When I approached our department’s fearless leader, Suzanne, I had no idea that leadership and prominence ran in the family. She was kind enough to share with me a couple of surnames from her family lines which I could connect to our collections. One of those names was Goss. One of the most prominent Goss’ in Indiana was Ephraim Goss, founder of Gosport in Owen County. While we certainly have information on him in our collections, the first image I could find related to his line was that of Joseph E. Goss, one of his youngest children. Joseph E. Goss, Gosport, IHS, M0822 (cropped/adjusted) J ..read more

As an introvert, I found myself reading books more than playing as I grew up. I have been a library user as far back as I can remember; I’d visit the library every Sunday with my dad growing up, borrowing a stack of books measuring from my hips to my chin, all to be finished and returned by the next week. My never-ending book appetite was noticed by the middle and high school librarian, who granted me the privilege of using the high school’s library early. It was there I was introduced to Rosie Books: Nominated by high school students across Indiana, around 20 books are voted upon annually to ..read more

The Indiana Historical Society (IHS) invites book lovers of all ages to enjoy free admission and parking at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center as part of Independent Bookstore Day on Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guests can also shop the Basile History Market’s brand-new product lines, get a free Advanced Reading Copy with any purchase, and enjoy amazing prices on a huge selection of books through special discounts. There will also be a free gift with a purchase of $35 or more at the store and 20% off any purchase of $50 or more. Additionally, there will be a give ..read more

The Indiana Historical Society (IHS) proudly announces 375 students from 37 schools across the state took part in the 2024 National History Day in Indiana (NHDI) State Contest on Saturday, April 20 at Marian University in Indianapolis. NHDI is a yearlong program dedicated to enhancing history education in Indiana’s schools. Students in grades four through 12 explore a historical subject that fits under the annual theme. This year’s theme is “Turning Points in History,” inviting students to research and select turning points in U.S. history that interest them the most. Students use their resear ..read more

Along with more popular holidays like April Fool’s Day and Earth Day, April also has some lesser-known, yet still noteworthy, National Days. To continue our National Days blog series, I’ve highlighted two of these intriguing holidays with images from the IHS digital collection. Madam C.J. Walker Collection, Indiana Historical Society April 30th is National Hairstylist Appreciation Day. This holiday was established to recognize the hard work and artistic talents of all the hairdressers and barbers that take care of our hair. Of course, you can’t discuss hairstyling in Indiana without mentioni ..read more

Though previously unaware of the Headwear Information Bureau (HIB) prior to finding out that April is National Straw Hat Month, I am glad to know of this organization’s existence now. Founded in 1989, HIB promotes hat making (or millinery) through contests and public relation promotions. National Straw Hat Month is just one of many celebrations throughout the year that were created by HIB. This month was created to remind hat enthusiasts to put away their heavier cloth hats and make way for the lighter and breezier straw hats. Gene Stratton-Porter’s supplies with straw hat; Freiburger family ..read more

In 2021 I wrote about the history of Cinco de Mayo in the United States which led to my discovery of the first documented celebration in Indiana in the early 20th Century, decades before the American commercial popularization of this holiday that we all know of today. On May 9, 1910 the Indianapolis Star published an article with the splashy title, “Mexicans at Ft. Wayne to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo; Students in Notre Dame University Prepare for Unique Observance of Country’s ‘Fourth of July.’ ” Mexican students attending the University of Notre Dame were to hold a “monster banquet” on the follo ..read more

I think many would agree that the worst part of the beginning of any school year, club gathering, or conference breakout group is the dreaded icebreaker.  It’s always just a little awkward to on-the-spot conjure a fun fact about oneself. Fortunately for me, I have a fun-fact ready to go. My fun fact is that I’m a twin. There are two types of twins: identical and fraternal.  My twin (Riley) and I are fraternal and don’t look much alike, which has led to quite a few confused looks from folks. One elementary school classmate was so skeptical of our story that they, to prove we were lyin ..read more

From hosting viewing parties to welcoming the millions of visitors expected to travel to the state, Hoosiers are preparing for the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.  However, April 8 will not be Indiana’s first “day in the sun,” so to speak, in regard to solar eclipses. Indiana has been in the path for several partial eclipses over the years, and although rare, has also been the site to view a total solar eclipse. For many areas of the state, August 7, 1869, was Indiana’s last total solar eclipse, with totality spreading across the southern and western portions of the state. Map c ..read more

What do Elvis, gravestones, Frank Dudley, and basketball have in common? Well, they all helped to shape pieces of Indiana history. And they all are explored in the Indiana Historical Society’s podcast Unbound: A Collection of Indiana Stories. If you have been listening, then you know that we have covered all these topics and more. Unbound explores and retells the stories of the past which have been told through our publications, Traces of Midwestern and Indiana History and The Hoosier Genealogist, as well as our blogs, exhibits, and collections. I along with my co-host Regan will walk you thro ..read more