Plan your visit
IHS Rolls Out One-of-a-kind History Experience
Indianapolis—A one-of-a-kind history experience is headed to Hoosier communities across the state. The Indiana Historical Society (IHS) is proud to present History on Wheels, a 53-foot double expandable semi-trailer and state-of-the-art traveling exhibit that will visit festivals, schools and other special events.
“For decades, the Indiana Historical Society has dedicated resources to giving people a way to experience and enjoy Indiana history in their own communities,” said John A. Herbst, IHS president and CEO. “History on Wheels allows us to expand on this critical part of our mission. As the only traveling exhibit of its kind in the state, it is a new way to experience history.”
When it rolls into Indiana’s cities and towns, the History on Wheels trailer will expand to nearly 1,000 square feet of indoor museum space. Inside, IHS’s Auto Indiana exhibit will take guests on a ride through Indiana’s rich automotive and racing heritage.
The exhibit touches on the history of more than 100 Indiana automakers and manufacturers, such as Duesenberg, Gibson and Studebaker. It also delves into the lives of Hoosier innovators and inventors, such as Carl Fisher, Elwood Haynes and Ralph Teetor.
Guests of all ages can explore under the hood of a vehicle modeled after a 1914 Marmon Touring Car. In addition, children can climb into the driver’s seat of a mini IndyCar and imagine what it would be like to cross the famed Yard of Bricks.
The public will get its first chance to see History on Wheels Saturday, May 6, when IHS launches the traveling exhibit with free admission and extended hours in honor of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. History on Wheels will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, located in downtown Indianapolis, across the street from the Mini post-race party.
May 7 through 13, History on Wheels will remain at the History Center and will be included with admission to the Indiana Experience (free for IHS members). The History Center’s regular operating hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.
History on Wheels is supported by Lilly Endowment Inc., and fueled by CountryMark. For reservation fees and booking information, contact Mark McNees, IHS History on Wheels coordinator, at (317) 234-2029 or mmcnees@indianahistory.org. More event locations and details are available on IHS’s website, www.indianahistory.org/HistoryonWheels.
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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2017 History on Wheels Schedule*
May 6-13
Indiana Historical Society
Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center
450 W. Ohio St., Indianapolis
June 2-3
CruZionsville
Downtown Zionsville
June 28-July 1
Covington Fourth of July Celebration
Covington City Park
1 City Park, Covington
July 7-9
Three Rivers Festival
Headwaters Park
333 S. Clinton St., Fort Wayne
July 28-29
Frankfort Hot Dog Festival
Downtown Courthouse Square
Frankfort
August 19-20
Yellowstone Trail Fest
Starke County Fairgrounds
400 Division St., Hamlet
September 15-16
Back to the Fifties Festival
Boone County Fairgrounds
1300 100 South, Lebanon
September 20
City of Whiting Cruise Night
Downtown Whiting
*Schedule as of April 12, 2017.
