An Indianapolis Bicentennial Update

January is flying by, and I wanted to highlight a project that launched on the 6th for Founders Day, one of the dates celebrated by many as Indianapolis’ birthday. 

The City of Indianapolis’ Bicentennial Commission tasked Indiana Humanities and myself with developing a virtual activity for school children to celebrate Founders Day. I was able to excitedly combine some of my favorite things: cartography, surveying history, and of course, primary sources! Check out the activity homepage here via the City’s bicentennial website, Indy Turns 200. Scroll down to the “Lesson Plan Overview” section to download the worksheets and slides. The lesson page also includes some digital resources for further exploration. And if you'd like to share your maps, please feel free to do so on Twitter on the hashtag #IndyTurns200. 

One of my favorite maps working on this project was the Indiana State Library’s Mile Square 1826 map, which is just one of many incredible maps from ISL’s holdings. Check out their digital map collection here.

Additionally, I discussed the contentious Indianapolis Birthday Date debate, lost and demolished Indy landmarks, and shared some other thoughts about collections/sources on Hoosier History Live on the 2nd. The recording of the show is available for streaming online here. Nuvo did a thorough story on HHL as it was the 575th show and mentioned History Concierge (thanks, Nuvo!) 

I hope we can wrap up the bicentennial on a high note, and I look forward to celebrating with you all in-person when it is safe to do so!