Whether cleaning and preparing soil for future seeds or digging and planting, there’s always plenty of work to be done!

If you are interested in volunteering, please email Mary Zwickl at mzwickl@minnetrista.net.

October 11; 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m. (2-hour sessions)
Free Community Event

This free community event is open to the whole family! With so much being offered, the day is a choose-your-own-adventure opportunity. The various fall activities create space for learning, active family participation, and loads of fun! Spend a beautiful fall day at Minnetrista exploring with friends and family. The event will have three two-hour sessions. Pre-registration is highly encouraged.

This event is supported by our generous partners: First Merchants Bank and eKeeper Systems 

Oct. 11, 6-8 p.m.

Free Community Event

Join us for Trick-or-Treating on one of the most iconic streets in Muncie.  Guests will walk along historic Minnetrista Boulevard, collecting treats from the Ball family homes and enjoying the beautiful fall scenery. Family-friendly costumes are encouraged!

October 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26, 31; 8–11 a.m.  

Join the Minnetrista Horticulture team for special volunteer days to help maintain and further our lively gardens! Volunteers will have the opportunity to learn and grow in their knowledge of garden cultivation alongside helpful professionals. Whether cleaning and preparing soil for future seeds or digging and planting, there’s always plenty of work to be done!

If you are interested in volunteering, please email Mary Zwickl at mzwickl@minnetrista.net.

October 13; 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Free community event

Come to Betty’s Cabin to create your very own good luck charm.

Presented by Patterson Block Muncie.