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IHS Launches Traveling Exhibition on Steamboat Travel
Indianapolis—In anticipation of the 2011 bicentennial of the first steamboat to successfully voyage down the Ohio River, the Indiana Historical Society will launch its newest traveling exhibition—Steamboat a Comin’: The Legacy of the New Orleans. Sponsored by the Rivers Institute at Hanover College, Steamboat a Comin’ will highlight this travel method’s impact on western expansion and development.
The first steamboat to successfully navigate America’s western inland rivers, the New Orleans, altered American life forever by hastening the opening of the American west and by transforming the landscape, economy and culture. This exhibition, which will be displayed at local historical societies, museums, libraries and other venues across the state, will introduce visitors to the adventurers who first dared to take a steamboat on the Ohio River, the technology they used and the ramifications—both positive and negative—of their actions.
Visitors will leave with an understanding and appreciation of the adventurous spirit that colored much early river travel, the technological achievements, the vast impact on landscape and economy, and the rich culture we have today as a result.
Upcoming Venues for Steamboat a Comin’ include the Switzerland County Historical Society in Vevay (Oct. 18 to Nov. 15, 2010), Dearborn County Historical Society in Lawrenceburg (Nov. 15 to Dec. 13, 2010), Ohio County Historical Society in Rising Sun (May 2 to June 1, 2011), Jefferson County Historical Society in Madison (June 1 to July 12, 2011), Howard Steamboat Museum in Jeffersonville (July 12 to Aug. 31, 2011), Knox County Public Library in Vincennes (Sept. 9 to Oct. 18, 2011) and Evansville Public Library (Oct. 25 to Nov. 30, 2011). The IHS will host the exhibition Oct. 21 and 22, 2011 when it hosts the Rivers Institute’s symposium and Family Day.
About IHS Traveling Exhibitions
Historical societies, museums, libraries, schools and other nonprofit organizations in Indiana can book this and other traveling exhibits through IHS’s Local History Services Department. Exhibits may be borrowed for approximately four to five weeks at a time. To book an exhibit, please contact Jeannette Rooney at localhistoryservices@indianahistory.org or (317) 233-8913. For more information about the traveling exhibit program, 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, 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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For more information and/or images, contact Amy Lamb, Media Relations Manager, at (317) 232-1878 or alamb@indianahistory.org.
