Indiana Landmarks Hosts Holiday Open House at Taggart House

Indiana Landmarks will host a Holiday Open House at the Taggart House in Indianapolis on December 10, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. EST. This event serves as one of five festive celebrations organized by the preservation group across the state to celebrate local history and seasonal traditions.

The Taggart House, located at 1331 N. Delaware St., represents more than just a seasonal gathering; it is a focal point for ongoing civic discussions regarding the North Delaware Street corridor. According to Indiana Landmarks, community leaders are currently collaborating on a vision to transform the residence into a cultural and civic center. This proposed evolution would place the house alongside established institutions such as the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, the historic Propylaeum, the Harrison Center for the Arts, and Indiana Humanities.

The legacy of Thomas Taggart and the North Delaware corridor

The history of the property is tied to the civic development of Indianapolis itself. Thomas Taggart, an immigrant from County Monaghan, Ireland, served as the Mayor of Indianapolis from 1895 to 1901. His administration was defined by significant public works, most notably the creation of the city’s parks and boulevard system. This included the acquisition of over 950 acres along the White River to establish Brookside Park, Riverside Park, and Spades Park.

Taggart commissioned the construction of his Colonial Revival-style home on North Delaware Street in 1914. He resided there until his death in 1929, after which his daughter, Lucy, a noted artist, used the space to live and work. The building later underwent a transition in the 1980s when it was renovated to serve as the national headquarters for the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity.

Indiana Landmarks Hosts Holiday Open House at Taggart House

The push to repurpose the Taggart House as a civic hub reflects a broader effort to densify the cultural assets available to Indianapolis residents. By integrating the house into the existing cluster of historic sites, organizers aim to create a cohesive district that supports both tourism and local community engagement. However, the physical constraints of the historic structure remain a practical consideration for public use. Due to the steps required to reach the upper floors, the house is not fully accessible, though a ramp will be provided to ensure first-floor access for all attendees.

A statewide series of holiday celebrations

While the Indianapolis event focuses on the Taggart House, Indiana Landmarks has scheduled a broader circuit of celebrations throughout December. These events allow residents in different regions to engage with local landmarks through similar seasonal programming.

December 1: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Evansville
December 2: The Liberty Theater in Lawrenceburg
December 3: The Rohlfing House and Old Church at Cottrell Village in Attica
December 15: ARCH, Inc.’s Calhoun Project in Fort Wayne

For the Indianapolis gathering, Indiana Landmarks members can attend for free, though advance registration is required via their official event page. The holiday open house is supported by several sponsors, including Browning Day School, CSOM, Marjorie Kienle Wiss, and Janney, Elstren Associates, Inc.