Ernie Pyle Historic Site opens

DANA -- The Ernie Pyle Historic Site in Dana is now open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays.

Saturday hours will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday hours will be 1-4 p.m. General admission for visitors is $3.50 for adults; $3 for adults age 55 and older; $2 for children ages 4-12, free for ages 3 and under.

The site is operated by the Friends of Ernie Pyle, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and advancement of Pyle's legacy as America's most famous World War II correspondent. Pyle was born and raised in Dana, a rural community in Vermillion County on U.S. 36 in west-central Indiana.

The site, which features a museum and the home in which Pyle was born, is currently being operated under special arrangement with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. The DNR closed the site in late 2009 and is in negotiations with the friends group for transfer of site ownership.

The site is also scheduling tours for adult groups, children's groups and schools. Tour group admission fees are: School-sponsored tour, $1 per student; Adult groups, $3 per person; Child groups, $1.50 per child.

Schools and other groups can schedule tours for any time at 665-3633 and leave a message detailing your request, or call Myers directly at 665-3084.

The organization hopes to launch a nationwide fundraising campaign soon to help sustain the site in the future. Meanwhile, donations are currently accepted at: Friends of Ernie Pyle, P.O. Box 345, Dana, IN 47847.