Historical marker unveiled for Senate Avenue YMCA

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – The legacy of the Senate Avenue YMCA will live on through a new historical marker.

Rain didn’t stop a dedication ceremony on Thursday afternoon. The historical marker is located near Senate Avenue and Michigan Street in downtown Indianapolis.

The Senate Avenue YMCA opened in 1913. It was one of the largest African American YMCAs in the country.

The branch served as a spot for social activism and education.

Those at the dedication ceremony hope the historical marker inspires others to continue living out this YMCA’s legacy.

“As our country, our city, our community are dealing with difficult things, always think about organizations that can bring people together and not help divide. I think that the Y has done a lot of great work in the past, but there is so much more to be done,” said Steve Corbitt, board member of the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis.

The Senate Avenue YMCA moved to Fall Creek in 1959.

Those at the ceremony said they’ve been working to get this historical marker for more than 15 years.