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PGAV Destinations to create Experience Master Plan for Conner Prairie

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Conner Prairie balloon experience

Firm will provide overarching plan and narrative for the Indiana attraction

PGAV Destinations, a global leader in the planning and design of unique destinations, is continuing its longstanding relationship with Connor Prarie by working on a new Experience Master Plan for the attraction in Central Indiana. In addition, the company will be working on the development of Conner Prairie’s new Food, Farm, and Energy Experience Precinct.

Previously, the two organisations worked together in 2008 on an experience plan, leading to the creation of visitor favourites at the site like the 1859 Balloon Voyage and the 1863 Civil War Journey. The plan also paved the way for the design and construction of the Estridge Family Treetop Outpost. This PGAV designed project was completed in 2016. 

A cohesive plan

“Fourteen years ago, PGAV completed a Strategic Master Plan that helped define a new vision for this innovative outdoor living history museum, including new attraction products like the iconic 1859 Balloon Voyage,” says Diane Lochner, PGAV vice president.  

“It is tremendously rewarding to have another opportunity to interpret the rich stories of history with the Museum’s “Eye to the Future”. The creativity of our team and the collaboration with visionary leadership at the Museum is formulating the overarching visitor experience and interpretive plan.  It includes considering and connecting the historic Conner Prairie District to the new Land, Water, and Energy Innovation District.”

The attraction, which is home to a range of outdoor, historically-themed encounters and indoor experiential learning spaces, will be expanding into a new district on the west side of the White River and has turned to the expertise of PGAV to ensure a cohesive planning effort and an overarching narrative for the whole site.

PGAV will also be working on concepts for Conner Prarie’s new Food, Farm, and Energy Experience Precinct, which aims to highlight innovations in agriculture and provide inspiration for guests around new ways to feed and power the planet.

Conner Prairie_

Continuing the innovative spirit of Conner Prarie

Eli Lilly started his own farm here in 1934 in the very place where we hope to launch the Food, Farm, and Energy Experience,” says Norman Burns, president and CEO of Conner Prairie. “I’m thrilled to see his legacy and innovative spirit continue on in this new activation for guests.”

As first-person interpretation at Conner Prairie, rooted in its core experience of 1836 Prairietown, reaches its 50th anniversary, the new Experience Master Plan will introduce improved experiences and new perspectives, making sure that the attraction is still able to make connections with modern audiences.

“We want all of our guests to see their stories represented at Conner Prairie,” says Rich Cooper, vice president and chief programs officer. “I’m proud to work with PGAV and our staff on this next chapter to showcase a more complete, diverse, and accurate story of our collective history. It’s the story of human connection.”

Earlier this month, PGAV Destinations announced that it is opening a new studio in Orlando, Florida, headed by PGAV Destinations VP Ned Diestelkamp.

Images credit Conner Prarie

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charlotte coates

Charlotte Coates

Charlotte Coates is blooloop's editor. She is from Brighton, UK and previously worked as a librarian. She has a strong interest in arts, culture and information and graduated from the University of Sussex with a degree in English Literature. Charlotte can usually be found either with her head in a book or planning her next travel adventure.

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