INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Historical Society (IHS) celebrates the Indianapolis bicentennial with a new exhibit inviting guests to step back in time to a scene featuring characters who worked on the city’s centennial pageant.
“You Are There 1920: Celebrate Indianapolis!” opened to the public on Sept. 18, at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, located at 450 W. Ohio St. in downtown Indianapolis. The exhibit experience gives visitors a glimpse into the long and complex history of a city and its people. It will remain open until Aug. 6, 2022. The exhibit is included with admission to the Indiana Experience, which is $13 for adults, $12 for seniors and $5 for kids (ages 5-17). IHS members and children younger than 5 receive free admission. For more information about this exhibit and other IHS offerings, call 317-232-1882 or visit www.indianahistory.org.
In the “You Are There” portion of the exhibit, visitors meet Mrs. Anna S. Casanges and members of the Handcraft Guild who are finalizing costumes as the centennial pageant opening looms just days away. Visitors have the opportunity to explore a variety of topics with exhibit interpreters, such as Native Americans and Indian removal, the first pioneers, city development and expansion, local businesses, government, technological progress, home life, prohibition, crime, health, education, entertainment, racial issues, women’s roles and xenophobia.
Outside of the “You Are There” experience with the actors, visitors are able to explore a vibrant collection of images and objects that span the history of Indianapolis.
In addition, an augmented reality mobile app — “Celebrate Indianapolis” — will allow visitors to explore personal stories from Indianapolis’s history brought to life by IHS Museum Theater actors. After downloading the app, viewers can choose from a menu of 10 Indianapolis residents, including Major Taylor, Eli Lilly and Madam C.J. Walker.