Students to embark on trip to historic district

Madison, Ind., is "where the past is always present," boasts the town's motto. \nAnd on Saturday, about 45 IU students will embark on an 80-mile journey to Madison to see just what Indiana's largest historic district has in store.\nStudents will leave by bus at 8:30 a.m. Saturday and return around 5:30 p.m. the same day.\nThe trip, sponsored by the Leo R. Dowling International Center and La Casa Latino Cultural Center, invites students to experience American lifestyles in the third annual event.\n"The purpose is a collaborative effort between the culture centers so the students we serve have an opportunity to interact together," said Sandy Britton, one of the coordinators of this event and international services coordinator for the international center. "The international students really like it."\nLillian Casillas, director of La Casa, is also coordinating the event. \nStudents will have the chance to tour older houses in the district, which includes architecture that dates back to the 19th century, along with lots of antique shopping and eating at the various restaurants.\nDuring the day, Madison will hold the annual Hunter's Moon Celebration and Octoberfest.\nTrolley tours will also be available for students, as will walks along the riverfront, which represent Madison's part in the steamboat era.\n"The biggest reward for the students is that they really appreciate seeing what U.S. life is like," Britton said. "(In the past) they have really enjoyed this event. ... It allows them to become in touch with American history"