2012 Update
The Indiana Historical Commission, established in 1915 to celebrate Indiana’s Centennial as a state, started marking Indiana's history in 1916. The Commission became the Indiana Historical Bureau—a state agency— by law in 1925. An official state marker program under the IHB, State of Indiana, was mandated in 1981 by the Indiana General Assembly (IC 4-23-7.2-11). A history of the marker program is available. The Indiana State Historical Marker format since 1946 is the familiar large dark blue and gold marker with the state of Indiana outline in the crest at the top.
Policies for the Indiana State Historical Marker Program are established by the Indiana Library and Historical Board and are available to the public. Guidelines and Procedures—including an opportunity to apply for new markers—are also available.
The IHB is committed to ensuring that the state’s history as represented by its State Historical Markers—as well as its other work—is inclusive, accurate, and honest. In conducting its work, the IHB abides by the ethical standards of the American Association for State and Local History, National Council on Public History, and the American Historical Association.
Recent Progress
- IHB staff, working with many wonderful volunteers, completed a four-year survey to determine the physical condition of more than 475 standing Indiana State Historical Markers. The reports indicate that 75% of the surveyed Indiana State Historical Markers were rated in Excellent or Good condition.
- Since 2010, volunteers have cleaned and repainted at least 16 Indiana State Historical Markers.
- IHB staff inspected the research files for over 550 Indiana State Historical Markers installed since 1946 to determine the quality of the sources available to corroborate the texts on the markers.
- Publication of reviews of markers will continue on the IHB website over the next few years until all needed reviews—an estimated 355—are completed.
2012 Goals
Working with individuals and organizations throughout the state, the IHB will,
- announce and implement a 2012 application deadline and process for new markers;
- continue to work to ensure that the texts and/or supporting documentation of all Indiana State Historical Markers, past and present, are supported with reliable primary sources;
- continue to survey and maintain the collection of standing Indiana State Historical Markers, which belong to the State of Indiana.
- If you or your organization is interested in applying for an Indiana State Historical Marker, please read the 2012 Marker Application information.
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