IHS Events and Programs Celebrate Holidays in the Heartland

Indianapolis—From special events and activities to ongoing seasonal offerings, the Indiana Historical Society offers many opportunities for everyone to get into the Hoosier holiday spirit. Whether visiting as an individual, couple or group of family and friends, guests will have plenty to enjoy at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center. The History Center, home of the IHS and the Indiana Experience, is located at 450 W. Ohio St. in downtown Indianapolis, along the historic Central Canal.

Complimentary parking in the IHS lot, located just north of the building at the corner of West and New York streets, is available with paid admission to the Indiana Experience, for IHS members visiting the History Center, for patrons of the William H. Smith Memorial Library or with a $7 purchase at the Stardust Terrace Café or Basile History Market.

All December offerings taking place during regular business hours are free with admission to the Indiana Experience, which enables visitors to experience Indiana’s past, brand new. Admission to the Indiana Experience is complimentary for IHS members and children younger than five, $7 for adults, $6.50 for seniors, and $5 for ages five through 17. Admission to the William H. Smith Memorial Library, Basile History Market and/or Stardust Terrace Café is free.

Eighth Annual Holiday Author Fair

(Free with admission to the Indiana Experience)

Saturday, Dec. 4, noon to 4 p.m.

The Holiday Author Fair is the largest book signing gathering for Indiana-related material, featuring more than 70 Hoosier authors. Books include works of fiction, nonfiction, cookbooks, photography, history, children’s books and more. Visitors can converse with authors, have books signed, listen to special presentations, and enjoy kids’ activities and refreshments. Supported by Indy Reads.

Las Posadas

(Free)

Sunday, Dec. 12

6 p.m. – Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center

7 p.m. – Canal Procession

7:15 to 8 p.m. – Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art

In Mexico, Las Posadas is a beloved holiday tradition – a celebration that commemorates Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging in Bethlehem (posada means inn or shelter in Spanish). Family and friends gather and re-enact Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter by carrying lit candles, singing special songs and following figures of Mary and Joseph that are carried aloft in a procession. When these pilgrims, or peregrinos, reach predetermined stops, they divide into two groups. One half of the group begs for shelter, while the other half refuses them. At the last stop, usually someone¹s home, the doors are opened in greeting and a grand celebration begins where families break piñatas, drink ponche and eat treats.

Join the Indiana Historical Society, Eiteljorg Museum, Christ Church Cathedral, the Consulate of Mexico in Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Art Center and other community groups to celebrate this festive family tradition. The free evening starts at the History Center, where guests will enjoy an entertaining and interactive program and sing-a-long on Mexican holiday traditions. At 7 p.m., the procession leaves from the History Center’s Kruse Family Stardust Terrace and ends at the Eiteljorg, where there will be more music, ponche, snacks and piñata breaking.

With support from Christ Church Cathedral, Indianapolis Art Center and the Consulate of Mexico in Indianapolis.

Winterfest 2010

(Free with admission to the Indiana Experience)

Dec. 27-30, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Chase away the winter blues with free activities at Winterfest. Perfect for families, Winterfest takes over the History Center with winter-themed fun. Create a calendar with images from the IHS collections, make a bookmark, try winning in the prize grab booth, explore your family tree or participate in a scavenger hunt. The Stardust Terrace Café will offer special kid-friendly lunch and snack options all week long.

Presented by Macy’s.

The Saturday Evening Post Holiday Covers Exhibit

(Free with admission to the Indiana Experience)

Nov. 23 through Dec. 30, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In October, the Indiana Historical Society opened “Covering” America in the 1950s and Early 1960s, an exhibition of original artwork used to create the iconic magazine covers of The Saturday Evening Post. To further celebrate the artistic and nostalgic heritage of The Saturday Evening Post, the History Center welcomes an additional 16 holiday-themed covers. Visitors can reminisce about holidays past through the work of artists such as George Hughes, Miriam Tana Hoban and, of course, the legendary Norman Rockwell. The covers date from 1935 to 1960.

All Dressed Up for Christmas – Destination Indiana

(Free with admission to the Indiana Experience)

Ongoing

Take a journey back in time exploring images of Monument Circle decorated through the years.

For more details on these and other Indiana Historical Society offerings, call the IHS at (317) 232-1882. Information is also available online at www.indianahistory.org.

*Regular operating hours for the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, home of the IHS, are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. During the holidays, the IHS will be closed Christmas Eve (Dec. 24), Christmas Day (Dec. 25), New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31) and New Year’s Day (Jan. 1).

Since 1830, the Indiana Historical Society has been Indiana’s Storyteller, connecting people to the past by collecting, preserving, interpreting 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 exhibitions called the Indiana Experience. IHS also provides support and assistance to local museums and historical groups, publishes books and periodicals; sponsors teacher workshops; and provides youth, adult and family programming. The Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, home of the IHS and the Indiana Experience, is located at 450 W. Ohio St. in downtown Indianapolis.

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High-resolution images of events, book covers and other items are available upon request. For more information, contact Amy Lamb, Media Relations Manager, at (317) 232-1878 or alamb@indianahistory.org.

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