Historic Forks announces tree walk winners

The Historic Forks of the Wabash has announced the winners of the trees that were part of the sixth annual Christmas at the Forks Christmas Tree Walk.

Annie Lippincott won the Tam-A-Sak tree. Marie Harrell won the Norwood Health and Rehabilitation Center tree.

Mary Gatton won the Psi Iota XI, Phi Chapter, tree, and Shirley Brown won the American Business Women's Associates, Kilsoquah Chapter, tree.

Roger Grassl won the Master Gardeners tree, and Nadine Piedmont won the Bippus State Bank tree.

Mary Eckert won the Wehr Into Flowers tree, and Jack Sell won both the Harrell and Sons Construction tree and the tree decorated by Izaak Walton League.

Marvin Hall won the Beacon Credit Union tree, and Norma Etherington won the Huntington County Retired Teachers tree, which was sponsored by First Federal Savings Bank.
Betty Heffelfinger won the St. Peter Lutheran Quilters tree, which was sponsored by George Juergens.

Denise Myers won the Pathfinder Kids Kampus tree, and Diana Clausen won the Boys and Girls Club of Huntington County, which was sponsored by Jim Scheiber of Edward Jones.

Joyce Gravley won the Millers Merry Manor Rehabilitation Center, and Lena Davenriner won the Historic Forks of the Wabash tree.

The tree walk was held Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 4 and 5. Participants purchased tickets at the door and cast the tickets as votes in a jar by their favorite tree, event organizers explain.

Tickets were then counted up at the end and decided the trees that won, and then a ticket was drawn from each collection to determine which of the trees' voters would take each one home.

IHS Events and Programs Celebrate Holidays in the Heartland

Indiana Historical Society Release:

Indianapolis—From special events and activities to ongoing seasonal offerings, the Indiana Historical Society offers many opportunities for everyone to get into the Hoosier holiday spirit. Whether visiting as an individual, couple or group of family and friends, guests will have plenty to enjoy at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center. The History Center, home of the IHS and the Indiana Experience, is located at 450 W. Ohio St. in downtown Indianapolis, along the historic Central Canal.

Complimentary parking in the IHS lot, located just north of the building at the corner of West and New York streets, is available with paid admission to the Indiana Experience, for IHS members visiting the History Center, for patrons of the William H. Smith Memorial Library or with a $7 purchase at the Stardust Terrace Café or Basile History Market.

All December offerings taking place during regular business hours are free with admission to the Indiana Experience, which enables visitors to experience Indiana’s past, brand new. Admission to the Indiana Experience is complimentary for IHS members and children younger than five, $7 for adults, $6.50 for seniors, and $5 for ages five through 17. Admission to the William H. Smith Memorial Library, Basile History Market and/or Stardust Terrace Café is free.

Eighth Annual Holiday Author Fair (Free with admission to the Indiana Experience)
Saturday, Dec. 4, noon to 4 p.m.
The Holiday Author Fair is the largest book signing gathering for Indiana-related material, featuring more than 70 Hoosier authors. Books include works of fiction, nonfiction, cookbooks, photography, history, children’s books and more. Visitors can converse with authors, have books signed, listen to special presentations, and enjoy kids’ activities and refreshments.

Supported by Indy Reads.

Las Posadas (Free)
Sunday, Dec. 12
6 p.m. – Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center
7 p.m. – Canal Procession
7:15 to 8 p.m. – Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art

In Mexico, Las Posadas is a beloved holiday tradition a celebration that commemorates Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging in Bethlehem (posada means inn or shelter in Spanish). Family and friends gather and re-enact Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter by carrying lit candles, singing special songs and following figures of Mary and Joseph that are carried aloft in a procession. When these pilgrims, or peregrinos, reach predetermined stops, they divide into two groups. One half of the group begs for shelter, while the other half refuses them. At the last stop, usually someone¹s home, the doors are opened in greeting and a grand celebration begins where families break piñatas, drink ponche and eat treats.

Join the Indiana Historical Society, Eiteljorg Museum, Christ Church Cathedral, the Consulate of Mexico in Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Art Center and other community groups to celebrate this festive family tradition. The free evening starts at the History Center, where guests will enjoy an entertaining and interactive program and sing-a-long on Mexican holiday traditions. At 7 p.m., the procession leaves from the History Center’s Kruse Family Stardust Terrace and ends at the Eiteljorg, where there will be more music, ponche, snacks and piñata breaking.

With support from Christ Church Cathedral, Indianapolis Art Center and the Consulate of Mexico in Indianapolis.

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Winterfest 2010 (Free with admission to the Indiana Experience)

Dec. 27-30, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Chase away the winter blues with free activities at Winterfest. Perfect for families, Winterfest takes over the History Center with winter-themed fun. Create a calendar with images from the IHS collections, make a bookmark, try winning in the prize grab booth, explore your family tree or participate in a scavenger hunt. The Stardust Terrace Café will offer special kid-friendly lunch and snack options all week long.
Presented by Macy’s

The Saturday Evening Post Holiday Covers Exhibit (Free with admission to the Indiana Experience)
Nov. 23 through Dec. 30, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In October, the Indiana Historical Society opened “Covering” America in the 1950s and Early 1960s, an exhibition of original artwork used to create the iconic magazine covers of The Saturday Evening Post. To further celebrate the artistic and nostalgic heritage of The Saturday Evening Post, the History Center welcomes an additional 16 holiday-themed covers. Visitors can reminisce about holidays past through the work of artists such as George Hughes, Miriam Tana Hoban and, of course, the legendary Norman Rockwell. The covers date from 1935 to 1960.

All Dressed Up for Christmas – Destination Indiana (Free with admission to the Indiana Experience)
Ongoing

Take a journey back in time exploring images of Monument Circle decorated through the years.

For more details on these and other Indiana Historical Society offerings, call the IHS at (317) 232-1882. Information is also available online at HYPERLINK "http://www.indianahistory.org" www.indianahistory.org.

*Regular operating hours for the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, home of the Indiana Historical Society, are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. During the holidays, the IHS will be closed Christmas Eve (Dec. 24), Christmas Day (Dec. 25), New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31) and New Year’s Day (Jan. 1).

Since 1830, the Indiana Historical Society has been Indiana’s Storyteller, connecting people to the past by collecting, preserving, interpreting 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 exhibitions called the Indiana Experience. IHS also provides support and assistance to local museums and historical groups, publishes books and periodicals; sponsors teacher workshops; and provides youth, adult and family programming. The Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, home of the IHS and the Indiana Experience, is located at 450 W. Ohio St. in downtown Indianapolis.

City of Richmond to receive governor's award, Dec. 10

The annual Governor’s Award for Preservation of Historic Places will be presented to the City of Richmond’s Historic Preservation Commission, Dec. 10, at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis, during the Statehood Day Ceremony.

The award is for the Commission’s innovative outreach program, “Historic Richmond Today.”

Established in 2000 by the Richmond Common Council, the Commission created a unique outreach program aimed at letting the general public know more about the history of its community and its buildings.

The outreach program is a partnership with Preserve Richmond and the local cable access channel. Seven episodes have aired so far, covering a wide range of topics, including important local architects, Richmond’s historic Pennsylvania Railroad Depot, and its historic homes. The cable show raises awareness of significant architecture, educates area residents about preservation topics, and emphasizes the grassroots effort that must be placed on historic preservation in order for it to be successful.

This award honors projects completed in Indiana within the past two years that reflect outstanding grassroots efforts in historic preservation and archaeology. Nominations are submitted to the DNR Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology, which selects the recipient on behalf of the governor.

IHS Events and Programs Celebrate Holidays in the Heartland

Indiana Historical Society Release:

Indianapolis-From special events and activities to ongoing seasonal offerings, the Indiana Historical Society offers many opportunities for everyone to get into the Hoosier holiday spirit. Whether visiting as an individual, couple or group of family and friends, guests will have plenty to enjoy at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center. The History Center, home of the IHS and the Indiana Experience, is located at 450 W. Ohio St. in downtown Indianapolis, along the historic Central Canal.

Complimentary parking in the IHS lot, located just north of the building at the corner of West and New York streets, is available with paid admission to the Indiana Experience, for IHS members visiting the History Center, for patrons of the William H. Smith Memorial Library or with a $7 purchase at the Stardust Terrace Café or Basile History Market.

All December offerings taking place during regular business hours are free with admission to the Indiana Experience, which enables visitors to experience Indiana's past, brand new. Admission to the Indiana Experience is complimentary for IHS members and children younger than five, $7 for adults, $6.50 for seniors, and $5 for ages five through 17. Admission to the William H. Smith Memorial Library, Basile History Market and/or Stardust Terrace Café is free.

Eighth Annual Holiday Author Fair (Free with admission to the Indiana Experience), Saturday, Dec. 4, noon to 4 p.m.

The Holiday Author Fair is the largest book signing gathering for Indiana-related material, featuring more than 70 Hoosier authors. Books include works of fiction, nonfiction, cookbooks, photography, history, children's books and more. Visitors can converse with authors, have books signed, listen to special presentations, and enjoy kids' activities and refreshments. The Holiday Author Fair is supported by Indy Reads.

Las Posadas (Free), Sunday, Dec. 12
6 p.m. - Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center
7 p.m. - Canal Procession
7:15 to 8 p.m. - Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art

In Mexico, Las Posadas is a beloved holiday tradition ¬ a celebration that commemorates Mary and Joseph's search for lodging in Bethlehem (posada means inn or shelter in Spanish). Family and friends gather and re-enact Mary and Joseph's search for shelter by carrying lit candles, singing special songs and following figures of Mary and Joseph that are carried aloft in a procession. When these pilgrims, or peregrinos, reach predetermined stops, they divide into two groups. One half of the group begs for shelter, while the other half refuses them. At the last stop, usually someone¹s home, the doors are opened in greeting and a grand celebration begins where families break piñatas, drink ponche and eat treats.

Join the Indiana Historical Society, Eiteljorg Museum, Christ Church Cathedral, the Consulate of Mexico in Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Art Center and other community groups to celebrate this festive family tradition. The free evening starts at the History Center, where guests will enjoy an entertaining and interactive program and sing-a-long on Mexican holiday traditions. At 7 p.m., the procession leaves from the History Center's Kruse Family Stardust Terrace and ends at the Eiteljorg, where there will be more music, ponche, snacks and piñata breaking.

Winterfest 2010 (Free with admission to the Indiana Experience), Dec. 27-30, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Chase away the winter blues with free activities at Winterfest. Perfect for families, Winterfest takes over the History Center with winter-themed fun. Create a calendar with images from the IHS collections, make a bookmark, try winning in the prize grab booth, explore your family tree or participate in a scavenger hunt. The Stardust Terrace Café will offer special kid-friendly lunch and snack options all week long. Winterfest is presented by Macy's.

The Saturday Evening Post Holiday Covers Exhibit (Free with admission to the Indiana Experience), Nov. 23 through Dec. 30, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In October, the Indiana Historical Society opened "Covering" America in the 1950s and Early 1960s, an exhibition of original artwork used to create the iconic magazine covers of The Saturday Evening Post. To further celebrate the artistic and nostalgic heritage of The Saturday Evening Post, the History Center welcomes an additional 16 holiday-themed covers. Visitors can reminisce about holidays past through the work of artists such as George Hughes, Miriam Tana Hoban and, of course, the legendary Norman Rockwell. The covers date from 1935 to 1960.

All Dressed Up for Christmas - Destination Indiana (Free with admission to the Indiana Experience), Ongoing

Take a journey back in time exploring images of Monument Circle decorated through the years.

For more details on these and other Indiana Historical Society offerings, call the IHS at (317) 232-1882. Information is also available online at www.indianahistory.org.

*Regular operating hours for the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, home of the Indiana Historical Society, are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. During the holidays, the IHS will be closed Christmas Eve (Dec. 24), Christmas Day (Dec. 25), New Year's Eve (Dec. 31) and New Year's Day (Jan. 1).

Since 1830, the Indiana Historical Society has been Indiana's Storyteller, connecting people to the past by collecting, preserving, interpreting 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 exhibitions called the Indiana Experience. IHS also provides support and assistance to local museums and historical groups, publishes books and periodicals; sponsors teacher workshops; and provides youth, adult and family programming. The Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, home of the IHS and the Indiana Experience, is located at 450 W. Ohio St. in downtown Indianapolis.

Meet Authors, Buy Personalized Gifts at Eighth Annual Holiday Author Fair

Indiana Historical Society Release:

Indianapolis-Holiday shopping for an array of family, loved ones and new friends can be a daunting task, but the Indiana Historical Society offers a personalized, one-stop shopping opportunity for book lovers and gift givers alike this holiday season at the Eighth Annual Holiday Author Fair, taking place Saturday, Dec. 4, noon - 4 p.m. at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, located at 450 W. Ohio St. in downtown Indianapolis.

The Holiday Author Fair is the largest book signing gathering for Indiana-related material, featuring more than 70 "Hoosier" authors. Books include works of fiction, non-fiction, cookbooks, photography, history, children's books and more. Visitors can converse with authors, have books signed and enjoy refreshments, as well as take in the various elements of the IHS's new Indiana Experience.

Author presentations will take place in the Frank and Katrina Basile Theater throughout the afternoon, as well as an awards presentation and readings from the "My Indiana Hero" student writing contest. A special area for children's activities will also be available. Featured authors include Philip Gulley, Howard Caldwell, James Alexander Thom, Ray Boomhower and Daniel Orr.

Complimentary gift wrapping (donations accepted) will be provided by members of the Butler University Chorale. The Basile History Market will also offers shopping opportunities on items such as music, Indiana-made household products, jewelry, original art, handmade textiles, children's merchandise, reproductions from the IHS collection and more. Members of the IHS receive 10 percent off their entire purchase including signed books.

The Holiday Author Fair is free with admission to the Indiana Experience, and complimentary parking is available in the History Center's surface lot at the corner of New York and West streets. The Eighth Annual Holiday Author Fair is supported by Indy Reads. For more details on these and other Indiana Historical Society offerings, call the IHS at (317) 232-1882 or visit www.indianahistory.org.

Since 1830, the Indiana Historical Society has been Indiana's Storyteller, connecting people to the past by collecting, preserving, interpreting 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 exhibitions called the Indiana Experience. IHS also provides support and assistance to local museums and historical groups, publishes books and periodicals; sponsors teacher workshops; and provides youth, adult and family programming.

###

High-resolution images of book covers and other items, as well as interviews with authors and student winners, are available upon request. For more information, contact Amy Lamb, Media Relations Manager, at (317) 232-1878 or alamb@indianahistory.org.


Eighth Annual Holiday Author Fair Presentation Schedule
Frank and Katrina Basile Theater

12:30 p.m.
"My Indiana Hero" - Student Writing Contest
Awards Presentation and Readings

1 p.m.
John Bower, photographer - The Common Good

1:30 p.m.
Gail Stephens, historian - Shadow of Shiloh: Major General Lew Wallace in the Civil War

2 p.m.
Karen Evans Moratz, author and flutist - Flute for Dummies

2:30 p.m.
Ray Boomhower, author and editor - "Writing Lives: A Primer on Biography"

3 p.m.
Howard Caldwell, author and television personality - The Golden Age of Indianapolis Theaters


Eighth Annual Holiday Author Fair Participating Authors List*
Abe Aamidor
Kris Arnold
Ramón and Trisha (Hull) Arredondo
Peggy Archer
William E. Bartelt
Suzanne S. Bellamy
Ray E. Boomhower
John Bower
Becky Bowles
Melanie Bowlin
Lorene Burkhart
Scott M. Bushnell
Dick Cady
Howard Caldwell
Duncan Campbell
Jamie Carie
Fred D. Cavinder
Sherry Stone Clifton
Colleen Coble
Julie Conner
David A. Crowder
Cathy Day
Matt Dellinger
Steven Doyle
Phil Dunlap
Janet Zenke Edwards
Ted Evanoff
Thomas French
Frank L. Gertcher
Anita Marie Giddings
Philip Gulley
Gladys Harvey
William Heath
Jim Hillman
Jolene Ketzenberger
Rita T. Kohn
Norbert Krapf
Micah Ling
Richard M. Lytle
W.C. Madden
Audra Masternak
Michael Maurer
Jim McGarrah
Kathy M. McKimmie
Alan McPherson
Keven McQueen
Marsha Williamson Mohr
Karen Evans Moratz
Barbara Olenyik Morrow
David Thomas Murphy
John Murphy
Wendy Stout O'Brien
Daniel Orr
Michael A. Peake
Philip Potempa
Nelson Price
Dale Ratermann
James M. Redwine
Amber Robinson
Betsy Sheldon
Gail Stephens
Joanne Raetz Stuttgen
Larry D. Sweazy
Dark Rain Thom
James Alexander Thom
Tom Watson
Peter J. Welling
W. William Wimberly II
Douglas A. Wissing
Connie Nordhielm Wooldridge
Ron Woodward
Mary C. Woolling
Julie Young

*List includes co-authors, illustrators and photographers who will be in attendance.

History Center's 25th annual gingerbread fest starts Nov. 26

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE — The History Center's Festival of Gingerbread will celebrate its 25th when the three-week long event opens Nov. 26.

The festival, which raises money to support programs at the History Center, has become a holiday tradition that boasts an attendance of more than 10,000, who come annually to see the fanciful gingerbread creations on display.

This year’s Silver Anniversary festival begins runs through Dec. 12.

A special preview party takes place Nov. 23. Reservations are $20 per person and can be made by calling Stephanie Essex at 426.2882 extension 308.

On “Lighting Night”, November 24, visitors can get a sneak peek at the handiwork of creators from 5-9 p.m. Admission is $2 a person at the door for “Lighting Night.” At 6 p.m. that evening the History Center’s turret will be lit with special holiday colors of red and green.

The dazzling reflection of silver encompassed with the gingerbread houses will reflect the Silver Anniversary theme of the festival.

The festival has grown to include more than 100 creations designed and made by entrants from the lower elementary grades to professional culinary artists who vie to win prizes in the multiple levels of entries.

All ages and all levels of ability create the 100-plus gingerbread houses that are judged and awarded prizes at the start of the festival. Families, individuals, school, community and business groups, and professionals all are eligible to enter to win prizes in various categories.

Special holiday exhibits during the festival include a Wolf and Dessauer display of animatronic characters, an exhibit of “A Christmas Carol” watercolors that once adorned the Patterson Fletcher Department Store and a display of holiday photos from years past.

Hours during the Festival of Gingerbread are Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. The History Center will be closed Thanksgiving Day.

Admission is $5 adults, $3 seniors and students and free to children age 5 and under. There is no extra charge for special activities or events unless indicated. School or private groups can receive a discounted rate by scheduling in advance. Call Leanna Harney at 426.2882 extension 309.

Happenings at the Wells County Historical Museum

By Laura Sawyer


The Historical Society has had a busy season so far. Thank you to everyone who came to our Ice Cream Social. Thanks also to Bev Smitley who brought and played her calliope for the afternoon. To Wyatt Landrum for playing the piano inside that day. Thanks to Thoma-Rich Funeral Home for letting us use a tent. Our display at the Wheels of Yesteryear was very interesting, thank you to Jim Sturgeon. Thank you to all the collectors who helped make the Hobby and Collectors show a nice evening. We would also like to thank Kevin and Cory for their help at the school during the Hobby Show.
During the spring several rooms at the museum were re-decorated. We would like to thank an anonymous donor for the beautiful new flooring in the parlor and dining room. Also others who put in numerous hours were: Ted Smith, Jeff Yergler, Danielle Cale, Dennis and Becky Behning, Nancy, Ben and Sam Wagner, Gerry Claghorn, Anna Lee Ault, Fred Wymer, and all the board members and their spouses. Thank you to Twila Dubbeld and family for the donation of a beautiful grand piano. Several other displays have been updated. We would like to thank Jim Sturgeon for a great program on the 100th Anniversary of the Kingsland Interurban Wreck at our Fall meeting and thanks to everyone who came and enjoyed the evening. The museum is now closed for the winter but we are having our “Christmas at the Mansion” the first three weekends in December.
On Dec. 4 and 5 the museum will be part of the Psi Iota Xi Sorority House Tour. Tickets are $5 per person. The Museum will be open 1 to 5 p.m. both days. No tickets are needed for the following days
Saturday, Dec. 11: 3 to 7 p.m. NO CHARGE.
Sunday, Dec. 12: 2 to 6 p.m. NO CHARGE.
Saturday, Dec. 18: 3 to 7 p.m. NO CHARGE.
Sunday, Dec. 19: 2 to 6 p.m. NO CHARGE.
Designers and Businesses that helped decorate are: Ella’s Attic, Designer: Sharon Bulger; Posy Pot Florists/Designer: Donna Anderson; Heyerly’s Meat Market, Designers: Leah Rockwell, Jaime Warren, Trent Miller, Shelly Wilson; Simply Chic Designers: Joy Mygrant and Lisa Privett; News-Banner, Designer: Carol Studebaker; Brad Byerly; Barbara Dickson; Wal-Mart Designer: Sharon Cowens; Party Gallery Designers Brenda Schriver, Natalie Gerber and Gwen Stucky; Tender Gardens Teresa Beck; Ellenberger Brothers Designers: Heidi Ramseyer and Glenn Ellenberger; Wabash Electric Designer: Sandy Mann; American Legion, Designer: American Legion; Lehman Hair Care/Styling Salon and Barber Shop designer: Jerri Lehman; Kroger designers: Robin Lane and Carol Briggs; Marklebank designers: Cindy Horrom, Kelly Short and Michele Stoller; Bluffton Post Office designers: Keith Frauhiger, Steve Bates and Rick McEvoy; Tina Barclay; Oooh La La Pet Spa & Salon designer: Karen Price; Zanesville Antique’s designer: Becky Behning; Wells County Treasurer’s Office Shar Mechling, Branda Musselman, Nancy Swoveland; Cindy Courtney; Bonnie Barger; Wells County 4-H Kids Pat Wall.
The new Street Fair books are on sale at the Mayor’s Office: 128 East Market St. Hours: M-F from 8 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m. and at the Wells Co. Chamber of Commerce-211 West Water Street. Cost: $35 each.

IHS Offers Doughnuts, Coffee, Free Admission for Veterans on Veterans Day

Indiana Historical Society Release:

Indianapolis—The Indiana Historical Society is proud to honor the nation’s veterans by offering them free coffee, doughnuts, parking and admission on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. The Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, home of the IHS and the Indiana Experience, is located at 450 W. Ohio St. in downtown Indianapolis.

In addition to free admission for veterans on this special day, the IHS now also offers year-round complimentary admission for active military personnel and their immediate families through the Blue Star Museum Program.

In March, the Indiana Historical Society launched its Indiana Experience—a set of new interactive and high-technology experiences that allow the IHS to share its tremendous archival holdings, including 1.6 million photographs, in meaningful and enjoyable ways.

Ongoing elements of the Indiana Experience include:
--You Are There experiences are three-dimensionally recreated historic photographs that include trained first-person interpreters who interact with visitors and elicit personal connections to the past, allowing visitors to step through—and into—the image to become part of that history. Three of these are currently available (You Are There 1945: Hoosier Home Front, You Are There 1924: Tool Guys and Tin Lizzies and You Are There 1914: The Violin Maker Upstairs).

--Destination Indiana is a facilitated, interactive opportunity for visitors to "travel through time" using innovative digital technology, touch screens and immersive displays of historic images and documents to explore and understand the story of Indiana as a place. Guests can choose from more than 200 “journeys” (groupings of 10-12 images).

--The Fortune History Lab is a hands-on demonstration lab that allows visitors to learn and participate in conservation and preservation activities. Within that space, INvestigation Stations provide a series of activity areas for visitors to engage in the process of “doing” history as they learn how to analyze historic documents, research their family tree, search for clues in historic photographs and explore careers in history.

--The Cole Porter Room is an intimate multimedia space with a performer/facilitator and original materials dedicated to the interpretation of Cole Porter’s life and work.

The Indiana Experience is available Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and cost is typically $7 for adults, $6.50 for seniors and $5 for youth (ages five to 17). IHS members and children younger than five receive free admission, and Indiana Experience guests receive complimentary parking in the History Center’s lot.

For more information this and other programs of the Indiana Historical Society, call (317) 232-1882. Information is also available at www.indianahistory.org.

Since 1830, the Indiana Historical Society has been Indiana’s Storyteller, connecting people to the past by collecting, preserving, interpreting 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 exhibitions called the Indiana Experience. IHS also provides support and assistance to local museums and historical groups, publishes books and periodicals; sponsors teacher workshops; and provides youth, adult and family programming.

INDIANA LANDMARKS @ THE LIBRARY

Discover how the Indiana Landmarks Society protects and celebrates the historic buildings in the Hoosier State on Tuesday, Oct. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Wells County Public Library. Catherine R. Wright, of the Indiana Landmarks Society, will discuss their projects and shows photographs of the organization's efforts, including the restoration of the beautiful
Central Avenue United Methodist Church in Indianapolis which is expected to open this spring as the society’s new headquarters and cultural performance center (pictured above). The program is free and open to the public. For more information, call the library at 260-824-1612 or visit online at www.wellscolibrary.org

Indiana Historical Society Launches Traveling Exhibition on Steamboat Travel

Indianapolis-In anticipation of the 2011 bicentennial of the first steamboat to successfully voyage down the Ohio River, the Indiana Historical Society will launch its newest traveling exhibition-Steamboat a Comin': The Legacy of the New Orleans. Sponsored by the Rivers Institute at Hanover College, Steamboat a Comin' will highlight this travel method's impact on western expansion and development.

The first steamboat to successfully navigate America's western inland rivers, the New Orleans, altered American life forever by hastening the opening of the American west and by transforming the landscape, economy and culture. This exhibition, which will be displayed at local historical societies, museums, libraries and other venues across the state, will introduce visitors to the adventurers who first dared to take a steamboat on the Ohio River, the technology they used and the ramifications-both positive and negative-of their actions.

Visitors will leave with an understanding and appreciation of the adventurous spirit that colored much early river travel, the technological achievements, the vast impact on landscape and economy, and the rich culture we have today as a result.

Upcoming Venues for Steamboat a Comin' include the Switzerland County Historical Society in Vevay (Oct. 18 to Nov. 15, 2010), Dearborn County Historical Society in Lawrenceburg (Nov. 15 to Dec. 13, 2010), Ohio County Historical Society in Rising Sun (May 2 to June 1, 2011), Jefferson County Historical Society in Madison (June 1 to July 12, 2011), Howard Steamboat Museum in Jeffersonville (July 12 to Aug. 31, 2011), Knox County Public Library in Vincennes (Sept. 9 to Oct. 18, 2011) and Evansville Public Library (Oct. 25 to Nov. 30, 2011). The IHS will host the exhibition Oct. 21 and 22, 2011 when it hosts the Rivers Institute's symposium and Family Day.

About IHS Traveling Exhibitions
Historical societies, museums, libraries, schools and other nonprofit organizations in Indiana can book this and other traveling exhibits through IHS's Local History Services Department. Exhibits may be borrowed for approximately four to five weeks at a time. To book an exhibit, please contact Jeannette Rooney at localhistoryservices@indianahistory.org or (317) 233-8913. For more information about the traveling exhibit program, visit www.indianahistory.org.

About the Indiana Historical Society
Since 1830, the Indiana Historical Society has been Indiana's Storyteller, connecting people to the past by collecting, preserving, interpreting 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 exhibitions called the Indiana Experience. IHS also provides support and assistance to local museums and historical groups, publishes books and periodicals; sponsors teacher workshops; and provides youth, adult and family programming. The Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, home of the IHS and the Indiana Experience, is located at 450 W. Ohio St. in downtown Indianapolis.

IHS Kicks off Indiana Town Hall Series on Environmental Issues

Indianapolis-The Indiana Historical Society will kick off its three-part Indiana Town Hall Series, covering the subject of environmental concerns, on Thursday, Oct. 21. This month's free program, State & Regional Environment Issues & Opportunities, will take place in the Frank and Katrina Basile Theater at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center. The History Center, home of the IHS and the Indiana Experience, is located at 450 W. Ohio St. in downtown Indianapolis.

The Indiana Town Hall Series is an ongoing series of public forum discussions with expert panelists exploring contemporary, yet enduring, topics from a variety of perspectives. While the program itself begins at 7 p.m., participants are encouraged to arrive as early as 6 p.m. to meet with representatives from local environmentally-focused groups, enjoy light refreshments and pose their own questions that will be used in the dialogue between panelists.

State & Regional Environment Issues & Opportunities will begin with environmental historian Phil Scarpino laying the foundation for the series by exploring how a historical perspective on the environment can create a better understanding of today's realities. Guest panelists will help participants understand issues currently facing Indiana, including: Jesse Kharbanda (Hoosier Environmental Council), Gabriel Filippelli (Center for Environmental Health and the Richard G. Lugar Center for Renewable Energy), Tom Swinford (Department of Natural Resources) and Joe Tutterrow (The Nature Conservancy).

The Indiana Town Hall Series will include two more evenings in 2010: the Nov. 18 program will focus on Urban Environmental Issues & Opportunities, while a discussion of Rural Environmental Issues & Opportunities will take place on Dec. 16. The 2010 Indiana Town Hall Series is presented in part by Schmidt Associates Inc. with support from the IUPUI School of Public and Environmental Affairs, and has been made possible through a matching grant from the Indiana Humanities Council in cooperation with the National Endowment for the Humanities.

For more information on the Indiana Town Hall Series and other IHS programs, call (317) 232-1882 or visit www.indianahistory.org.

AC Genealogy Center offers programs

For several years, The Genealogy Center at the Allen County Public Library has offered a variety of events to mark October as the month to share information concerning new sources and techniques.

Preservation Week, October 10-16, will include classes on writing your family history, scanning photographs and scrapbooking.

Technology Week, October 17-23, will include lectures on FamilySearch, online immigration sources, building a family website and an all day workshop on Adobe Photoshop Elements.

Dead Week, October 24-31, will discuss death records, and obituaries, and historic Lindenwood Cemetery and ARCH’s Angie Quinn on Haunted Sites in Fort Wayne, ending with the traditional Midnight Madness Extended Research Hours and

For more information, visit http://thing1.acpl.lib.in.us/genealogy/FHM2010c.pdf or call 260-421-1225.

Montpelier Preservation Bake and Rummage Sale Oct. 1 & 2

Friday and Saturday, Oct. 1 and 2, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., the Montpelier Preservation Association will have a Bake Sale and Rummage Sale at the “Old Church Museum” located beside the Montpelier Public Library on South Main Street, Montpelier. There will also be books, clothing, toys, furniture and other household items for sale.

Montpelier Historical Society

Members of the Montpelier Historical Society met at the Community Building on Sept. 28. Those attending were Nina Stults, Dorothy Sutton, Ruth Nestleroad, Jerry Hart, Norma Smith, Dana Pence, Mary Kelsay and Judith VanCamp.
Reports on the recent ice cream social held by the society were given.
A “Directory of the Blackford County Members of the Armed Forces in World War II” was donated to the museum. It had been printed compliments of Kriegbaum Implement Company, Hartford City shortly after the war. Besides an alphabetical listing of those from Blackford County who had served, it also contained a listing of the soldiers who had lost their lives in the war.
A cloth sugar bag advertising G W Sugar was donated to the museum by Norma Smith.
During the business meeting Judith VanCamp tendered her resignation as Secretary of the Montpelier Historical Society.
Due to technical difficulties, members were unable to view the tape of the first Elders Roundtable which the historical society conducted in 1992. Plans are to reschedule it for the Oct.26 meeting.

IHS Extends Offer to Grandparents, Grandkids for Special Weekend

Indiana Historical Society release:

Indianapolis-The Indiana Historical Society invites kids of all ages to treat their grandparents to a special day with its new Indiana Experience. Families will receive a free grandparent admission with each paid youth admission during Grandparents Day Weekend, Sept. 10 and 11. The Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, home of the IHS and the Indiana Experience, is located at 450 W. Ohio St. in downtown Indianapolis.

In March, the Indiana Historical Society launched its Indiana Experience-a set of new interactive and high-technology experiences that allow the IHS to share its tremendous archival holdings, including 1.6 million photographs, in meaningful and enjoyable ways.

Ongoing elements of the Indiana Experience include:
* You Are There experiences are three-dimensionally recreated historic photographs that include trained first-person interpreters who interact with visitors and elicit personal connections to the past, allowing visitors to step through-and into-the image to become part of that history. Three of these are currently available (You Are There 1945: Hoosier Home Front, You Are There 1924: Tool Guys and Tin Lizzies and You Are There 1914: The Violin Maker Upstairs).
* Destination Indiana is a facilitated, interactive opportunity for visitors to "travel through time" using innovative digital technology, touch screens and immersive displays of historic images and documents to explore and understand the story of Indiana as a place.
* The Fortune History Lab is a hands-on demonstration lab that allows visitors to learn and participate in conservation and preservation activities. Within that space, INvestigation Stations provide a series of activity areas for visitors to engage in the process of "doing" history as they learn how to analyze historic documents, research their family tree, search for clues in historic photographs and explore careers in history.
* The Cole Porter Room is an intimate multimedia space with a performer/facilitator and original materials dedicated to the interpretation of Cole Porter's life and work.

The Indiana Experience is available Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and cost is typically $7 for adults, $6.50 for seniors and $5 for youth (ages five to 17). IHS members and children younger than five receive free admission, and Indiana Experience guests receive complimentary parking in the History Center's lot.

For more information on this promotional program, the Indiana Experience, or other programs of the IHS, call (317) 232-1882 or visit the IHS's new Web site at www.indianahistory.org.

About the Indiana Experience
The Indiana Experience, which opened to the public on March 20, brings both the people of the state and visitors from around the world a uniquely Indiana experience. Interactive and high-technology experiences allow the IHS to share its tremendous archival holdings, including 1.6 million photographs, in meaningful and enjoyable ways. Hours for the Indiana Experience are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

About the Indiana Historical Society
Since 1830, the Indiana Historical Society has been Indiana's Storyteller, connecting people to the past by collecting, preserving, interpreting 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 exhibitions called the Indiana Experience. IHS also provides support and assistance to local museums and historical groups, publishes books and periodicals; sponsors teacher workshops; and provides youth, adult and family programming.

Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site To Host Star Gazing Night

Calling all stargazers, moon watchers and planet plotters! Come to Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site, 1205 Pleasant Point, Rome City, on Aug. 7, from 9 to 11 p.m., for Music of the Wild Star Gazing & Night Hike!

 

Visitors at this event will explore the Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site and the surrounding Wildflower Woods on Sylvan Lake with our Site Naturalist for this unique walk in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Gene Stratton-Porter’s Music of the Wild. As you cover the site, you’ll hear common and not-so-common sounds of the night like owls, bats and other critters.

 

Once the stars are out, see if you can identify constellations or maybe even catch a shooting star! Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Cost is $3 per person.

Old Fort to re-enact Civil War July 17-18

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE — Re-enactors will bring the Civil War era back to life in downtown Fort Wayne July 17-18 at the Old Fort.

Hear the cannons roar, the muskets fire and come and see if the north wins again this weekend as soldiers and civilians provide demonstrations in blacksmithing, spinning, gardening, medicinal treatments and artillery.

Wells County Genealogy Society to Meet Saturday

The Wells County Genealogy Society will meet this weekend, with a special presentation by Avon Crismore on the Orphan Trains.

 

The meeting will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 17, at the home of Connie Brubaker.

 

A carry-in lunch will be after the program. Everyone is asked to bring a dish to share. Meat and drink will be furnished. Please call Connie Brubaker on (260) 543-2423 if you will be attending.

Limberlost 'Music of the Wild' Short Story Competition Deadline Approaching

Even at an early age, Gene Stratton-Porter, best-selling author, naturalist and photographer, had a keen sense of the natural ambience that surrounded her. Limberlost State Historic Site’s "Music of the Wild" celebrates Gene’s creativity and love of nature, and the July 24 deadline for submissions is fast approaching.

 

Grab your pencils, cameras and instruments! 

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of "Music of the Wild", written by Gene Stratton-Porter in 1910, the Limberlost State Historic Site is having a short story contest, a photography contest and a composition competition. Deadline for submissions is July 24, and there is a $5 entry fee. Please visit indianamuseum.org/limberlost and click on the Special Activities & Events for a full list of submission rules and guidelines.

 

Winners of this contest will see their work read aloud or displayed before a live audience at Limberlost’s Music of the Wild celebration on Sept. 18. Visitors will enjoy the short story, songwriting and photography contests winners' work. This event includes a performance of the "Song of the Limberlost: A Musical Look at Gene Stratton-Porter" by Adrienne Provenzano. There will also be storytelling, dramatic and humorous readings, educational commentary and even audience participation.

 

For further information, visit indianamuseum.org/limberlost for more information, or call Limberlost State Historic Site at (260) 368-7428.

Wells County Historical Society's Ice Cream Social

In the heat of Sunday afternoon, the Wells County Museum was the ideal place to be. 

 

The county historical society opened the museum doors for its annual ice cream social, and a steady flow of visitors took the opportunity to look over the new layout. 

 

The front entrance has been renovated, and played host to a 1902 Oldsmobile. New flooring has also been laid, and several different displays were on show. Musical entertainment was provided by Beverly Smitley (calliope) and Wyatt Landrum (piano).

 

Landrum, aged 12, performed on a Bluffton-made Settergren piano, donated to the museum by Ron and Twila Dubbeld. 

 

The society will host its annual Collectors’ Show at the Bluffton-Harrison Elementary School from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 16.  

Wells County Historical Society's Ice Cream Social

In the heat of Sunday afternoon, the Wells County Museum was the ideal place to be. 

 

The county historical society opened the museum doors for its annual ice cream social, and a steady flow of visitors took the opportunity to look over the new layout. 

 

The front entrance has been renovated, and played host to a 1902 Oldsmobile. New flooring has also been laid, and several different displays were on show. Musical entertainment was provided by Beverly Smitley (calliope) and Wyatt Landrum (piano).

 

Landrum, aged 12, performed on a Bluffton-made Settergren piano, donated to the museum by Ron and Twila Dubbeld. 

 

The society will host its annual Collectors’ Show at the Bluffton-Harrison Elementary School from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 16.  

Civil War Re-enactors to Hold Camp Allen Muster This Weekend

Civil War re-enactors will be bringing the events of 1861 to 1865 back to life this weekend, July 17 and 18, at the Three Rivers Festival in Fort Wayne. 

 

From 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, the Old Fort will be completing their drills, firing their cannon, rifles and muskets, and celebrating all aspects of life as it was at the time of the Civil War. 

 

You can meet with the soldiers and their families as they go about their daily activities, including children playing games.   

 

For more information, call (260) 460-4763.  

 

"War of 1812" Comes Back To Life at Three Rivers Festival

Re-enactors will be bringing the War of 1812 back to life this weekend, July 10 and 11, at the Three Rivers Festival in Fort Wayne. 

From 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, the Old Fort will relive the events of the Siege of Fort Wayne, from 1812. 

You can meet with the soldiers as they go about their daily schedules and also see the women and children of the era completing their tasks. 

For more information, call (260) 460-4763.  

 

Wells County Historical Society Hosts Annual Ice Cream Social

The Wells County Historical Society will host its annual Ice Cream Social at the county museum, 420 W. Market St., Bluffton from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 11. 

Come and eat, and tour the museum, and be entertained by the music of Beverley Smitley of Berne.  

See you there!  

Wells County Garage Project Links Past With Future

Wells County Engineer Larry Owen has a problem. 

 

The county garage is getting old, but a new one costs a truckload of money. And there isn’t much of that around just at the moment.  

 

The building was originally constructed in 1906 as the headquarters maintenance facility of two interurban railroads that were based in Bluffton - the Marion, Bluffton and Eastern Traction Company, and its subsidiary, the Bluffton, Geneva and Celina Traction Company. 

 

“Trains ran between Marion and here,” explained Owen. “‘Eastern’ as far as I know never did develop. There was a track that did run east and went to Geneva, but it never did get to Celina. That’s very interesting, and maybe part of the reason is that the times were changing. The President of the company was killed in the Kingsland wreck, so I’m sure it really was a set back to that company, and it just never went further than Geneva.

 

“So that may have been the ‘Eastern,’ although I have never seen a direct connection. It’s really the only thing you would consider going east from here. Everything else was either to Fort Wayne, or to Muncie or to Marion.”

 

The building though is showing its age now, and Owen has his sights set on newer facilities for the County Highway Department. He estimates the project to cost $457,000, and is pursuing various potential funding opportunities in the hope of finding the money. 

 

Owen however, does not want the new building to  come at the expense of the old, given its rich history, and he hopes that rehabilitation of the existing garage can also be a part of the project. 

 

His proposal will see the new building located in the open area beside the garage, while the current building will be retained as an historic site, and also used for some storage of vehicles. 

 

“We will restore it to its original state as best we can,” proposed Owen. “It’s an historic building, but it’s not particularly fancy. It’s very totalitarian for the time, and some changes have been made to it for our use. Without proposing that we turn it back and put rails through it as they had, as we would still want to use it for storage of vehicles and stuff, but we think we can do that, and still bring back the character of the building in terms of how the interior was set up. It was kind of a big wide open barn actually.”

 

Owen is hoping that the history of the site can actually count in his favor in applying for Federal funding, as it provides a solid link between the garage and the community. 

 

“These Federal Aid projects, you need to show ‘public support,’ he noted. “I think that would be a way to show public interest in our project, as a place to remember the era, if we converted the building. I’ve talked to the historical society, and it could even be a tourist business for the county. There is a letter from (Director of Economic Development) Mike Row in there (the documentation being used to support his funding applications) about that too.”

 

As part of the historical aspect of the building, Owen would like to set aside a part of the building for a “mini-museum,” celebrating the interurban era. 

 

He notes that there is no memorial to the Kingsland Wreck, which took place on Sept. 21, 1910, in which 41 people, many of them local business identities, were killed. 

 

“If we’d had a plane crash, like they did in Pennsylvania, there would be some sort of mass memorial,” pondered Owen. “There really isn’t anything like that that I’m aware of.”

 

Owen was unsuccessful in his first bid to secure federal support for his project, but he intends to persist. 

 

“When I look at those (projects) that did get funded, 75 percent of them have trails, so I have said to the mayor ‘I’m going to submit this again next year, is there any way we can include a trail from our building, up town, wherever the trail is officially, up here?’” 

 

Owen is hopefully that this approach can produce results. He notes that the line to Marion went right down the middle of Washington Street, which doesn’t place it too far from other proposed trails.

 

“I’m not (exactly) sure how we could do it, but the mayor seemed open to it at the time,” enthused Owen. 

 

He also notes that the old depot was located in the parking lot just east of the library. Although the building has long since disappeared, it would be possible to acknowledge its existence on such a trail, which would also pass the Carnegie Annex, the library and the museum. 

 

Should Owen succeed with his proposal, the public would be encouraged to visit the site during normal working hours, and also after hours by appointment. Where possible, pre-scheduled tours would be hosted with assistance from either Wells County Historical Society members or County Highway Department staff. 

 

The site would enable future generations to see up close the interurban era which played a pivotal role in the development of the City of Bluffton during the early 1900s. 

Welcome to the News-Banner Heritage blog

We will be covering events and stories of historical interest from Northeast Indiana, and hope that you will find our new site of interest. 

Frank