The rich history of Valparaiso spans centuries. Originally home to the Potawatomi Indians, the area was a centralized meeting place for many Native American tribes. The land was sold to the U.S. in 1832, and in 1836, Porter County was formed when the area was separated from LaPorte County. The new county was named in honor of Comdr. David Porter, who played a significant role in the War of 1812 at the Battle of Valparaiso, Chile. The county seat was named Portersville. In 1837, Portersville was proudly renamed Valparaiso, which literally means "vale of paradise," to further honor Commodore Porter. In Valparaiso, Indiana: Looking Back, Moving Forward author Lanette Mullins chronicles the history and development of the city, with its small-town charm, in over 200 vintage images. The book features photographs of the historic homes that grace the city streets, the famous individuals who walked them, the influential history of Valparaiso University, and the cultural institutions throughout the city.

THE STORY: Michael Majeski boards a plane bound for Valparaiso, Indiana but ends up in Valparaiso, Chile instead. What was to be an ordinary business trip has turned into a major misadventure, and Michael becomes a figure of some celebrity as he re

Cast ages: adults.

The Valparaíso School, as it became known, acquired an international reputation for its radical stance and its commitment to dialogue between architects and other disciplines. Since 1970 the Valparaíso School has focused much of its research and design activity on the Open City (Ciudad Abierta) project, created by a group of architects, artists, poets, and engineers with a vision of a city with "no master plan, no imposed ordering devices, and no hierarchical networks of infrastructure." Originally set up as a laboratory-type environment, this alternative community has since become the place of residence and work for many people. Valparaíso School: Open City Group provides insight into this radical experiment in urban development through a series of essays and photographs.