by Sebastián Encina
Minnetrista Museum & Gardens aims to be a space where all members of our community not only feel welcomed, but also know they belong. Historically, museums have not always been so inviting, often seen as a space for a select few. While this challenge is not one that can be resolved through a single action, we can take steps to make Minnetrista more welcoming. In 2026, Minnetrista will honor one of our communities through exhibitions, partnerships, and programs.
Minnetrista partnered with the MLK Dream Team to bring the famed Freedom Bus to our campus, where it opened to the public on October 8. The Freedom Bus, an initiative between the MLK Dream Team, the City of Muncie, Ball State University, and numerous other people and organizations, recounts the history of the civil rights movement in East Central Indiana. The Freedom Bus is on display now through 2026 at no charge to visitors so that they may learn about this important chapter of our history.
Another partnership we are excited to explore is with Juneteenth Muncie and the I Am Initiative. Recognizing that representation matters, the I Am Initiative invites local children to imagine themselves as their future selves. Through a series of portraits, the project helps children find their purpose—one that is not dictated to them—allowing for a bright future where all dreams are possible. Minnetrista will bring the work of the I Am Initiative to the Indiana Room so all can see and be inspired by the leaders of tomorrow.
While the Black experience is greater than suffering and discrimination, it is important to never forget our past. To help us remember, Minnetrista is hosting the traveling exhibition Emmet Till and Mamie Till-Mobley: Let the World See, documenting a somber moment in our nation’s history when a 14-year-old child was brutally lynched. After the tragedy that befell their family, Mamie Till-Mobley, in all her power, turned grief into action. We remember Emmett and Mamie through this exhibition with the hope that
we will never again see such evil.
These activities are just small samples of what we can do to invite our neighbors into our shared spaces. It is on us to remind everyone that the museum belongs to them, and community members should always feel safe when they are here.
