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Famous Hoosiers
Indiana is home to many people who became famous writers, musicians, politicians, artists, activists, inventors and sports figures. Just a few are highlighted here. For a more complete list, visit our Notable Hoosiers page.
Hoosier Facts and FunGreat for the young and young at heart!
INDepth StoriesLearn more by reading our stories.
Recording History TodayProject ideas for your students to record the COVID-19 Crisis
Madam C.J. Walker started a hair care and beauty products business for African-Americans and became one of the first self-made millionaires in the country.
Ernie Pyle was a newspaper columnist during World War II. His columns were published in more than 400 newspapers nationwide.
Gene Stratton-Porter was an author who enjoyed nature and bird-watching. She is best known for her fiction books Freckles and A Girl of the Limberlost.
Theodore Clement Steele was a member of the “Hoosier Group” of American Impressionist painters. Steele settled in Brown County and used the surroundings as inspiration for his landscape paintings.
Creator of the Garfield comic strip, Davis grew up near Marion and attended Ball State University.
Born in Peru, Ind., Cole Porter was a legendary composer in his time. He wrote many Broadway hit songs and won a 1949 Tony Award for his musical Kiss Me, Kate.
Famous Hoosiers
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Full Staff DirectoryOur Hours
ExhibitsOpen 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through SaturdayOpen 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. SundayWilliam H. Smith Memorial LibraryOpen 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday
Open 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. SundayHistory MarketOpen 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday
Open 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. SundayStardust Terrace Café HoursOpen 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday
Open 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday