FISHERS, Ind. (WTHR) - Conner Prairie issued a statement Monday stating their support for the black community while admitting racism within their organization.
"As an organization Conner Prairie recognizes we have been falling short of meeting the needs of our staff and community around race and inclusion," the museum posted on its website. "We openly and honestly acknowledge that racism remains a problem within our organization, just as it is within our community and nation. By acknowledging these truths, we can begin to address the systemic issues facing both our own organization and the greater society through our mission."
In the statement, Conner Prairie announced the museum was standing "in solidarity with the needed protests over police violence and brutality and white supremacy.
"Conner Prairie stands with the Black community," the statement read. "We believe Black lives matter. We believe that when one of us is not free, none of us are free. We vow to work for systemic change and growth within our own institution."
- RELATED: Read Conner Prairie's full statement
The museum is in the planning stages of a new 19th Century African American settlement that will be a permanent part of Conner Prairie. An African American curator will guide the museum in building the experience that will build "on history and illustrating the similarities shared between the struggles of Black people today and those of the 19th century."
"We will lay a foundation for learning from the past to inform the present in ways that will make tomorrow’s story one that involves everyone," the statement read.
The museum, which has been closed since March due to COVID-19, is planning to re-open June 16.
