Indiana Historical Society

Our next Homeschool Workshop has a special guest! Join us on August 27 for interactive activities with award-winning artist Nate Powell to learn more about telling stories through art. For more information, visit: https://indianahistory.org/events/homeschool-workshop-storytelling-through-comics-with-nate-powell/

Looking for a one-stop shop for all things Hoosier? Check out the INDEX in downtown Indianapolis, 201 S. Capitol Ave. for an array of Indiana merchandise from numerous Indianapolis institutions, including IHS! Read more about it here:

Discover INDEX: A Cultural Retail Experience in the Heart of Downtown Indianapolis When you’re visiting a new city (or even revisiting a city you love), it’s hard to know where to begin. Enter INDEX - cultural retail experience in the heart of downtown Indy. Think of it as a little bit of a visitors' center and a whole lot of amazing.

In August 1987, the Pan American Games took place in Indianapolis. More than 4,000 athletes from all over the world competed in 297 events in 30 sports. Here are some photos from our collection of different games and memories.

When you visit IHS exhibits, you will be immersed in Hoosier history—from discovering the story of Chuck Taylor, to learning about Holocaust survivor Eva Kor, to stepping back in time to South Bend, Indiana, in the 1920s. There’s something for everyone, including our newest exhibit featuring Indiana icon Gene Stratton-Porter! Find our list of exhibits here: https://indianahistory.org/explore/exhibits/

Last week we celebrated National Book Lover's Day just in time for our library to reopen! After some renovations, the books are back on the shelves and our researchers are ready for opening tomorrow! Stop by and speak with our historians in the William Henry Smith Memorial Library, reading awaits! 📚

Today the 2024 Summer Olympics comes to an end! To celebrate, here is another Hoosier Olympian, Willie May. Willie Lee May attended Indiana University in the late 1950s winning seven Big Ten Championships in hurtles between 1957-1959. In the photo pictured here, he is winning the silver medal in the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, losing to fellow USA runner, Lee Calhoun.

Secure your spot now for an unforgettable evening with award-winning graphic novel artist, history storyteller, and author Nate Powell.

Support provided by the Black Caucus American Library Association Inc. and the Minority Artist Program for Success https://indianahistory.org/events/power-in-the-panels-the-comics-of-nate-powell/

On this day in 1837, a post office was established at Wesley in Fulton County, Indiana. Wesley was renamed Akron in 1853. Pictured here is the Potter Brother’s Garage located in Akron in the early 20th century.

In honor of the 2024 Summer Olympics, let’s celebrate some Hoosier Olympians! Frank E. McKinney Jr. won a bronze medal in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics after winning the U.S. Nationals with the Indianapolis Athletic Club for swimming. He later won both gold and silver medals in the 1960 Rome Olympics. McKinney later became president of Bank One of Indiana, previously American Fletcher Corporation.

Join us for our next Homeschool Workshop with special guest, Nate Powell! Powell is a National Book Award-winning cartoonist and will guide families through hands-on activities and learning more about telling stories through art. Want more information? Visit: https://indianahistory.org/events/homeschool-workshop-storytelling-through-comics-with-nate-powell/

We are excited to announce J. Ronald Newlin's book has been shortlisted by the 2024 Indiana Authors Awards in the nonfiction category! We even sell his book in the Basile History Market, so you can buy it in person or online. Take a look here: https://shop.indianahistory.org/products/legacy-and-legend-the-history-and-mythology-of-basketball-in-indiana

Every other year, the Awards honor the best books written by Hoosier authors and celebrate our state’s literary community. Congratulations!

Join us for a virtual presentation to discuss the history of Black resistance and the broader experiences of African Americans in South Bend, Indiana. Civil Rights Heritage Center Assistant Director and Curator George Garner will lead the discussion. Get more info by visiting our website.

This program was made possible with the support of Indiana Humanities
https://indianahistory.org/events/making-waves-civil-rights-and-the-south-bend-natatorium/

Let’s celebrate Hoosier Olympians! Anita DeFrantz was a Shortridge High School graduate who captained the U.S. Rowing Team to a bronze medal in the 1976 Olympics in Montreal. Elected to the International Olympic Committee in 1986, DeFrantz has served in a variety of leadership positions within the IOC. Listen to WTLC’s Like It Is news program for an interview of DeFrantz shortly after receiving the bronze medal in 1976. Check out the interview! https://images.indianahistory.org/digital/collection/WTLC/id/4/rec/30

On this day in 1931, two members of the Siam’s Royal Family, Prince and Princess Svasti, visited the Spink-Wawasee Hotel in Kosciusko County, Indiana, and interacted with the guests. The child guests gave a dance for the entertainment of the Royal Party. Siam became known as Thailand in 1939.

A new episode of Unbound: A Collection of Indiana Stories has been released! Dive into Hoosier History with IHS historians and learn more about Music in Indiana with our latest episode! You can listen anywhere podcasts are available, and also: https://indianahistory.org/explore/podcasts/unbound-a-collection-of-indiana-stories/

Today is National Purple Heart Day. The Purple Heart honors the men and women who were wounded or killed in combat in the Armed Forces. It symbolizes the courage and devotion of an American Patriot. To celebrate, here is a photo of Claude Bilyew from Huntington, Indiana, receiving the Purple Heart from General Patton. In the Invasion of North Africa, Bilyew was hit by shrapnel from a plane in November 1942. He was awarded the Purple Heart the following year.

We hope everyone has been enjoying the Indiana State Fair! Let’s celebrate another week of the fair with a photo from our collections. Pictured here is a demonstration of how soybeans help make everyday products at the 1937 Indiana State Fair.

Find IHS at the State Fair near the Pioneer Village! Visit us at the Indiana History Train to learn more about Hoosier history.

Presented by IHS, in partnership with the Indiana State Fair Commission

Take a trip to IHS and visit our exhibit, Eva Kor From Auschwitz to Indiana, for a new Eva Kor Legacy Theater experience! Guests can experience 6 minutes of the documentary, “A-7063,” by Ted Green on Eva's life. Learn more and get your tickets today! https://indianahistory.org/events/eva-kor-from-auschwitz-to-indiana/

Presented by: Herbert Simon Family Foundation
Supported by: Old National Bank, OneAmerica Financial and Robert and Toni Bader Children's Foundation
Contributed by: Samerian Foundation
Virtual Reality Supported by: Abrams Eyecare
Associates In Partnership with: WFYI and Ted Green

On this day in 1901, a group of workers were elevating the Pennsylvania Railroad tracks east of Hartford City, Indiana.

To celebrate the 2024 Summer Olympics, we want to highlight some Hoosier Olympians! Pictured here is Marvin Johnson, Indianapolis boxer. Marvin Johnson earned a bronze medal in the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich. After the Olympics, Johnson had a successful boxing career, becoming a 3-time world champ in the light heavyweight division. He retired in 1986 with a professional record of 43 wins (35 by KO) and 6 losses.

Join us August 20 for a virtual presentation to explore the history of discrimination in South Bend, Indiana, and the history of the South Bend Natatorium with Civil Rights Heritage Center Assistant Director and Curator George Garner. https://indianahistory.org/events/making-waves-civil-rights-and-the-south-bend-natatorium/

This program was made possible with the support of Indiana Humanities

Making Waves: Civil Rights and the South Bend Natatorium - Indiana Historical Society Join us for a deeper dive into the stories of resistors in South Bend. In this virtual presentation Civil Rights Heritage Center Assistant Director and Curator George Garner uses the Natatorium to explore South Bend's history of white supremacy, Black resistance, and the broader experiences of Afric...

Take advantage of one of our events with award-winning artist and author Nate Powell–a deep dive into his comics in the evening, or a Homeschool Workshop studying comics during the day! For more information on these events, visit our website: https://ow.ly/yol750SMyJC

Power in the Panels: The Comics of Nate Powell
Support provided by the Black Caucus American Library Association Inc. and the Minority Artist Program for Success

The Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center starts today! We will be celebrating with photos from our collections. Pictured here is the Farm Bureau queen and her court on parade at the 1947 Indiana State Fair. To explore more history with IHS, visit the Indiana History Train located in the fairgrounds.

Presented by IHS, in partnership with the Indiana State Fair Commission

WEATHER UPDATE: (Concert on the Canal)
Due to the anticipated weather and potential lightning, tonight’s concert will take place in the Basile Theater.

Please note: no food or drink is permitted in the theater and accommodations can only be made for guests who have registered prior to the concert date. 15 minutes after the concert has started, if there are seats available, guests who did not have an original reservation will be permitted to enter the theater.

Want some evening plans? Join us for our Concert on the Canal tonight! Spend time with us at IHS enjoying live music by the canal, with Midtown Mad Men playing some throwback Rock n’ Roll. Get your table now!

Presented by OneAmerica Financial
https://indianahistory.org/events/concerts-on-the-canal-midtown-mad-men/

Amos Rusie became the first Hoosier to pitch a no-hitter in the major leagues on this day in 1891. Rusie was from Mooresville, Indiana, and was nicknamed the Hoosier Thunderbolt. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977.

The Indiana State Fair is coming up! Make sure to visit the Indiana History Train this summer! To celebrate, pictured here is the Indiana State Fair Midway at night in 2000.

The Indiana History Train is presented by IHS, in partnership with the Indiana State Fair Commission.

Indiana NHD winner Aesop and his grandmother celebrating his win! We love celebrating Hoosier History!

Nothing like celebrating your NHD win with your grandma🥰

Aesop Birkemeier placed 1st in junior individual performance at the National Contest with his performance on the 10th Mountain Division in WWII. Aesop's grandma Carol's three kids all created 18 total National History Day projects from 1988 to 1999. Now her grandson Aesop is carrying on the family NHD tradition!

The Living Legends class of 2024 is being honored next month, and we look forward to recognizing them for their work and dedication. IHS will proudly honor Miriam Acevedo Davis, Sue Ellspermann, Gary Reynolds and John T. Thompson on August 16 at our annual gala. Read more about our honorees: https://indianahistory.org/events/2024-indiana-living-legends/
Presented by OneAmerica Financial Partners, Inc. and Lake City Bank.

Escape the heat and explore the Indiana Historical Society! Step back in time with our exhibits, shop at the Basile History Market, enjoy lunch at the Stardust Terrace Cafe by Jonathan Byrd’s, hear music in the Cole Porter Room, get free parking and more. Get your tickets today and pay us a visit! https://indianahistory.org/