As a result of Indiana’s Bicentennial Celebration, there is a growing interest in the Indiana story. This renewed interest in our history affords a useful opportunity to review where we have been, appraise our present position, and plan our future development. Hoosiers have enjoyed a two centuries of democratic self-government. Only a small percentage of the world’s population can claim as much.
These Indiana History resources offers the reader a guide to our state. It offers information about our history, government, our emblems and symbols, historic sites throughout the state, museums and much more.
Visit Indiana- 4th Grade Social Studies Curriculum This resource provides the tools you’ll need to connect your students with Indiana’s history through the lens of travel. Built on a Problem-Based Learning methodology, students develop flexible knowledge, effective problem-solving skills, self-directed learning and effective collaboration skills as they explore Indiana, its history and allure.
Hoosier History and Indiana State Parks An elementary school curriculum for exploring Hoosier history through the lens of Indiana State Parks’ development.
Indiana State Library - The Indiana State Library (ISL) has served the citizens of Indiana since 1825. The ISL is just a few steps away from the Indiana Statehouse and open to the public for a variety of needs including but not limited to; genealogy, Indiana history, preservation, rare books and manuscripts, reference and government services, Talking Books and Braille library, as well as the State Data Center. It also serves as a free facility for meetings and special events available to state agencies and the community (some fees apply to non-agency events).
Hoosier State Chronicles provides free full text access to historical Indiana newspapers. The collection is maintained by the Indiana State Library, which maintains a blog with frequent updates about the collection. Indiana residents can also access over 1 million additional newspaper pages via INSPIRE. Visit http://blog.newspapers.library.in.gov/digitized-newspapers/inspire/ for details.
Conner Prairie an Interactive History Park, or living history museum, in Fishers, Indiana, that preserves the William Conner home, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and recreates part of life in Indiana in the 19th century on the White River.
Indiana Historical Bureau - Founded in 1915 as the Indiana Historical Commission, its initial purpose was to prepare for the centennial of Indiana's statehood. The bureau largely concentrates on the placement of new historical markers across Indiana and encourages education in Indiana history.
Talking Hoosier History an Indiana history podcast produced by the Indiana Historical Bureau.
The Indiana Historian The Indiana Historian is a magazine on varied topics in Indiana history, which demonstrates and encourages good research techniques and the use and proper documentation of a variety of primary sources. Photographs, illustrations, maps, and interesting documents enhance each issue. Activities are suggested to help the learning process and add resources for local and state history. Complimentary copies were sent to every educational institution, library, cultural, and historical organization in the state. Publication ceased in 2003; print copies and digital downloads are available.
Indiana Almanac Events in Indiana history in almanac form.
Indiana Territory This issue documents the formation of Indiana from the Northwest Territory, through various stages as Indiana Territory. Includes discussions of finances and slavery. William Henry Harrison's life and career is highlighted in the timeline.
Indiana Statehood Provides details about the process, the people, and the times that led to Indiana's acceptance as the nineteenth state on December 11, 1816.
Indiana Constitution of 1851 Describes the rewriting of the Constitution and why, the constitutional convention of 1851, its members, and the differences between the two Indiana Constitutions, women's rights, and African-American immigration.
Lewis & Clark – Indiana Connections The state of Indiana has an important, recognized connection to the Lewis and Clark Expedition. That connection was reinforced with a National Signature Event in Clarksville in October 2003.
The Society of Indiana Pioneers – During the Centennial celebration, this organization was formed to include people who were descendants of the early settlers of Indiana. In preparation for the 200th anniversary of statehood the Society will honor special pioneers from each of Indiana’s 92 counties.
ArtSmart: Indiana ArtSmart: Indiana, written by Susan O. Chavers in 1985 and copyrighted by the Art Museum of Greater Lafayette, is a visual means of learning about art appreciation and the culture and history of Indiana, 1800 to present day.
A Long Time Ago Want to learn more about Indiana, its history and the people that used to live here? Here are some things to get you started on that journey. Created by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
Famous Hoosiers – from Visit Indiana. A long list of famous people from Indiana.
Let’s Have Fun -Do you like coloring pages or puzzles or word searches? Well, everything from coloring pages to arts and crafts are here. They are fun and will help you learn more about Indiana and its outdoors!
Center for History – Indiana History - If you want to learn more about Indiana history, you’ve come to the right place. This section covers the history of the state of Indiana from pre-history through the mid-20th century. Use the menu on the left to navigate to the section of Indiana history you would like to learn about.
“Indiana, My State” – a series of 4 books that provide information geography and geology as well as the culture of the state. The books are written at a 4th grade level.
Birthday Book – This is a state-wide poetry writing contest that will be implemented by each Indiana county. See the state-wide project plan at the link, but look to local libraries and other organizations for specifics on entering the contest in a specific county.
Indiana Destinations Are you ready to hit the trail? Hoosier Family of Readers and the National Center for Families Learning (NCFL) are excited you've joined us to discover 12 wonderful locations across Indiana. You'll explore caves, experience what life was like in 19th-century Indiana, get wild with zoo animals, even fly in a Piper airplane! Read together about the different Destinations, test out the family activities for each site, and see if you can answer the questions to earn stamps for your Travelogue. You can also visit the Destinations in person and create more family memories! Have fun with your family reading and learning about the great Destinations in Indiana!