Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis

The Indiana State Museum, located in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, serves as a dynamic repository of the state’s rich science, art, culture, and history, spanning from prehistoric times to the present. Founded in 1862 as a modest "cabinet of curiosities" by State Librarian R. Deloss Brown, the museum's evolution mirrors Indiana's commitment to preserving and celebrating its heritage.

In 1869, the Indiana General Assembly formalized the museum's mission to collect and preserve geological and natural history specimens. Over time, it expanded to include cultural artifacts, such as Civil War relics. Initially housed in the Statehouse, the collection faced neglect and displacement to the basement in 1919, leading to decline and periodic closures throughout the 20th century.

A turning point came during Governor Harold W. Handley’s administration, which authorized a Museum Study Commission to assess the institution's future. The commission’s recommendations led to the construction of a new facility, ensuring the museum's revival and its capacity to fulfill its mission of educating visitors about Indiana's diverse history and culture.

The museum boasts a collection of over 500,000 objects, categorized into six "Centers of Excellence" that define its unique character: Ice Age Paleontology, Abraham Lincoln, Indiana Art and Artists, Quilts and Textiles, Indiana Industry, Technology, and Agriculture, and Indiana Archaeology. The museum also manages the Indiana Governors' Portraits Collection, an ongoing effort to document the state's gubernatorial history through commissioned oil portraits.

In addition to its extensive collections, the museum oversees Indiana’s State Historic Sites, reinforcing its role as a steward of the state’s artistic and historical legacy. Its commitment to showcasing Indiana’s past and present makes it a vital cultural hub, connecting visitors with the stories that shape the Hoosier State.