Indiana Humanities

06/20/2026

On June 27, join the Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS) for a special public screening and discussion of the 80-minute documentary "What Happened at Benham West: African American Stories of Community, Displacement and Hope."

This free event is part of the 175 Series and will be held at National New York Central Railroad Museum in Elkhart.

The screening will be presented and led by Nekeisha Alayna Alexis, MA, Intercultural Competence and Undoing Racism coordinator at AMBS. Nekeisha was a co-leader of the team that produced the documentary and is co-writer of the project’s accompanying book. She will guide a discussion following the film.

Ruthmere Museum sponsors this installment of the 175 Series. The 175 Series features monthly presentations and tours telling the story of rail in Elkhart as part of . All events in the series are free thanks to community sponsorships.

To learn more about the Benham West project and documentary, visit:
https://ambs.edu/benham-west-project/

06/18/2026

Here are a few ways organizations across Indiana are honoring Juneteenth this weekend, and you're invited!

June 19, 10am | Gary Juneteenth Celebration | Roosevelt Pavilion, Gary
June 19, 1pm | "A More Perfect Union" presentation | Vigo County History Museum, Terre Haute
June 20, 1pm | Macknificent Freedom Fest | McMillen Park, Fort Wayne
June 20 | 1pm | Juneteenth Muncie | McCulloch Park, Muncie
June 20, 4pm | Indy Juneteenth Festival | Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis
June 20, 5pm | Juneteenth Negro League Tribute Baseball Game | Bosse Field, Evansville

Plus, check Mirror Indy's roundup of museums offering free and reduced admission tomorrow:
https://mirrorindy.org/museums-free-days-and-reduced-admission/

06/15/2026

Did you step back in time with the folks at the Caroline Scott Harrison Chapter, NSDAR over the weekend?

The organization hosted its award-winning Colonial Fair, a two-day living-history event that offers guests the opportunity to step back in time to 1776 in celebration of America’s 250th birthday. Visitors were immersed into the life of a village during the time of the American Revolution, participating in hands-on activities like the making of wool clothing, sewing, spy missions, and more.

This program received support from an Indiana Humanities Mini-Grant.

Thank you to our volunteer, Laila, for taking these amazing photos for us!

06/12/2026

What a historic evening!

This week, the Studebaker National Museum hosted Indiana author Ryan L. Cole for an engaging evening celebrating his new book, "The Last Adieu: Lafayette’s Triumphant Return, the Echoes of Revolution, and the Gratitude of the Republic."

Cole discussed the 1824–1825 grand tour in which the Marquis de Lafayette — the last living major general of the Continental Army — journeyed through all twenty-four states of the young republic, inspiring hundreds of celebrations, parades, and events in his honor.

The evening included a tour of the museum's most extraordinary artifacts, as Curator Kyle Sater shares the fascinating story behind one of the carriages Lafayette used during his celebrated tour of the United States, a permanent part of the museum’s collection.

This event was supported by an Indiana Humanities grant.

06/11/2026

We have a new face AND a new project to announce here at Indiana Humanities!

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, we're kicking off Matters of Religion, a multi-year endeavor that invites Hoosiers to explore the role of religion in our lives, and to engage with how religious liberty — an idea that was central to the founding of America — influences education, democracy, culture, and the breadth of human experience in our religiously vibrant and diverse state.

To help guide this project, Emma Crossen has joined us as the director of religious initiatives. Here's what she has to say about the project:

“The stuff of religion is the stuff of being human – how we seek truth, make meaning, understand right and wrong, and embrace (or reject) stories, traditions, and institutions to find guidance and belonging in these endeavors. Every person, family, and community in Indiana has a story to tell about the matters of religion in their own lives. I'm excited to engage Hoosiers in programs that help us approach these stories with curiosity and respect.”

To stay up to date on Matters of Religion programs, grantmaking, fellowships, and more, make sure you're signed up for our newsletter.

Learn more: https://indianahumanities.org/program/matters-of-religion/

06/10/2026

Join the Evansville Wartime Museum and WNIN for another free event focusing on "The American Revolution" docuseries on June 13!

In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, clips from the new PBS documentary will be shown, followed by a panel conversation featuring local experts. Light refreshments will be served.

This program has been made possible by Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations, WNIN, and Indiana Humanities, with special thanks to the Evansville Wartime Museum.

RSVP: https://events.humanitix.com/evansville-the-american-revolution

06/09/2026

Don't miss it!

History Speaks: America 250 is this Saturday! Spend the day exploring living history at Buckley Homestead County Park with historical performances, music, exhibits, and interactive experiences for all ages.

Bring your family, invite your friends, and step into America’s story.
📅 Saturday, June 13
⏰ 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
🎟 FREE Admission

For more information visit: https://crownpointlibrary.org/2026/05/22/history-comes-to-life-at-history-speaks-america-250/

Lake County Parks
Lake County Historical Society and Museum
Indiana Humanities
Friends of the Crown Point Library

06/08/2026

We're loving these photos from SullivanMunce Cultural Center's recent humanities event in Zionsville!

Their “Preserving Our Place" lecture series on history, heritage, and the future of the community features preservation professionals, historians, and community advocates who present lectures designed to increase awareness, appreciation, and practical knowledge of historic preservation.

The talks explore topics such as the ways that preservation strengthens communities, builds cultural identity, and supports economic development; landmark structures in Zionsville and Boone County and preservation success stories; statewide preservation trends and tools; and more.

Stay up to date on their upcoming events: https://www.sullivanmunce.org

📸: SullivanMunce Cultural Center

06/06/2026

We had a wonderful time seeing new and familiar faces at the Eiteljorg Museum's First Friday Block Party!

Community is one of our core values and we relish any opportunity to spend time with Hoosiers and share information about our programs and grants. We brought an activity for folks to engage with at the event, but we wanted to bring it to our virtual audience as well, so feel free to chime in below!

What is one topic you'd like to learn about and what's one topic you could talk about for hours?

06/04/2026

On June 11, the Studebaker National Museum will welcome author and historian Ryan L. Cole for an engaging evening celebrating his new book," The Last Adieu: Lafayette’s Triumphant Return, the Echoes of Revolution, and the Gratitude of the Republic."

Cole will bring to life the remarkable 1824–1825 grand tour in which the Marquis de Lafayette—the last living major general of the Continental Army—journeyed through all twenty-four states of the young republic, inspiring hundreds of celebrations, parades, and events in his honor.

The evening will then move to one of the museum’s most extraordinary artifacts, as Curator Kyle Sater shares the fascinating story behind one of the carriages Lafayette used during his celebrated tour of the United States, a permanent part of the museum’s collection. Following both talks, guests are invited to enjoy a Q&A session, light refreshments, and the chance to explore the rest of the museum at their leisure.

RSVP: https://studebakermuseum.org/event/the-last-adieu-lafayettes-farewell-tour-and-the-carriage-that-carried-a-nations-memory/