By Devynn Barnes
“Preserve, educate, and inspire” is the way of the land at Maplelawn Farmstead, a nonprofit home to a historically-recognized museum and accompanying educational programing. Created in 2004 as a historical landmark, Maplelawn has been bringing joy to Boone County ever since, with its multiple yearly events and its rich cultural history.
The farmstead’s birth dates back to 1835, when it was established by John and Jane Wolf. They Wolf heirs sold it to Alfred Elroy and Elmira Moore Scott in 1900, and it remained in the Scott family for the next 65 years. In 2003, the land was sold to the town of Zionsville to be developed into a community park.
The Zionsville Historical Society, however, saw other potential in the land. Lots of intact barns and outbuildings inspired the committee to form a subcommittee devoted to preserving the farmstead for educational purposes. In 2004, the Parks Board approved the motion to keep the farmstead as is, and Maplelawn Farmstead, Inc. was born. In 2011, it was added to the list of Historic Districts on the National Register of Historic Places.
Today, Zionsville and surrounding area families enjoy the history preserved with every rustic barn or old outbuilding. The land has survived times of depression and drought, each trial adding to its intrigue. Throughout the summer, multiple events have taken place at the farmstead, making it the epicenter for historical fun. A Depression Era themed summer camp for kids ran through July, and on Sept. 12 and 19, “Movie at Maplelawn” will be taking place. A classic movie will be projected on the side of the dairy barn in front of a lawn where families can bring blankets and lawn chairs to watch along. Nov. 7 and 8 will feature a murder mystery dinner entitled “Ma’s Funeral,” beginning at 7 p.m. and costing $45 per person.
Maplelawn Farmstead has become the place to be for historical happenings, as well as year-round fun. For more information about the farmstead, future events or how to get involved, visit www.maplelawnfarmstead.org.
