INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Historical Society encourages guests to visit, “You Are There 1939: Healing Bodies, Changing Minds” before it closes on Saturday, Aug. 6. The Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, home of the IHS and the Indiana Experience, is located at 450 W. Ohio St. in downtown Indianapolis.

While offering essential access to medical assistance to patients who may otherwise have gone without, African-American physician Dr. Harvey Middleton pursued learning opportunities throughout his decades-long career in medicine, even when discrimination made the road difficult.

While doing everything he could to improve the level of health care for his community, he also worked to gain the knowledge and skills that would eventually establish him as one of Indianapolis’ leading cardiologists. Eskenazi Health recently honored Dr. Middleton with the naming of Dr. Harvey Middleton Way on its main campus in honor of his many achievements.

Inside the exhibition at the History Center, guests can join African-American physician Dr. Harvey Middleton on June 24, 1939, in his office at 2101 Boulevard Place for an open house that is being used to introduce family, friends, colleagues and the broader community to the latest in electrocardiographic technology.

Check out Dr. Middleton’s consulting room, from his cardiette machine and physician’s license to the examining table and anatomical charts. Ask Dr. Middleton about his upcoming trip to London for further training, the exciting news he received last week or how he and others are working to make Indianapolis a better place for all its citizens.

In addition to speaking with Dr. Middleton about his practice, guests can also ask local chiropodist, or foot doctor, Sarah Tyree how she is involved with health and social issues important to women in her community. Visitors may also meet medical student Francis Hummons, son of Dr. Middleton’s friend and colleague, Dr. Henry Hummons.

Outside the recreated space, a content area shares information about Dr. Middleton’s many accomplishments achieved later in his life, as well as a cardiette machine he actually owned and used. Visitors can also learn more about heart health, healthcare access and disparity and more. Small displays can also be found throughout the History Center about Hoosiers who worked for civil rights prior to the movement of the 1950s and 1960s.

“You Are There 1939: Healing Bodies, Changing Minds” is presented by Advantage Health and Franciscan St. Francis Health Network, with support from the Marion County Public Health Department, the Aesculapian Medical Society and the Indiana State Medical Association.

Operating hours for the Indiana Experience are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For information on IHS or the Indiana Experience, call (317) 232-1882 or visit them online.

Since 1830, the Indiana Historical Society has been Indiana’s storyteller, connecting people to the past by collecting, preserving, interpreting 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 exhibitions 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 programming.