Indiana Historical Society issues grants
INDIANAPOLIS (Inside INdiana Business) — Eighteen local historical societies from across the state will benefit from grants from the Indiana Historical Society. The IHS issued more than $500,000 from its Heritage Support Grants program to the organizations in 15 Indiana counties.
The initiative is supported by a grant from Indianapolis-based Lilly Endowment, with the current iteration set to award $2.5 million to local historical organizations until 2024. The grants are used to meet needs in collections stewardship, diversity, equity, access and inclusion, and sustainability and planning.
The recipients include:
Bartholomew County Historical Society – The Bartholomew County Historical Society has received $45,000 to support the restoration of the Henry Breeding Farm, built in 1871 and considered to be the last 19th-century farmhouse in the county.
Daviess County Historical Society – The Daviess County Historical Society has received $31,500 to fund the renovation of the museum’s ground floor to use as collections and museum programming space.
Freeman Army Airfield Museum, Inc., – Freeman Army Airfield Museum has received $3,500 for a historical marker commemorating the 1945 civil rights protests by Tuskegee Airmen at the Freeman Army Airfield.
Friends of the Knox County Public Library – The Friends of the Knox County Public Library has received $26,000 to digitize early Knox County records.
Friends of the National New York Central RR Museum – The Friends of the National New York Central Railroad Museum has received $20,140 to construct and install a playhouse train for use in the new kids zone.
Historical Society of Ogden Dunes – The Historical Society of Ogden Dunes has received $5,000 to fund a historic structures report. The report will identify the condition and infrastructure needs of the 1932 Hour Glass cottage and assess the building’s capacity to implement accessible features.
Howard County Historical Society – The Howard County Historical Society has received $5,000 to aid in the restoration of the 1887 Seiberling Mansion’s porte-cochere.
Indiana Jewish Historical Society – The Indiana Jewish Historical Society has received $25,000 to fund the Indiana Jewish Preservation Corps pilot program.
Indianapolis Black Firefighters Association – The Indianapolis Black Firefighters Association has received $48,000 to aid in the renovation of a 1952 auxiliary fire station to create the Indianapolis Black Firefighters Museum.
International Circus Hall of Fame – The International Circus Hall of Fame received $50,000 to fund renovation of the 1922 American Circus Company office building to use for costume and archival storage.
Jackson County History Center – The Jackson County History Center has received $37,500 to repair the walls, siding and ceiling of their 1871 livery barn.
Jay County Historical Society, Inc. – The Jay County Historical Society has received $33,900 to replace the electrical system in the Jay County Historical Museum.
LaPorte County Historical Steam Society – The LaPorte County Historical Steam Society has received $20,000 to renovate an existing machine shop to develop an interpretive space focused on the evolution of the locomotive and steam-powered equipment.
Milan 54, Inc. – Milan 54 has received $50,000 to install a fire suppression system in the Milan ‘54 Hoosiers Museum. The fire suppression system will allow the organization to maintain a safe environment and protect the museum’s collection from harm.
Randolph County Historical Society, Inc. – The Randolph County Historical Society has received $10,000 to purchase a microfilm reader to expand public access to the RCHS documents and fund a collections assessment study.
Rome Community Center, Inc. – The Rome Community Center has received $50,000 to repair the roof of the 1818 Rome Courthouse.
Russiaville Historical Society – The Russiaville Historical Society has received $50,000 to renovate the interior of their 1912 interurban building for use as a museum and meeting location for the RHS. The renovation will allow the RHS to preserve their collection, interpret the interurban building space and promote the history of the town of Russiaville.
Working Men’s Institute – The Working Men’s Institute has received $15,000 to fund a temporary Collections Manager position. The Collections Manager will maintain WMI’s records, develop and curate museum exhibits, and support research activities.