Indiana Historical Society

Indiana Historical Society is a private, nonprofit organization founded in 1830 by Jacob Piatt Dunn and other prominent Indianapolis citizens, including William Conner and John T. McCain. The society's early efforts focused on collecting and preserving Indiana's historical records, including documents from the Northwest Territory, Indiana Territory, and the State of Indiana. The organization has since grown to become one of the largest and most respected historical societies in the United States, with a collection that includes over 1.7 million Indiana-related items, such as the George Rogers Clark papers and the Madison (steamboat) collection. The society is also a member of the American Association for State and Local History and the National Council on Public History.

● History

The Indiana Historical Society was established during a period of significant growth and development in Indiana, with the construction of the Wabash and Erie Canal and the arrival of the Indiana Railroad. The society's founders, including Jacob Piatt Dunn and William Conner, were instrumental in promoting the state's history and preserving its historical records, such as the Indiana State Constitution and the Northwest Ordinance. The organization has been housed in several locations throughout its history, including the Indiana State Capitol building and the Indianapolis Public Library, before moving to its current location in Indianapolis in 1918. The society has also been involved in various historical preservation efforts, including the restoration of the Conner Prairie historic site and the Levi Coffin House.

● Mission_and_Vision

The Indiana Historical Society's mission is to collect, preserve, and interpret the history of Indiana and the Old Northwest, with a focus on the state's diverse cultural and historical heritage, including the Miami people and the Potawatomi. The society's vision is to be the premier organization for Indiana history, providing access to historical resources and promoting a deeper understanding of the state's past, including its role in the American Civil War and the Underground Railroad. The organization is committed to serving the people of Indiana and beyond, including Fort Wayne, South Bend, and Evansville, through its various programs and services, such as the Indiana Historical Society Press and the William Henry Smith Memorial Library.

● Collections_and_Research

The Indiana Historical Society's collections include over 1.7 million items related to Indiana's history, such as the Indiana State Archives and the Indiana State Library. The society's collections are diverse and comprehensive, covering topics such as Indiana's early history, including the French and Indian War and the American Revolution, as well as its role in the Industrial Revolution and the Civil Rights Movement. The organization also maintains a significant collection of Indiana-related artifacts, including the Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection and the Cole Porter Collection. Researchers can access the society's collections through its William Henry Smith Memorial Library, which is one of the largest and most comprehensive research libraries in the Midwest, with holdings that include the Indiana Magazine of History and the Journal of the Indiana Academy of the Social Sciences.

● Education_and_Outreach

The Indiana Historical Society offers a range of educational programs and services, including workshops, lectures, and exhibitions, such as the Indiana Experience and the You Are There series. The organization also provides resources and support for teachers and students, including the Indiana History Day program and the We the People initiative. The society's education programs focus on promoting a deeper understanding of Indiana's history and its significance, including the state's role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the California Gold Rush. The organization also partners with other historical organizations and institutions, such as the National Archives and Records Administration and the Library of Congress, to provide access to historical resources and promote historical literacy, including the National History Day program.

● Preservation_and_Conservation

The Indiana Historical Society is committed to preserving and conserving Indiana's historical heritage, including its historic buildings and sites, such as the Indiana State Capitol and the Conner Prairie historic site. The organization works to protect and preserve historic properties, including the Levi Coffin House and the Madam C.J. Walker Building, and provides technical assistance and support to historic preservation efforts throughout the state, including the Indiana Historic Preservation Office and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The society also maintains a conservation laboratory, where staff and conservators work to preserve and conserve the organization's collections, including the George Rogers Clark papers and the Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection.

● Exhibitions_and_Programs

The Indiana Historical Society offers a range of exhibitions and programs that showcase the state's history and cultural heritage, including the Indiana Experience and the You Are There series. The organization's exhibitions are designed to engage and educate visitors, including the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art and the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, and provide a unique perspective on Indiana's history, including the state's role in the American Civil War and the Industrial Revolution. The society also hosts a range of events and programs, including lectures, workshops, and concerts, such as the Indiana History Conference and the Midwest History Conference, which promote a deeper understanding of Indiana's history and its significance.

● Governance_and_Funding

The Indiana Historical Society is governed by a board of trustees, which includes prominent Indiana citizens and historians, such as James H. Madison and Pierre F. Côté. The organization is funded through a combination of private donations, grants, and public support, including the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The society also receives funding from the Indiana General Assembly and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, which supports its programs and services, including the Indiana Historical Society Press and the William Henry Smith Memorial Library. The organization is also a member of the American Alliance of Museums and the National Council on Public History, which provides access to resources and support for its programs and services. Category:Historical societies