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CALENDAR
Can It! logo Minnetrista celebrates 125 years of the Ball jar
April 4 - August 23
Minnetrista introduces its latest exhibit Can It!, April 4 through August 23. This highly interactive original exhibit not only looks at the historical production of the Ball jar and its influence on Muncie and surrounding communities, it engages visitors in exploring their personal connections with Ball.

See photos of the exhibit >

"This is an important and exciting exhibit for this area," said Rebecca Holmquist, vice president of Visitor Experience at Minnetrista. "Can It! tells an engaging and interactive story of the influence of the Ball jar." Presented by Jarden Corporation, the exhibit includes historical photos, 125 years of Ball jars, actual machinery used in early manufacturing, video, hands-on activities, live performances by Minnetrista Theatre Preserves, and an opportunity for visitors to add their own personal experiences to the exhibit.

For more than 125 years, the Ball jar has been preserving the food in American pantries across the country. The Ball name itself is ubiquitous in East Central Indiana. "What is less well-known is the influence of the Ball jar on growing and preserving local communities," said Holmquist. "We designed this exhibit with Jarden to help visitors celebrate this shared history."

"We are honored to sponsor and partner with Minnetrista for the Can It! exhibit. The connection between our companies is natural and rich with history – definitely something to be cherished for many more years to come," said Lauren Devine, Fresh Preserving Community Manager at Jarden.

Can It! visitors will experience live demonstrations of canning machines and have the opportunity to can their own preserves. Two interactive model kitchens will provide hands-on understanding of the influence of the Ball jar. Antique jar collectors and modern-day canners will enjoy the comparisons of historical and modern canning recipes. Minnetrista Theater Preserves will perform two interpretive dramas for visitors. "This exhibit will help visitors relate the history of the Ball jar to our everyday lives," said Holmquist. 

Click here to download the Jars From A Century of Progress brochure.

Daily Can It! activities (included with paid admission):
Kids Can It!Discover All Day - April - AugustYour kids can put on an apron and roll up their sleeves in a play kitchen built just for them. Assist your child as they pretend to cook, fill canning jars, and prepare produce. Your child is the chef, and imagination is on the menu at Kids Can It!
Glass Machine DemonstrationsDailyIn 1898 F. C. Ball patented a semi-automatic machine to manufacture Ball canning jars. Join in a demonstration to learn how man and machine worked together to build a company name recognized across the country.
Tales from the Mouth of a Ball JarWeekends, 1 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.How has the Ball jar intersected your life? Minnetrista Theatre Preserves answers this question with performances by two characters sharing their stories of the KKK jar and the Southern Methodist Orphans jar. Performances held in the Can It! Exhibit.
Freezer Jam DemonstrationsWeekendsBring the Can It! exhibit to life as you help us turn fresh fruit into quick and easy freezer jam.


Presented by:


www.jarden.com

 


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