Roy Johnson, first space administrator

LA PORTE — The Hoosier State is 200 years old this year and the La Porte County Historical Society Museum is celebrating in a big way.

After many months of planning, the Bicentennial Display, “Prominent People of La Porte County,” is up and ready to be viewed.

The exhibit, which was sanctioned by the State Bicentennial Commission, revolves around the many accomplished and talented folks that, at one time or another, have called La Porte County “home.”

The committee consists of Historical Society Board Members Greg Fruth and Joanne Gorecki, County Historian Fern Eddy Schultz, Historical Society President Bruce Johnson and Curator, Susie Richter.

Together they have been researching, writing, and finding photos of more than 40 citizens, past and present. Thanks goes to Bobbi Laughlin of Reprographics in Michigan City for the professional printing of all the bios and photos.

Don Larsen, World Series no-hitter

Some of our famous people include foot-specialist Dr. Scholl, first space administrator Roy Johnson, The Maple City Four, and artist Isamu Noguchi.

We even have folks that are still alive. They include World Series no-hitter pitcher Don Larsen, movie star Ashley Hinshaw, and Siri inventor Dag Kittlaus. All have made a contribution, not just locally but nationally and internationally.

The exhibit will be on display on the lower level of the museum for all of 2016.

A reception is being planned for the public to meet some of our famous people from 1-4 p.m. April, 16. The Museum is located at 2405 Indiana Avenue, (US 35) at the south entrance to La Porte. Hours of operation are 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information about the La Porte County Historical Society and its Museum, visit our website.