co-authors Lee Ann Sandweiss and Jim Madison. (Photo provided)

By AMY LAMB
Media Relations Manager, Indiana Historical Society

As Indiana’s bicentennial year approaches, the Indiana Historical Society continues to roll out more of its many efforts to prepare Hoosiers for the celebration and conversation.

Multiple Indiana Bicentennial-related educational initiatives were launched on Nov. 6 at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center.

The History Center, home of IHS, is located at 450 W. Ohio St., downtown Indianapolis.

During an evening event, IHS introduced “Hoosiers and the American Story”, its new supplemental text designed for middle and high school students. Co-authored by James H. Madison and Lee Ann Sandweiss, the book provides intimate views of individuals and places in Indiana, set within themes from American history such as agriculture, wars, industrialization, ethnic conflicts, technological improvements and more.

By epitomizing large national issues, it helps students personally relate to national ideas and events, while learning what it meant and means to be a Hoosier.

IHS is offering copies of “Hoosiers and the American Story” free of charge to classrooms and libraries throughout the state through the generous support of Lilly Endowment Inc. The book is also available for sale to the general public for $19.95.

Earlier in the day, IHS had more than 100 educators from more than 65 schools registered for the first of its several regional teacher training workshops offered throughout the state. Designed to introduce and share a bevy of educational resources from IHS, Indiana Humanities and other organizations, participants also heard from speakers and connected with groups that can assist them with teaching state and local history.

IHS also offered its first look at a new application for its Destination Indiana concept—a website that allows students to both view and create time-travel “journeys” by grouping together images on a particular subject. The Destination Indiana website is supported by Care Institute Group, Inc.

Three more educator workshops are scheduled: Nov. 13 in Fort Wayne, Nov. 20 in Madison and Feb. 6 back at the History Center and more will be offered leading up to the official Bicentennial year of 2016.

Through a generous gift from Lilly Endowment Inc., and in an effort to make the workshops as accessible as possible, IHS provides funds for substitute teachers and a travel stipend for each workshops’ attendees. Educator slots are still available for the upcoming workshops, which can be reserved by calling IHS at (317) 232-1882.

Both Hoosiers and the American Story and the series of educator workshops have been endorsed by the Indiana Bicentennial Commission.

For more information on IHS and its many Bicentennial initiatives, call (317) 232-1882 or visit www.indianahistory.org.