Indiana Historical Society

General Info and Tips

The Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center is home to the Indiana Historical Society (IHS).

IHS brings Hoosiers together in remembering and celebrating the past while bringing history to life for all ages. IHS is a Smithsonian affiliate and a member of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience.

Step into a three-dimensional historic photograph in You Are There, groove with Hoosier legend Cole Porter in the Cole Porter Room, or learn about conservation in the W. Brook and Wanda Y. Fortune History Lab. The IHS Archives and Library contains more than 100,000 digital collection items, 5,450 processed manuscript collections, 1.7 million photographs, and 45,000 cataloged printed items. The primary collecting areas range from agriculture to notable Hoosiers.

TOP EXHIBITS

Cole Parter Room

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.

The W. Brooks and Wanda Y. Fortune History Lab

This is where the Historical Society saves history in real-time. It’s a state-of-the-art facility where they 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.

Featured Exhibit

The Electric Railway: Indiana’s Interurbans

Indiana is as central to the history of the interurban, as interurbans provided Hoosiers with transportation across the state. This exhibit features several interactive spaces, including a room dressed as the interior of a rural interurban station from the early 20th century and a re-created interurban car, where guests will “ride the interurban,” which involves a multi-sensory experience.

Basile History Market

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.

Tips for Visiting

Tickets are $13 for adults, $5 for children ages 5-17, $12 for seniors 60+, and children ages 4 and under are free. Combine and save on Indy’s top attractions with a 1-day or 3-day Indy Attraction Pass. Complimentary admission is offered to licensed care providers and service animals are welcome. Accessible parking and other facilities are located throughout the campus, including open captioning and braille signage. Visitors who enjoy tactile play may visit the History Lab, and those in need of a quiet area can seek assistance from any staff member. Learn more on our Accessible Indy guide.

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The Children's Museum of Indianapolis

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