The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site in Indianapolis has a new special exhibit highlighting national and local Black civil rights activists during President Benjamin Harrison’s term in office (1889–1893).

“No ‘Compact of Silence’: Black Civil Rights Advocates in the Harrison Era” explores the complex dynamics of race in late 19th century America, including the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Prominent individuals who will be featured include Frederick Douglass and Ida B. Wells.

April 1890, President Harrison officially signed an act providing for an “international exhibition of arts, industries, manufactures, and the products of the soil, mine, and sea” to be held at Chicago.” The ex-President visited and spoke at the World’s Fair on July 1, 1893.

The exhibit will be open to the public and included with general admission from January 28 through November 1, 2022, at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site (1230 North Delaware Street in Indianapolis).