Primary Source: New Marker Applications being accepted and other news from IHB

Happy Birthday, IHB!

100 years of marking Hoosier history

The Indiana Historical Commission was established by the Indiana General Assembly on March 8, 1915. The Commission was established to prepare and execute plans for the 1916 Centennial celebration.  Many successful programs were developed to commemorate Indiana’s admission to statehood, including the establishment of the State Parks system and the creation of a state flag.

When the Indiana General Assembly ended the Commission in 1925, its activities became the mandate of  the Indiana Historical Bureau (IHB).  Since that time, IHB has collaborated with state and local entities to provide programs, publications, exhibitions, educator resources, and support to historical organizations and the public. Some of the most recognizable work includes historical markers, the Junior Historian and National History Day programs, and print and web publications.  Read more on the blog.

Mark Hoosier History with Us!

New Marker Applications being accepted

IHB has begun accepting Intent to Apply forms for the 2015 application cycle of the Indiana State Historical Marker Program.

Not sure where to begin?  IHB staff prepared a video that will walk you through the process in about 3 minutes.  After you watch, head over to our website for more details and to download the required forms.  The Intent to Apply form must be submitted by April 30, 2015 to be considered.

Lincoln Funeral Train 150th

Endorsed Legacy Project IHB's collaborative Lincoln Funeral Train Sesquicentennial project has been endorsed as a Bicentennial Legacy Project.  Many new entries have been added to the project website's interactive event map.  IHB is still accepting event submissions for the map.

Learn more about the Funeral Train

By the middle of March, the IHB blog Marking Hoosier History will include over a dozen posts on Lincoln’s passing, funeral ceremonies, and the Lincoln Funeral Train in Indiana.  Learn about the route of the train, the funeral ceremony at Indianapolis, and the burial at Springfield.  See how Hoosiers mourned the fallen president through primary sources such as newspaper articles, a proclamation by the governor, and the proceedings of the Indiana Supreme Court. Finally, it’s not too late to contribute your own post! Learn more.

Shop @ IHB

Women's Studies titles are 20% off during Women's History Month in the Book Shop. 

IHB's Book Shop just filled a unique order.  IHB's Indiana-themed souvenirs and gifts will dress a scene in an upcoming Law & Order: SVU episode.  Tune in on April 29!

Women's History Month

All through March, IHB will be commemorating Women’s History Month!  Follow us on Facebook to learn about women who have made an impact on Hoosier history and the markers that tell their stories.  For example, learn more about Hannah Toliver of Clark County, Indiana, who risked her own freedom in 1863 to aid a fugitive slave from Kentucky.  See many of the women’s history state historical markers on our website and locate one near you.  Download free issues of the Indiana Historian, featuring events such as Indiana women’s role at the 1893 World's Fair, issues involving property rights and suffrage, and famous Hoosier women such as Madame CJ Walker and Gene Stratton Porter. 

Things to Do

Here are a few history-inspired events happening in March. 

March 7-8 (Valparaiso).  Treasures of the Past Antique & Collectibles Show.

March 7-8, 14-15 (Porter).  Maple Sugar Time at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore's historic Chellberg Farm.

March 14 (Corydon).  Feasting on History: Recipes of the Renowned at Corydon Capital State Historic Site.

March 28 (Franklin). Wine & Cheese and All That Jazz at the Johnson County Museum of History.

Also, the Indiana Commission on Women is maintaining a calendar of Women's History Month events and sharing the stories of Indiana women every day in March.

Is your organization or museum hosting an event in April?  Submit events to Aimee by April 3, 2015 for inclusion in next month's Primary Source.