Though previously unaware of the Headwear Information Bureau (HIB) prior to finding out that April is National Straw Hat Month, I am glad to know of this organization’s existence now. Founded in 1989, HIB promotes hat making (or millinery) through contests and public relation promotions. National Straw Hat Month is just one of many celebrations […]
In 2021 I wrote about the history of Cinco de Mayo in the United States which led to my discovery of the first documented celebration in Indiana in the early 20th Century, decades before the American commercial popularization of this holiday that we all know of today. On May 9, 1910 the Indianapolis Star published […]
I think many would agree that the worst part of the beginning of any school year, club gathering, or conference breakout group is the dreaded icebreaker. It’s always just a little awkward to on-the-spot conjure a fun fact about oneself. Fortunately for me, I have a fun-fact ready to go. My fun fact is that […]
From hosting viewing parties to welcoming the millions of visitors expected to travel to the state, Hoosiers are preparing for the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. However, April 8 will not be Indiana’s first “day in the sun,” so to speak, in regard to solar eclipses. Indiana has been in the path for […]
While April showers may bring May flowers, March has been dubbed National Umbrella Month. It’s unclear why Thomas Edward Knibb, the founder of the celebration back in 2003, selected March, but it is thought that it had to do with ensuring you were prepared for the rainy season with the proper gear. In Indiana, and […]
While researching the IHS collections for a new library exhibit on fashion history, I stumbled upon a set of black-and-white photographs from the 1930s to early 1950s. The images show girls at the Indiana State Fair modeling their handmade garments for the 4-H Club’s Dress Revue. Dress categories include summer, winter, wool school, cotton school, […]
In 2021, when I uncovered the lost history of Indiana’s Mexican consulate, with Russell Harrison appointed as its first (honorary) Vice-Consul in 1907, I thought that I put this topic to rest. The Russell B. Harrison papers are here at the Indiana Historical Society and fall short of any mention of his connection to Mexico […]
If you look at the internet or listen to the news you’ve probably heard or seen information about various national day celebrations. Several calendars exist which can be referred to regarding these days, weeks and months. Here at IHS, we’ve decided to focus on nationaldaycalendar.com’s list. There are over 100 celebrations for February, so here […]
For many, the idea of relying on an outhouse/privy for bathroom needs seems less than glamorous, that is, unless you have ever needed to replace your home’s sewer system. When you’re without indoor plumbing and are forced to find creative ways to relieve yourself, an outhouse seems like an oasis. In August, my fiancé and […]
As a college student studying history, I always get the question, “What are you going to do with your degree?” Then I explain that history majors aren’t just left with teaching or staying in academia. There are many other sectors that need history people. This past January I was a reference services intern for IHS. […]
