Indiana Humanities

What a historic evening!

This week, the Studebaker National Museum hosted Indiana author Ryan L. Cole for an engaging evening celebrating his new book, "The Last Adieu: Lafayette’s Triumphant Return, the Echoes of Revolution, and the Gratitude of the Republic."

Cole discussed the 1824–1825 grand tour in which the Marquis de Lafayette — the last living major general of the Continental Army — journeyed through all twenty-four states of the young republic, inspiring hundreds of celebrations, parades, and events in his honor.

The evening included a tour of the museum's most extraordinary artifacts, as Curator Kyle Sater shares the fascinating story behind one of the carriages Lafayette used during his celebrated tour of the United States, a permanent part of the museum’s collection.

This event was supported by an Indiana Humanities grant.

We have a new face AND a new project to announce here at Indiana Humanities!

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, we're kicking off Matters of Religion, a multi-year endeavor that invites Hoosiers to explore the role of religion in our lives, and to engage with how religious liberty — an idea that was central to the founding of America — influences education, democracy, culture, and the breadth of human experience in our religiously vibrant and diverse state.

To help guide this project, Emma Crossen has joined us as the director of religious initiatives. Here's what she has to say about the project:

“The stuff of religion is the stuff of being human – how we seek truth, make meaning, understand right and wrong, and embrace (or reject) stories, traditions, and institutions to find guidance and belonging in these endeavors. Every person, family, and community in Indiana has a story to tell about the matters of religion in their own lives. I'm excited to engage Hoosiers in programs that help us approach these stories with curiosity and respect.”

To stay up to date on Matters of Religion programs, grantmaking, fellowships, and more, make sure you're signed up for our newsletter.

Learn more: https://indianahumanities.org/program/matters-of-religion/

Join the Evansville Wartime Museum and WNIN for another free event focusing on "The American Revolution" docuseries on June 13!

In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, clips from the new PBS documentary will be shown, followed by a panel conversation featuring local experts. Light refreshments will be served.

This program has been made possible by Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations, WNIN, and Indiana Humanities, with special thanks to the Evansville Wartime Museum.

RSVP: https://events.humanitix.com/evansville-the-american-revolution

Don't miss it!

History Speaks: America 250 is this Saturday! Spend the day exploring living history at Buckley Homestead County Park with historical performances, music, exhibits, and interactive experiences for all ages.

Bring your family, invite your friends, and step into America’s story.
📅 Saturday, June 13
⏰ 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
🎟 FREE Admission

For more information visit: https://crownpointlibrary.org/2026/05/22/history-comes-to-life-at-history-speaks-america-250/

Lake County Parks
Lake County Historical Society and Museum
Indiana Humanities
Friends of the Crown Point Library

We're loving these photos from SullivanMunce Cultural Center's recent humanities event in Zionsville!

Their “Preserving Our Place" lecture series on history, heritage, and the future of the community features preservation professionals, historians, and community advocates who present lectures designed to increase awareness, appreciation, and practical knowledge of historic preservation.

The talks explore topics such as the ways that preservation strengthens communities, builds cultural identity, and supports economic development; landmark structures in Zionsville and Boone County and preservation success stories; statewide preservation trends and tools; and more.

Stay up to date on their upcoming events: https://www.sullivanmunce.org

📸: SullivanMunce Cultural Center

We had a wonderful time seeing new and familiar faces at the Eiteljorg Museum's First Friday Block Party!

Community is one of our core values and we relish any opportunity to spend time with Hoosiers and share information about our programs and grants. We brought an activity for folks to engage with at the event, but we wanted to bring it to our virtual audience as well, so feel free to chime in below!

What is one topic you'd like to learn about and what's one topic you could talk about for hours?

On June 11, the Studebaker National Museum will welcome author and historian Ryan L. Cole for an engaging evening celebrating his new book," The Last Adieu: Lafayette’s Triumphant Return, the Echoes of Revolution, and the Gratitude of the Republic."

Cole will bring to life the remarkable 1824–1825 grand tour in which the Marquis de Lafayette—the last living major general of the Continental Army—journeyed through all twenty-four states of the young republic, inspiring hundreds of celebrations, parades, and events in his honor.

The evening will then move to one of the museum’s most extraordinary artifacts, as Curator Kyle Sater shares the fascinating story behind one of the carriages Lafayette used during his celebrated tour of the United States, a permanent part of the museum’s collection. Following both talks, guests are invited to enjoy a Q&A session, light refreshments, and the chance to explore the rest of the museum at their leisure.

RSVP: https://studebakermuseum.org/event/the-last-adieu-lafayettes-farewell-tour-and-the-carriage-that-carried-a-nations-memory/

Ready to try something new to kick off the weekend?

Catch us at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art for a Free First Friday Block Party on June 5 from 3 to 7pm. Enjoy free museum admission (or pay what you can), live music, food trucks, arts and humanities activities, and screenings of "Things You May Know But Cannot Explain."

This event is free and family-friendly and we hope to see you there!

Were you able to catch the Broadway musical, "SUFFS," that broadcasted live on PBS earlier this month?

Inspired by the show, the The Indianapolis Propylaeum will host a community-centered experience on June 9 that invites attendees to share their perspective, listen to others, and engage in meaningful dialogue about the history of women’s suffrage and the ongoing importance of using your voice today.

Roundtable discussion topics include:
- The Past That Built the Path: Historical Context on Suffrage
- How Change Actually Happens: Activism & Strategy
- From Stage to Reality: Reflecting on SUFFS the Musical
- Who Holds the Power?: Influence, Voice & Representation
- Progress, Pushback & What’s Next: Barriers & Backlash

This all-ages event is held in partnership with WFYI and Indiana Humanities, and is free and open to the public. Register today: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/propylaeumhistoricfoundation/event/propupyourvoice/

"Take your time. It's been 250 years."

That's what it says on the sign outside of Timeless French Lick's historic visitor center, where the Voices and Votes exhibit will be stationed until June 28.

As a reminder, Voices and Votes is part of Museum on Main Street, a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and state humanities councils nationwide that works with rural communities to design and host high-quality exhibits and create dynamic public programs across the U.S.

You can learn more about Voices and Votes and the other tour stops here: https://indianahumanities.org/program/voicesandvotes/