Who is a Hoosier?

May 9 - June 14

at the Havilah Beardsley House

Image credit: Indiana Historical Society

Many people ask, "What is a Hoosier?" - and while the term's origins might be up for debate, this exhibit looks at how people with many different backgrounds have come to take pride in the nickname. Using maps and informational graphics, this exhibit highlights the statistical impact of changing ethnic groups over time in Indiana. It shows how the comings and goings of newcomers to the state, through immigration or migration, have created the Indiana we know today - and will continue to shape its future. Photographs from the IHS collection and other institutions across the state bring the personal stories of immigration to life.

Faces of the Civil War

June 16 - July 16

at the Havilah Beardsley House

Image credit: Indiana Historical Society

This special exhibit tells the stories of Hoosiers whose lives were touched, and in some cases taken, by the American Civil War. Not all are well-known or revered - many were just everyday citizens fulfilling their duties to their friends, family, state, and country. Rather than focusing on statistics and large scale battles, this exhibit illustrates how regular people coped with the tragic experiences of the day - all from an Indiana perspective.

2026 Special Programs: