IHS Announces Plans for Indiana’s 200th Birthday Celebration

Indianapolis—On Sunday, Dec. 11, the Indiana Historical Society (IHS) is marking Statehood Day with a 200th birthday bash featuring hands-on activities, programs and treats for guests of all ages. The celebration, which runs from noon to 4:30 p.m. at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, is free for IHS members or included with admission to the Indiana Experience.

A highlight of the event is scheduled for 2 p.m., when IHS President and CEO John Herbst will pay tribute to Indiana, along with author and historian James H. Madison. A sing-along, a balloon drop and sweets from Gigi’s Cupcakes will follow the remarks.

Other offerings include two special productions. At 12:15 and 2:30 p.m., Steam Bag Productions presents Harrison! The Musical, an improv hip-hop musical about Indiana’s founding fathers. At 1:30 and 3:45 p.m., the Indiana Repertory Theatre presents excerpts from Finding Home: Indiana at 200, a multifaceted look at Indiana’s life and times. Writers from across the state contributed to the Bicentennial program, which features songs by Hoosier singer-songwriter Tim Grimm.

IHS also invites guests to take part in daylong activities. Visitors can play pioneer games, create birthday cards and fill in a state map with their favorite things to see and do in Indiana. Guests also have the opportunity to pose for a photo with Abraham Lincoln, see specially chosen items from IHS’s collections and view the Indiana Bicentennial Minute series, which features dozens of fascinating stories from the state’s past.

In addition, IHS’s popular Festival of Trees exhibit will serve as a backdrop to the Statehood Day celebration. The exhibit, presented by The Lacy Foundation, features 72 trees, with themes ranging from snowmen and nutcrackers to origami and Super Mario Bros. There is also a tree highlighting the Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay.

IHS’s 200th birthday celebration is presented by Franciscan Health, with support from Gigi’s Cupcakes and Steam Bag Productions.

For more information about Statehood Day or related IHS programs and resources, call (317) 232-1882 or visit www.indianahistory.org.

About the Indiana Historical Society

Since 1830, the Indiana Historical Society has been Indiana’s Storyteller™, connecting people to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing the state’s history. A private, nonprofit membership organization, IHS maintains the nation’s premier research library and archives on the history of Indiana and the Old Northwest and presents a unique set of visitor experiences called the Indiana Experience. IHS also provides support and assistance to local museums and historical groups; publishes books and periodicals; sponsors teacher workshops; produces and hosts art exhibitions, museum theater and outside performance groups; and provides youth, adult and family programs. IHS is a Smithsonian Affiliate and a member of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience.

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