Indianapolis Recorder Collection, Indiana Historical Society

Our digital collections has more than 500 images, articles and historical items about Indiana basketball. And it’s easy to access.

Simply visit our digital images here and search “basketball” or any of your favorite players or coaches. From Oscar Robertson to John Wooden to George McGinnis, chances are you’ll find some undiscovered nuggets.

Afternoon with an Archivist

Indianapolis Recorder Collection, Indiana Historical Society

Wednesday, March 24: 1 p.m.

In this Facebook Live presentation, join our Library & Archives team this month to prepare yourself for your basketball-themed stay in Indiana. Learn the local basketball lingo, then stay tuned for a suggested themed road trip to explore your own Hoosier vacation.

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History Happy Hour: A History of Hoosier Hysteria

Indianapolis Recorder Collection, Indiana Historical Society

March 25, 5:30 p.m., free online event

Basketball is a cornerstone of Indiana’s sports culture. Join us for a free online event as we bounce through Indiana’s basketball heritage, from high school gymnasiums to the start of the NBA, with sports historian Ron Newlin.

Supported by Pacers Sports & Entertainment.

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Monument Circle. The crossroads where arts and culture are paramount. The crossroads where history is remembered, and the future is celebrated.

The Indiana Historical Society is proud to be a part of the newest light, sound and video projection, “Indiana’s Game: a Ball, a Basket and a Dream!” This is a powerful tribute to basketball that briefly tells the story of growing up with the game. The projection’s poetic voiceover narration is accompanied by rousing music and sounds of the game, creating an experience that shares the beauty of our story — and how basketball is truly part of being a Hoosier.

This artistic presentation will occur three times nightly on Monument Circle (after the Signature Salute at 8:45 p.m., 9:45 p.m. and 10:45 p.m.) where its illustrative visual style links three parts together that will transport the viewer through the life cycle of those who play and love the game of basketball.

Several IHS basketball-related collections images will be projected on a loop between the presentations and also after the last one (at 10:45 p.m.) until midnight each night.

The projection is built in three parts:

Part 1 – “Childhood Dreaming”

Saturday, Feb. 27 – March 13 (starts with Girls High School State Finals) – The dreams and experiences of youth.

Part 2 – “Success, Tournament, Performing”

March 14 – 31 (added to Part 1 starting Selection Sunday) – Hard work and determination is rewarded.

Part 3 – “The Meaning of Legacy”

April 1 – 5 (added to Parts 1 and 2 prior to Final Four weekend) – Remembering the stories that shaped us, we pass down the legacy and look forward to the heroes to come.

From articles to an all-ages biography of an Indiana basketball legend, IHS can provide history and perspective on various aspects of Indiana’s game.

Traces of Indiana and Midwestern History

Traces of Indiana and Midwestern History is an award-winning popular history magazine for Indiana Historical Society members. Below are several basketball articles that are available in the IHS online archives.

“Everett Case Conquers Dixie: Hoosier Basketball in North Carolina,” by Jim Sumner, Fall 1993

“The Shot: Crispus Attucks Tigers vs. Anderson Indians,” by Randy Roberts (Oscar Robertson and Crispus Attucks basketball), Summer 1997

“Who Was Chuck Taylor?” by Abe Aamidor, Summer 2007

“The Sportswriter: Bob Collins of the Indianapolis Star,” by Zak Keefer (Collins had a close relationship with the Crispus Attucks team), Winter 2016

“An Indiana Temple: Butler University’s Hinkle Fieldhouse,” by Norman Jones, Spring 2016

“Everybody’s All-American: Bill Garrett,” by Rachel Graham Cody, Spring 2016

“A Perfect Match: Indiana and Basketball,” by J. Ronald Newlin, Fall 2016

“The Friends of Forkner and Fourteenth Streets: A Brooklyn Dodger and a Harlem Globetrotter,” by Norman Jones (friendship between Carl Erskine and “Jumping” Johnny Wilson), Fall 2017

“Gil Hodges: Basketball Was His First Love,” by Randy Mills, Spring 2020

Ray Crowe Interview with Tom Carnegie

Indianapolis Recorder Collection, Indiana Historical Society

Ray Crowe is a legendary coach who made history not only in Indiana, but in the United States. In this interview with Tom Carnegie (ca. 1965), hear how athletics played an important role in Crowe’s life as he went from coach to business leader to state legislator.

WRTV Collection, Indiana Historical Society.

Listen to Interview

Hinkle Fieldhouse Augmented Reality Mobile App

Indianapolis Recorder Collection, Indiana Historical Society

Hinkle Fieldhouse is an American landmark. It has hosted some of the country’s biggest games, and is arguably the most recognized gym in Indiana.

The Indiana Historical Society has an augmented reality mobile app, “Celebrate Indianapolis,” which includes a session with Tony Hinkle. GPS technology then leads users to sites relevant to the historical figures, where IHS Museum Theater actors digitally appear to bring them to life.

Simply download the mobile app through the App Store and Google Play, and head to Hinkle Fieldhouse to hear from Tony Hinkle.

Crispus Attucks Bicentennial Minute

Crispus Attucks High School in Indianapolis holds a special place in the history of Indiana basketball, as well as in U.S. history. In this Bicentennial Minute video, see how this school changed our state basketball tournament, and changed our country.

Explore Hinkle Fieldhouse, Crispus Attucks High School with Destination Indiana

Bass Photo Co Collection, Indiana Historical Society

Using innovative technology, Destination Indiana Journeys allow you to explore Indiana’s history and every corner of the state, including basketball. You decide where you want to travel and what you want to know more about. Here are a couple that we think you’ll like.

Hinkle Fieldhouse

Crispus Attucks High School