Northwest Ordinance Day

July 13th is Northwest Ordinance Day.  In 1787, the Northwest Ordinance outlined the governance of the Northwest Territory and set up a process by which statehood could be obtained.  

Learn more about the Northwest Ordinance.

Click the image to read Gov. Mike Pence's proclamation:

New State Historical Markers

Our newest State Historical Markers were recently dedicated.  "Abolitionists Mobbed" was dedicated on June 30 at Falls Park in Pendleton.  The marker tells the story of then-unknown Frederick Douglass's visit to Pendleton as part of a speaking tour for the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society.  If you missed the dedication ceremony, you can read about it and view photos from the Herald Bulletin.

A marker commemorating former Governor Ralph D. Gates was dedicated on July 2 on the Whitley County Courthouse lawn.  Fort Wayne's WANE covered the event.  View the video online.

Farewell, Paula IHB staff bid farewell to Marker Repair Coordinator Paula Bongen on June 28.  Paula retired after nearly 22 years of service at the Indiana Historical Bureau.  Paula plans to spend her retirement traveling the Midwest and volunteering at the Indiana State Archives.  Many of our readers corresponded with her over the years as they reported missing or damaged markers, or took on marker repainting projects for their communities.  We'll miss her friendly face and her humor here in the office!

Shop @ IHB

New Ways to Pay!  If you haven't been to the IHB shop in a while, you might not have seen our new credit card machine. IHB has accepted Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and Discover in-store for a few months.

Do you have an outstanding invoice from a recent order or want to place an order? We now have the ability to take credit card payments by phone at 317-232-2535.

While we can also take your order over the phone, the best way to submit a large order is still via email. Send a list of the items you'd like to ihb@history.in.gov, and don't forget to give us a call back number.  Once we've confirmed everything is in stock, we'll contact you for payment details, and get your order ready for shipment.

History Events Around the State

July 12-14 (Corydon) - Battle of Corydon Reenactment at Corydon Battle Park.

July 13 (Indianapolis) - Treasure Hunt at Indiana Landmarks Center in the Old Northside neighborhood, 8am-2pm.

July 15 (Bloomington) - The COOK 50th Anniversary Exhibit opens at the Monroe County History Center.

July 18-20 (Marion) - Stars: A Study of 19th Century Star Quilts exhibit at the Marie Webster House.

Through Labor Day (Indianapolis) - Guided Tours of the Indiana Medical History Museum's Medicinal Herb Garden, Saturdays at 11am.