In the mood for a bar crawl? Indiana Humanities’ sixth annual historic “bar” crawl, which combines thematically-appropriate food and drinks with historic re-enactments of stories of the city and its people will return to Indianapolis on June 20.

This year’s theme is “Out in Indy: Dragging Indianapolis LGBTQ History Out of the Closet.” Participants will weave through the Old Northside neighborhood, beginning and ending at Gregs Indy. In groups, they’ll journey to five different stops to learn about the significant people, places and events that contributed to the city’s remarkable and little-known history.

Keira Amstutz, President and CEO, Indiana Humanities, and Erin Becker, Actor, Indiana Historical Society, tell us more: 

Indiana Humanities spends several months working with the Indiana Historical Society and public history graduate students from IUPUI to conduct archival research and interviews in order to develop the vignettes and characters, which are brought to life by actors from the Indiana Historical Society. This year’s stops (typically not bars, but instead locations conducive to talking and/or tied to the theme) are all based on real events and include the nation’s first AIDS fundraiser and the state’s first Pride demonstration. Other stories and locations will be revealed on the night of the event, which is sponsored in part by Borshoff and receives significant in kind support from Sun King Brewing Company.

“This event is truly one-of-a-kind and is always one of our most popular events,” said Keira Amstutz, president and CEO at Indiana Humanities. “We’ve learned some really interesting things through the years, and had a little bit of fun, too. This year is even more exciting because we have been one of the first groups to access the Indiana Historical Society’s new archive produced from its Indiana LGBT Collecting Initiative and we worked with IHS to help build the important stories we’ll share with our attendees.”

Out in Indy: Dragging Indianapolis LGBTQ History Out of the Closet
When: Wednesday, June 20, 6 – 10 p.m. 
Where: Old Northside Indianapolis. Locations include Gregs Indy, English Ivy’s and the Indianapolis Propylaeum

Cost: $60 (Ticket price includes food and drinks at each location, as well as at the pre- and post-gatherings)
Reservations required: https//:outinindy.eventbrite.com 

The event is held in partnership with the Indiana Historical Society and Sun King Brewing Company and is sponsored in part by Borshoff. Other in-kind partners include Gregs Indy, English Ivy’s, the Indianapolis Propylaeum, Indiana Landmarks and Indy Pride, Inc.

In addition, an exhibit featuring some of the images and research conducted will be on display at the Indianapolis Public Library’s Central Library from May 2 until June 20.

About Indiana Humanities:
Indiana Humanities connects people, opens minds and enriches lives by creating and facilitating programs that encourage Hoosiers to think, read and talk. As a convener, leader and partner, Indiana Humanities promotes the public humanities and engages Indiana’s community of minds to create stronger, more vibrant communities. Learn more at www.indianahumanities.org.

About Indiana Historical Society:
Since 1830, the Indiana Historical Society has been Indiana’s Storyteller™, connecting people to the past by collecting, preserving 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 experiences called the Indiana Experience. IHS also provides support and assistance to local museums and historical groups; publishes books and periodicals; sponsors teacher workshops; produces and hosts art exhibitions, museum theater and outside performance groups; and provides youth, adult and family programs. IHS is a Smithsonian Affiliate and a member of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience.
 
About the LGBT Collecting Initiative:
The rich history, tradition and culture of the gay community in Indiana is now being collected and preserved by the Indiana Historical Society through its Indiana LGBT Collecting Initiative. History is written from the documentation which exists about a particular subject, and we are fill a gap in the historical record. With this initiative, IHS will collect oral histories, add new collections, add LGBT-related books and periodicals, collect personal papers from individuals and gather records of organizations, businesses or public services within the gay community.