Primary Source: May News from Indiana Historical Bureau

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"Birthplace of James Whitcomb Riley" Marker Re-dedicated

 

Jeff Kuehl portrays James Whitcomb Riley, and looks over the marker

On May 3, 2013 the historical marker to the birthplace of James Whitcomb Riley was rededicated. The rain had been threatening all morning, but held off for the simple, yet dignified ceremony where Greenfield folks had gathered to remember their hometown boy. The highlight of this occasion was the appearance of Riley himself. He was dressed in his best suit, sporting a cane and of course, his trademark spectacles. Riley, who seemed quite pleased with the attention, shook hands and schmoozed his way through the crowd of admirers. He then joined everyone on the old porch and ate his favorite cookies - snicker doodles.  A grand time was had by all.

Above: James Whitcomb Riley (played by Jeff Kuehl) looks over the unveiled marker at the re-dedication ceremony.  See more photos from the re-dedication on the Riley Birthplace and Museum Facebook Page.


New Research Resources

We've been working on new tools and resources to help you make your research great.  Geared toward a general audience, these tools are also a must for Historical Marker Applicants!

Watch the presentation that walks you through the research process for an historical marker.  

Explore Leading Questions to jump start your research project.


Blog

Visit the IHB Blog!

The IHB blog got a makeover last week.  The new format is more user-friendly, with larger titles and easier-to-read text.  The new format is also responsive, for readers who prefer to visit using mobile devices. 

Let us know what you think of Marking Hoosier History!  Send feedback to our webmaster at aformo@history.in.gov.

Got Sun?

Shop @ IHB

It's the perfect time of year to learn more about the outdoors with Nature Books from the IHB Book Shop.

It's also the time of year when IHB begins looking for new titles and souvenirs.  Let us know how we're doing and weigh in on what we should carry this Fall in our short customer survey!

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State Historical Marker Applicants

We had a healthy number of submissions for Historical Markers.  Intent to Apply forms, which were due on April 30, have been reviewed by IHB staff, and applicants have received notice from our office about the next stage.  If you sent in an Intent form by midnight on April 30 and have not heard from us, please call Dani Pfaff at 317-232-2535.

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Mark your Calendars

Here are a few historically-inspired events to fill your calendar:

May 18 (Rome City) - Birding with Gene at the Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site

May 18-19 (Washington) - Daviess County Rail Fest at the Main Street Train Depot

May 18-19 (Fishers) - Civil War Days at Conner Prairie Interactive History Park

May 25-26 (Corydon) - 1850 Hay Press demonstration and living history farmstead for Memorial Day Weekend at O'Bannon Woods State Park

May 25-26 (Mitchell) - Civil War Days and Spring Mill State Park

May 25-26 (Vincennes) Spirit of Vincennes Rendezvous at George Rogers Clark National Historic Park

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