The Past in our Present – Protest

The Past in our Present is a rotating gallery exhibit that allows visitors to better understand the present through the exploration of past events. Each exhibit highlights a current issue from the news, interpreted through the lens of the Indiana Historical Society’s collection.

The most recent exhibit, located in the Herbst Family Gallery, explores the history of “protest” in our state. While protests, rallies and marches are often featured in the news and in history textbooks — showcasing where our society has grown and changed — Hoosier contributions to these causes are often overlooked.

The exhibit highlights seven instances of protest throughout Indiana’s past — starting with the publication of the first Spanish-language newspaper in 1920s Indiana, providing a voice for the Latino-American community of East Chicago. The 1960s were full of protests over racial discrimination and segregation, including picketing outside of Riverside Amusement Park, which posted signs and advertisements that African Americans were not welcome.

Benito Lopez with March Organizers. Velasquez Family, Indiana Historical Society

Hoosiers in the 1970s advocated for migrant farmworker rights through organizations like Associated Migrant Opportunity Services as well as rallying against homophobic religious leaders and extremists who sought to limit human rights.

The early 1980s saw protests over impending price hikes in gas, which greatly affected low- or fixed-income families and seniors. Disputes between parents and educators over age-appropriate reading materials and textbooks brought the issue of censorship to the greater public’s attention. Lastly, the NAACP combatted voter apathy through marches and rallies to increase minority turnout to the booths.

Voter Registration Rally. Indianapolis Recorder Collection, Indiana Historical Society

The exhibit runs through October 25, 2024.