“The German Growers of Indianapolis” Exhibit Opens Jan. 12 @indianahistory

Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center in Indianapolis, Indiana.
AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2018, all rights reserved.

 

By Rachel Hill Ponko

Indiana Historical Society

 

INDIANAPOLIS—The Indiana Historical Society (IHS) invites guests to learn about a forerunner of the farm-to-table movement with its newest exhibit, The German Growers of Indianapolis. The exhibit explores the contributions of German immigrants, and their tradition of locally grown fruits and vegetables, from the late 19th century to the present.

The German families who settled on the south side of Indianapolis developed a network of greenhouses that, by the 1940s, rivaled most other cities in the nation in “acres under glass.” These farmers, brought together by benefit societies and business associations, helped feed the city for generations.

The German immigrants grew a significant portion of the produce Indianapolis needed and distributed it through Indianapolis City Market and later through wholesale markets that they helped establish. The farmers also grew and distributed flowers, trees, shrubs and other plants.

“What I can say is that the gardening and growing genes are very, very strong in our family,” said Anne Maschmeyer, beautification director at Downtown Indy, Inc., and member of a German grower family. “It’s an amazing feeling—like having chlorophyll running through my genes all the way back to my great-grandfather from Germany.”

Those who tour The German Growers of Indianapolis will hear stories from Maschmeyer and three other families who took part in new oral history interviews. In addition, the exhibit will include IHS collection images showing what it looked like to work in greenhouses, distribute produce and be part of greenhouse grower organizations.

The German Growers of Indianapolis opens January 12 and runs through April 20 at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, home of IHS and the Indiana Experience, located at 450 W. Ohio St. in downtown Indianapolis. Admission is $9 for adults, $8 for seniors and $5 for kids (ages 5-17). IHS members and children younger than 5 receive free admission.

Those who wish to view additional collection items are encouraged to visit the William H. Smith Memorial Library, which is free to the public during the History Center’s regular operating hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.

For more information about The German Growers and other IHS exhibits and programs, call (317) 232-1882 or visit http://www.indianahistory.org.

About German Immigration to Indianapolis

German immigration transformed the Midwest socially, demographically and politically in the 19th century, and Indianapolis was no exception. The German families who formed the social and economic community of farmers on Indy’s south side came from the German province of Westphalia, as well as the Rhineland region, and the cities of Hanover and Wittenburg. By the early 20th century, this community was more than 75 families strong. Though they were competitors in the same industry, the families worked together and supported each other both in their businesses and social lives.

About the Indiana Historical Society

Since 1830, the Indiana Historical Society has been Indiana’s Storyteller™, connecting people to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing the state’s history. A private, nonprofit membership organization, IHS maintains the nation’s premier research library and archives on the history of Indiana and the Old Northwest and presents a unique set of visitor experiences called the Indiana Experience. IHS also provides support and assistance to local museums and historical groups; publishes books and periodicals; sponsors teacher workshops; produces and hosts art exhibitions, museum theater and outside performance groups; and provides youth, adult and family programs. IHS is a Smithsonian Affiliate and a member of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience.

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Concerts on the Canal @indianahistory, June 7 to July 26, 2018

Concerts on the Canal at the Indiana History Center.
(c) AroundIndy.com, LLC. All rights reserved.

By Rachel Hill Ponko
Indiana Historical Society

The Indiana Historical Society (IHS) is pleased to announce the 2018 Concerts on the Canal lineup.

The popular summer series returns to downtown Indianapolis on Thursday nights, June 7 through July 26, 2018.

In addition, concert Thursdays feature free admission to the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, located at 450 W. Ohio St., with extended hours, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

All performances are from 6 to 8 p.m. The 2018 lineup features a variety of styles, from jazz, soul and classic R&B to rock, pop and dance music from the 70s to today.

There is a mix of returning acts, such as Tad Robinson and My Yellow Rickshaw, and those making their Concerts on the Canal debut, such as Tastes Like Chicken and LemonWheel.

Free seating is available on the grassy area along the Canal Walk. In addition, guests can purchase seating on the History Center’s Kruse Family Stardust Terrace in tables of eight ($50/$40 IHS members) or tables of four ($40/$30 IHS members). Single seats are available at the community table ($10/$8 IHS members). The Terrace is a smoke-free and pet-free zone.

Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and nonalcoholic beverages. The History Center’s Stardust Terrace Café, outdoor grill and cash bar, operated by Hoaglin Catering, will open at 5 p.m. All alcohol must be purchased and consumed on site.

Weekly offerings include a rotating schedule of IHS’s traveling exhibits, on display in Eli Lilly Hall. Guests are also encouraged to take full advantage of free admission and tour the Indiana Experience, which features IHS’s newest offering, Indianapolis Colts: The Exhibit, presented by the Indianapolis Colts with support from Plow Digital.

The exhibit uses digital activities, original artifacts, player interviews, photographs, videos and more to celebrate the team while also exploring football’s role in American culture.

The 2018 Concerts on the Canal series and free admission dates are supported by the Indianapolis Indians. For reservations, or for more information about IHS’s events, programs and resources, call (317) 232-1882 or visit www.indianahistory.org.

Circus Day at the Indiana History Center, March 24, 2018 @indianahistory

Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2011, all rights reserved.

By Rachel Hill Ponko
Indiana History Center

The Indiana Historical Society (IHS) invites families to celebrate Indiana’s circus tradition with Circus Day, an annual event featuring family-friendly carnival activities, live performances and access to the Indiana Experience.

The 17th Annual Circus Day takes place Saturday, March 24, 2018, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, located at 450 W. Ohio St. in downtown Indianapolis.

All Circus Day guests will receive free building admission, which includes live performances from the Hampel Family Circus, Hedgehog Hannah, and comedian and juggler Krembo K.

Admission also includes access to the Indiana Experience, featuring IHS’s newest offering, Indianapolis Colts: The Exhibit. In addition, free parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Families may purchase tickets for carnival activities, games and refreshments. Activities include face painting and balloon sculptures, while carnival-themed concessions include cotton candy, popcorn, snow cones and more.

As a special addition for Circus Day, the History Center’s Stardust Terrace Café, operated by Hoaglin Catering, will offer kid-friendly meal options.

For more information about Circus Day, the Indiana Experience or other IHS programs, call (317) 232-1882 or visit IHS online at www.indianahistory.org.

Free Teacher Workshop in Pendleton, Indiana, Jan. 19, 2017 @indianahistory

By Rachel Hill Ponko
Indiana Historical Society

Pendleton, Ind.—The Indiana Historical Society (IHS) announces two more opportunities for teachers across the state to take part in a free one-day teacher workshop. The first of the workshops will take place Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the South Madison Community School Corporation Administrative Services Center in Pendleton.

The program is centered around Hoosiers and the American Story, a supplemental textbook designed for grades eight through 12. Written by Dr. James H. Madison and Lee Ann Sandweiss and published by IHS Press, the book explores Indiana examples of topics taught in U.S. History classrooms, such as Native Americans, westward expansion, the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement.

Workshop participants will receive a free copy of Hoosiers and the American Story. Teachers of grades eight through 12 may order a free class set of the book. To date, IHS has provided more than 50,000 copies of the book to teachers and students across the state.

In addition, participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance, reflecting six hours of professional development, which may be submitted for Professional Growth Points (PGPs). Participants will receive lunch and a gift card to offset travel expenses. IHS also will reimburse schools or districts for substitute teacher fees, in order to allow teachers to attend.

The workshop is geared toward grades eight through 12, but teachers of all grades are welcome. Educators can register online at www.indianahistory.org, now through Wednesday, Jan. 18. In addition, registration is open for a second teacher workshop of 2017, scheduled Friday, Feb. 3, at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center in Indianapolis.

Space for each of the workshops is limited, and registrations will be accepted on a rolling basis until each workshop fills. After that time, a waitlist will be created.

IHS’s free teacher workshops are sponsored by IHS and Indiana Humanities and made possible by a generous grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. The workshops are endorsed by the Indiana 2016 Bicentennial Commission.

For more information about IHS’s resources for teachers, call (317) 232-1882, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.

Midwestern Roots Genealogy Conference, July 15-16, 2016

By Rachel Hill Ponko
Indiana Historical Society

Early registration starts next week for a premier genealogy event that only comes around every two years.

Starting Monday, April 4, 2016, anyone who wants to learn more about their family history and genealogy can sign up for the Indiana Historical Society’s (IHS) Midwestern Roots 2016: Family History and Genealogy Conference.

Midwestern Roots 2016 will take place July 15-16, 2016 at the Indianapolis Marriott East, 7202 East 21st Street, Indianapolis, Indiana.

This year’s event will feature more than 30 sessions by nationally known speakers such as Cece Moore, The Genetic Genealogist, from Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates Jr. and Genealogy Roadshow.

Conference sessions are open to everyone, from the beginning enthusiast to the seasoned professional. Most will cover topics such as using ever-changing and emerging technology and sources online. Other sessions will cover DNA, methodology, using traditional sources and legal genealogy.

Registration cost is $169 ($145 for IHS members, $75 for students) for the basic two-day workshop (including lunches) and $110 ($95 for IHS members, $45 for students) for single day registration (including lunch) for those who sign up between April 4 and June 30.

The Friday evening banquet and presentation is $50 (no conference registration required). In addition, a number of pre-conference activities will be offered Thursday, July 14, for a fee. Activities include a workshop for people who work or volunteer in genealogy collections, hands-on computer labs, writing sessions and an evening program.

Early registration will be available online at www.indianahistory.org by clicking on the “Our Services” tab, then “Family History.” Participants can stay up-to-date on the latest news by following @indianahistory on Twitter, as well as ‪#‎yourstory‬.

Take Part in IHS’s Other Genealogy Programs

Genealogists who are ready to get started can join IHS for a free afternoon program on Saturday, May 21. From 1 to 3 p.m., Growing Little Leaves: Fashionable Genealogy will focus on the history of fashion and how it can help unlock the secrets of family trees. The family-friendly program will take place at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, located at 450 W. Ohio St. in downtown Indianapolis.

Growing Little Leaves: Fashionable Genealogy is free, but registration is encouraged. Participants can sign up for the program, or Midwestern Roots 2016, by calling (317) 232-1882 or by visiting IHS online atwww.indianahistory.org.