IHS Named Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution

Indianapolis-The Indiana Historical Society is proud to announce it joins a leading group of national museums and cultural organizations as an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. The director of Smithsonian Affiliations presented IHS with the mark of distinction at tonight’s annual Founders Day Dinner, at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, located at 450 W. Ohio St. in downtown Indianapolis.

“We are deeply honored to be part of a select group of organizations that shares the Smithsonian’s extraordinary resources,” said John A. Herbst, IHS President and CEO. “This important new partnership not only reaffirms the unique visitor experience offered by the History Center, but assures a future of enhanced programs and enriched exhibitions.”

As an Affiliate, IHS gains access to national treasures, artifacts and art on loan from the Smithsonian’s vast collections. The new partnership also allows IHS to host traveling exhibitions, to collaborate on educational initiatives and membership opportunities, and to participate in professional development programs.

There are more than 200 Affiliates nationwide, acting as ambassadors to the Smithsonian, but IHS is just the second to bring its vast resources to the state of Indiana.

“The Historical Society, one of the oldest in our country, is well recognized for its important collections, engaging exhibits, pioneering research, and high quality, professional staff,” said Harold A. Closter, director of the Smithsonian Affiliations program. “The Smithsonian has a long standing interest in Indiana — the land and its inhabitants, as well as the technological and artistic achievements that have emanated from the Hoosier State. We look forward to this new partnership and to the future collaborations that will further illuminate Indiana’s rich history and its impact on America and the world.”

The special announcement by the Smithsonian was the first to honor IHS at the annual Founders Day dinner and awards. The Midwest Travel Writers Association (MTWA) also presented IHS with its 2015 GEMmy Award, recognizing attractions MTWA deems to be gems because they provide travelers with an exceptional experience.

In addition, the annual Founders Day Dinner recognized the accomplishments of historians, teachers, writers and businesses from around the state. For more information on the event sponsored by Hirtle, Callaghan and Co., and other IHS programs, call (317) 232-1882 or visit IHS online at www.indianahistory.org.

About Smithsonian Affiliations

Smithsonian Affiliations is a national outreach program that develops long-term collaborative partnerships with museums, educational and cultural organizations to enrich communities with Smithsonian resources. More information is available at www.affiliations.si.edu.

About the Indiana Historical Society

Since 1830, the Indiana Historical Society has been Indiana’s Storyteller. We connect people to the past by collecting, preserving, interpreting and sharing the state’s history. We are 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.

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