Primary Source: April News from Indiana Historical Bureau

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Step up to the Plate: Spotlight on Washington Park Baseball

With the beginning of a new baseball season underway, staff at the Indiana Historical Bureau invites you to learn more about America’s greatest pastime and its place in Indiana history by checking out our state historical marker commemorating baseball at Washington Park. Located near the entrance to the Indianapolis Zoo (the former site of the stadium), the marker celebrates the park, the Negro National League, the Indianapolis A.B.C.s, and the Indianapolis Indians.

Right:  “Indianapolis A.B.C.s,” Indianapolis Star, 1922, Indiana State Library microfilm.

Indy ABCs

Baseball became popular in Indianapolis in the years after the Civil War. Jim Crow era policies during the period forced separate black and white teams to form, both of which developed a rich history in the city. The Indianapolis Indians were organized in 1902 as one of the original teams in the American Association league. They played their first game at the newly opened Washington Park on April 19, 1905 and won three league pennants there through 1931. By 1920, the stadium was also home to the Indianapolis A.B.C.s, one of the eight original teams of the Negro National League. The Negro National League led the way for the formation of other Negro leagues at a time when blacks across the country were prevented from playing in the major leagues. In 1931, Washington Park closed, but play continued at Perry Stadium, which opened late that year.


Marker Dedication

An Indiana State Historical Marker commemorating St. Vincent's Hospital will be dedicated on April 26.  A reception will follow the dedication program, and the public is invited to attend.  Learn more.


Don't Forget!

Planning to apply for an Indiana State Historical Marker?  Intent to Apply forms are due at the end of the month, by midnight on April 30. 

If you have questions about the process, don't miss our Live Q&A on April 9 at 12:30.  Facebook users can RSVP here and join in on our Facebook page.  If you don't use Facebook, you can send questions via email.  We'll email a transcript of the entire Q&A so that you don't miss out!


We're Celebrating our Centennial!

We're celebrating 100 years of IHB by looking back at the Indiana Centennial.  As the Centennial of our agency approaches in 2015, we're reminiscing about the work that was done nearly 100 years ago to celebrate Indiana Statehood.  Visit our blog to read excerpts from the weekly Centennial Newsletter and share Centennial memories from your local archive with us on Facebook!

How you can get involved

Did you know that planning for the State Centennial began less than a year before the year of celebrations began in 1916?  With no email or social media at their disposal, it's amazing how much was accomplished by the Historical Commission and their statewide network of commissioners. 

We're hoping that this look back will inspire you to take advantage of the next two years to begin thinking about how you'll get involved in the Indiana Bicentennial.  Surely, with all the 21st century tools we have available, and twice as much time to plan, we can all pitch in to make Indiana's 200th birthday twice as great as its 100th!

Cooking With... cover

Shop @ IHB

Happy Earth Month!  Now that Winter appears to be exiting for good, it's time to start exploring the outdoors. 

May we suggest the Wild Berries & Fruits Field Guide and the accompanying cookbook, Cooking with With Wild Berries & Fruits?

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Visit us!

Are you coming to Government Information Day at the Indiana State Library?  Stop in and say hello!  The IHB Book Shop will be open, and as always, librarians, teachers, seniors and many other groups receive a 20%-25% discount.

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Things to Do

As the weather warms up, more activities are becoming available!  Here are the events our partners and readers have submitted:

April through October (Michigan City) - Old Lighthouse Museum open for tours.

April 10 (Indianapolis) - "Speaking of Guantanamo" lecture at 7:30pm, IUPUI Campus Center Rm. 450A.  The Why Guantanamo? traveling exhibit will be at IUPUI's Cultural Arts Gallery through May 12.

April 13 (Madison) - Lanier Mansion Behind the Scenes Tours at 4pm.  This event repeats the second Saturday of each month.

Starting April 19 (Indianapolis) - Trapped! by Candlelight Theatre at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site.

 April 20 (Bedford) - the Lawrence County History Festival will feature WWII and Civil War encampments, historic food, a living timeline, and a Native American Powwow.

 

What history-related activities are you planning for Spring and Summer? 

Email press releases, invitations, or suggestions to aformo@history.in.gov for inclusion in our upcoming newsletters.

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