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Indiana Historical Society Celebrates America’s 250th with Statewide Of the People Concert Series
INDIANAPOLIS (July 3, 2026) – As the nation commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Indiana Historical Society (IHS) invites Hoosiers to experience America’s story through music with Of the People, a statewide concert series featuring the acclaimed Visions Jazz Ensemble. Presented by The Lacy Foundation, the series will travel to six communities across Indiana during July and August, exploring 250 years of American music through original jazz arrangements that reflect the nation’s shared history, traditions, and cultural identity.
Performed by a group of accomplished musicians and Indiana University alumni, Of the People reimagines familiar works spanning patriotic songs, spirituals, folk traditions, country classics, and orchestral compositions. The program celebrates jazz as a uniquely American art form while honoring the diverse voices, experiences, and musical traditions that have shaped the American story.
The concert series reflects the Indiana Historical Society’s commitment to connecting people with history through engaging cultural experiences and meaningful community partnerships across the state. By presenting these performances in collaboration with local organizations, IHS is helping communities commemorate the nation’s Semiquincentennial while celebrating Indiana’s rich connection to America’s musical heritage.
In addition to the concert itself, a traveling version of IHS’s new exhibit Freedom’s Framework will be on display at each site. Freedom’s Framework commemorates 250 years of the United States by exploring the history of the Old Northwest from before the Revolutionary War to the end of the Civil War. Officially adopted on July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence became the nation’s first foundational document, with its ideals central to American life 250 years later. This exhibit examines the Declaration, the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, and other foundational documents for visitors to learn about the people and ideas that built the United States.
“History is more than dates and documents. It lives in the stories we tell, the traditions we share and the music that has connected generations of Americans,” said Jody Blankenship, president and CEO of the Indiana Historical Society. “Of the People offers audiences an opportunity to experience familiar songs in a new way while reflecting on the people and moments that continue to shape our nation.”
The Indianapolis performance will take place Sunday, July 19, at 3 p.m. at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center. The concert will feature acclaimed Chicago jazz vocalist Alyssa Allgood, a two-time DownBeat Magazine Critics Poll Rising Star and winner of the Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition, joining the Visions Jazz Ensemble for this special performance. Following the concert, guests are encouraged to explore the History Center’s exhibitions and experience an afternoon celebrating America’s history through music. Admission is free.
Since its founding in 2023, the Visions Jazz Ensemble has earned national recognition for its inventive interpretations of American music. Led by Indiana University alumni Sam Butler and Garrett Fasig, the ensemble’s performances blend exceptional musicianship with fresh arrangements that honor the country’s musical traditions while introducing audiences to new perspectives on familiar works.
Of the People Performance Schedule
Friday, July 17
7 p.m.
Bartholomew County Public Library
Columbus, Ind.
Bring your own chairs and blankets for this outside performance
Free
In Partnership with Bartholomew County Public Library
Saturday, July 18
Noon
Thrall’s Opera House
New Harmony, Ind.
Free
In Partnership with Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites and Thrall’s Opera House
Sunday, July 19
3 p.m.
Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center
Indianapolis, Ind.
Free
Wednesday, July 29
7:30 p.m.
Merriman’s Playhouse
South Bend, Ind.
Ticket required
In Partnership with Merriman’s Playhouse
Sunday, Aug. 2
3 p.m.
Historic Eleutherian College
Madison, Ind.
Free
In Partnership with Historic Eleutherian College
Tuesday, Aug. 4
6 p.m.
Historic Artcraft Theatre
Franklin, Ind.
Free
Presented by Johnson County Community Foundation
In Partnership with Historic Artcraft Theatre
Most performances are free and open to the public. For details, ticket information and a complete calendar of events, visit IndianaHistory.org/events.
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About the Indiana Historical Society
The Indiana Historical Society collects and preserves Indiana’s unique stories; brings Hoosiers together in remembering and sharing the past; and inspires a future grounded in our state’s uniting values and principles. IHS is a Smithsonian Affiliate.
