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Visit the Indiana Historical Society. Where the past comes to life!
History shouldn’t lie flat in a textbook or behind a glass case. It should grab people and transport them back in time. Take that immersive trip yourself at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center. Located along the Central Canal in downtown Indianapolis, the History Center invites you to experience Indiana’s past in new and interactive ways.
There are dozens of things to see and do during your visit. We can’t list them all, so here are a few of the can’t-miss adventures that await you at the Indiana History Center.
CURRENT EXHIBITS
Festival of Trees
This is one of Central Indiana’s biggest holiday extravaganzas! This year’s Festival of Trees will feature a winter wonderland of 85 trees representing individuals, families and companies from around Indiana. The seven-week annual holiday tradition includes special programs and enhanced dining and shopping options.
Chuck Taylor All Star
Put on a virtual reality headset and get ready to bring your A-game when you travel back in time to play with Hoosier basketball legend Chuck Taylor. And learn about the popular shoes that bear his name.
Eva Kor, Holocaust Survivor
Eva Kor survived a nightmare and went on to live the American Dream. In the exhibit, Eva Kor from Auschwitz to Indiana, visitors can learn about Eva’s journey and amazing story of survival. And through an interactive, hologram-like projection, Dimensions in Testimony, you can talk face to face with Eva and hear how she lived through Auschwitz and the experiments of Dr. Joseph Mengele to become one of the most influential Holocaust educators and activists in the world.
RESIST
At the height of the power of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) in May 1924, they planned a rally in the city of South Bend, Ind. The RESIST! exhibit seeks to help visitors understand key questions and realities around the Ku Klux Klan’s rise to power in Indiana. It also features how people resisted and raised questions about how to combat hate.
Designed to evoke the style of New York’s famed Waldorf Astoria Hotel, the Cole Porter room pays tribute to this Indiana legend. Join in during a live sing-along performance* on one of Porter’s hits such as “Night and Day” or “I Get a Kick Out of You.” Or watch one of our virtual singers perform a Porter classic.
*Live performances subject to change.
The Stardust Terrace Café is managed by long-time Indy favorite, Jonathan Byrd’s and features an eclectic menu designed by Café manager Will Krystek. From classic Boar’s Head deli-style sandwiches to Will’s daily pizza specials and home-cooked entrees, you can’t go wrong with any choice!
The cafe is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m to 2 p.m.
The Basile History Market is the only independent bookstore in downtown Indianapolis. It features Indiana art, books, jewelry, music and more. A large selection of products inspired by our state’s history make it the perfect stop for all your gift-giving needs.
Educators and history buffs will love our unique selections. And, as an independent bookstore, we can order (just about) any book you want. Even if we don’t have it in stock. The History Market is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
The W. Brooks and Wanda Y. Fortune History Lab is where we save history in real-time. It’s a state-of-the-art facility where we care for IHS’s manuscript, printed and visual collections – original manuscripts, manuscript volumes, maps, broadsides, photographs and pamphlets.
With hands-on activities and computer-based software, visitors will gain an understanding and appreciation of the importance of saving history for future generations.
We are home to the premier research library for Indiana history and the Old Northwest. Access to the library is free, and our staff can help guide you to the right resources, regardless of your research experience.
The library hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Reading Room closes for research at 4 p.m.
Please contact reference@indianahistory.org for more information.
Those wishing to access collections materials not found in our Reference Room need to do so by appointment by contacting the library reference desk at reference@indianahistory.org or (317) 234-0321.
We offer free parking. Easily access our lot from New York Street and bring your parking ticket to the Welcome desk for validation. Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tickets are available at the door, but we recommend buying them online to receive a discount.
Holiday, Festival of Trees pricing will vary.
The Indiana Historical Society aims to provide a welcoming and engaging experience for all guests of the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center. Please contact IHS at (317) 232-1882 with questions, concerns or to make advance plans for your visit.
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Full Staff DirectoryOur Hours
ExhibitsOpen 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through SaturdayOpen 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. SundayWilliam H. Smith Memorial LibraryOpen 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday
Open 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. SundayHistory MarketOpen 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday
Open 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. SundayStardust Terrace Café HoursOpen 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday
Open 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday