Download this page as a printer-friendly PDF
Applying for an Indiana State Historical Marker
New two-part process!
Deadlines for 2012:
STEP ONE
Applicant by April 30, 2012 must submit 1-page Intent to Apply form - postmarked or emailed by 12 midnight EST.
Indiana Historical Bureau will notify applicants about selected topics by May 15, 2012.
STEP TWO
Applicant by August 13, 2012 must submit completed Application form - postmarked or emailed by 12 midnight EST.
Indiana Historical Bureau will notify applicants about selected markers in late fall 2012.
Before you proceed to the Intent to Apply form, please carefully read the directions below about applying for an Indiana State Historical Marker and follow the links to more specific information about Policies and Guidelines and Procedures regarding the Indiana State Historical Marker Program.
The IHB goal is to have approved 2012 application cycle historical markers ready to be ordered by April 2013.
Application limitations
- Only one marker may be requested on an Intent to Apply form.
- No applicant may submit more than one Intent to Apply form.
Application process overview
The application process for an Indiana State Historical Marker is rigorous to ensure that
- marker texts are accurate and provide historical context (background),
- markers are installed at appropriate sites, and
- necessary permissions have been obtained.
The increasing popularity of the Indiana State Historical Marker Program has prompted a two-step application process.
- In Step One, applicants must submit an Intent to Apply form by April 30, 2012. IHB will select the topics that best fulfill (1) Marker Program Guidelines or topics and for state and/or national significance and (2) IHB topic priorities for 2012 markers (see below). Applicants will receive notice from the IHB by May 15, 2012, whether their topics have been chosen to proceed to the second step of the Application process.
- Applicants approved to move to Step Two must submit to the IHB by August 13, 2012 a completed Application with all required attachments. Permission to proceed to Step Two and submit an Application does not guarantee that the Application will be successful.
- The IHB will carefully review every Application submitted; the number and quality of 2012 Applications submitted will be a factor in determining the number of Applications approved to move forward. The amount of time required for IHB to research each marker topic carefully and work with applicants to determine the marker text limits the number of Applications IHB can complete in a 12-month period and still fulfill other mandated responsibilities.
- IHB performs much of the final research required for the marker; however, the applicant must provide reliable, locally-available primary source materials in a timely fashion. A successful marker application involves collaboration between the IHB and marker applicants.
Topic Priorities for 2012 Markers
- The IHB, along with many historical organizations throughout the nation, is commemorating the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 (2011-2014) and the 150th anniversary of the Civil War (2011- 2015). Two of the IHB priorities are marker topics that relate in some way to Indiana’s relationship to the War of 1812 or the Civil War.
- The IHB is also giving priority to topics relating to the history in Indiana of African Americans, American Indians, and women. These subject areas have been given priority for a variety of reasons:
- their histories are not equitably represented in the current collection of Indiana State Historical Markers,
- the histories included on many markers currently installed are inaccurate or misleading,
- the current collection of markers generally does not provide perspectives of African Americans, American Indians, or women.
- Examples of standing markers that meet current criteria and 2012 priorities: Hannah Toliver, Charles Gordone, Christmas (Noel) Dagenet, Kiilhsoohkwa (Kilsoquah)
Cost of an Indiana State Historical Marker
An Indiana State Historical Marker for the 2012 application cycle will cost $2000. The applicant (an individual or an organization/institution) must raise the full cost of an Indiana State Historical Marker.
Need HELP?
If at any time during the process you have questions or need assistance, please contact
Dani Pfaff, Marker Program Manager
317-232-6276
dpfaff@history.in.gov
Stay Connected
