Ball Jar Exhibit "Can It!" Opens This Week at Minnetrista

Minnetrista in Muncie, IN, 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. The first 125 exhibit visitors will receive the Anniversary Edition of the Ball Blue Book(R) Guide to Preserving.

"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.

Minnetrista hours: Mon. - Sat., 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Sun., 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Admission is FREE to members. General Admission is $4 child/student; $6 senior; $7 adult.

Located along historic White River, Minnetrista includes 40 acres of beautiful gardens and grounds, a modern museum facility, an historic home, Nature Area, numerous sculptures, and a portion of the Cardinal Greenway. Minnetrista serves East Central Indiana with dynamic community activities and exhibits that honor and reflect its natural and cultural heritage. For more information about Minnetrista, visit www.minnetrista.net.


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