IRVINGTON — The Bona Thompson Memorial Center has opened two new exhibits: Military Tattoos, and Irvington Homes — Steeped in History. “Military Tattoos” will run from May 4 to August 28 and is representative of the mission of the Irvington Historical Society to preserve the history of the community and relate to the current residents of Irvington. This unique exhibit will be of interest to veterans and current service members and carry the history of military tattoos to all our guests.
The history of military tattoos is artistically depicted through a series of photographs created in 2017 as a collaboration between IUPUI’s Office for Veterans and Military Personnel and John Herron photography students, Shelby Flora, and Zach Carrico. Each portrait features tattoos of past and present U.S. service members at IUPUI, which has the largest military related student population of any college campus or university in Indiana. Tattoos in the military are slightly taboo. Any ink that visible in places such as the face, neck, wrists, hands, or fingers is against regulation. But that hasn’t prevented veterans and active service members from creating permanent self-expression to symbolize their service and love of country.
The second exhibit is “Irvington Homes — Steeped in History” which runs May 4 to Sept 28. In 1870 Jacob Julian and Sylvester Johnson purchased 320 acres of the Jacob Sandusky farm, divided it into 109 lots and created Irvington. In the next three years, Irvington was incorporated as a town, built a railway depot, built a grade school and had a commitment from North Western Christian University (Butler) to relocate here. Plus, and most important for the current exhibit, real estate was being purchased and numerous homes were under construction. Irvington has continued to build, rebuild, raze and subdivide ever since. “Irvington Homes — Steeped in History” takes a look at a selection of 27 Greater Irvington homes built between 1850 (Wallace/Bosart at 4704 E. Washington St.) to 1951 (a modern double at 5243/5245 Market St.) using the research skills of local historians Steve Barnett, Paul Diebold and Bill Gulde. All three historians have deep connections to the history of Irvington and her residents as well as excellent story telling skills. The historical vignettes created from their research are enhanced with photos, documents, artifacts and art.
Additional events are being planned such as sessions on how to research the history of your own home; a Scan-a-Thon with the Indiana Album to collect and preserve local images and some historic walking tours. Visit www.irvingtonhistorical.info/events.html, or through the Facebook page, www.facebook.com/IRVHistoricalSociety/.
The Bona Thompson Memorial Center is located at 5350 University Avenue. Hours are Wednesday 1-3 and Saturday/ Sunday 1-4.
