In 1814, Father George Rapp led a group of about 800 German Lutheran immigrants (called the Harmonie Society) from Pennsylvania to 30,000 acres on the Wabash River. The Harmonists, as they were called, came to prepare for the Second Coming. They built and perfected a cosmopolitan community which they carved from the wilderness of the Indiana Territory. Their business acumen, however, eventually led them to return to Pennsylvania, where they would be closer to both existing and prospective markets.
In 1824, Robert Owen, a Welsh-born industrialist, purchased New Harmony with plans to create a model community where education and social equality would be realized. 
His utopian dream was never fully achieved, but his efforts produced pioneering contributions to education, geology, trade schools, and women's suffrage. In fact, the genesis of the US Geological Society and the Smithsonian Instititution are here in New Harmony.
Many of the original buildings and sites from old New Harmony remain, and are open for tours through the educational programs affiliated with the University of Southern Indiana. Much of the preservation and restoration of the town's Harmonist and Owenite history is due to the untiring efforts and boundless energy of Jane Blaffer Owen (1915-2010). She set about to preserve its history, restore its homes and bring some of the greatest minds and artists to its door. Under her leadership, both the town's spiritual and egalitarian nature were renewed. It is again a center for learning and culture.
Today, New Harmony's small town charm, beauty and serenity belie an underlying current of creativity and exubrance. Our business community offers a range of unique shops and galleries, restaurants and lodgings, as well as exciting venues for the creation and celebration of the arts, writings and music.
Join us as we honor our heritage, as we shape an exciting future.
For more detailed description of New Harmony's history, see Historic New Harmony or visit the Atheneum, our Visitor's Center.
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