Happy 3rd Anniversary to Us! We are thrilled to celebrate 3 incredible years of sharing Indy's history and want to give a huge shoutout to the people who supported us along the way. This year, we also hit an amazing milestone-half a million visitors to the encyclopedia!

Feeling dancey? Ready to get your groove on? Then read up on the history of dance bands in Indy! indyencyclopedia.org/dance-bands/

New Entry Spotlight: Indianapolis’ contemporary drag scene traces its roots to the 1960s. However, drag queens have been performing in Indy as far back as the 1860s. Learn more here: indyencyclopedia.org/drag-performan…

The biggest shopping day of the year is here. It's the perfect excuse to read up on the history of retailing in Indianapolis! indyencyclopedia.org/retailing/

New Entry Spotlight: This dapper gentleman is James Farrington Gookins. He was an artist and civil engineer who helped establish the first art school in Indianapolis and later helped oversee the construction of the Indiana Soldiers and Sailors Monument. indyencyclopedia.org/james-farringt…

As a nonprofit, we rely on donations to be able to continue documenting the people, stories, and places that make Indy unique. Donate today through the Indianapolis Public Library Foundation: indyencyclopedia.org/donate/

Did you know you can donate to the Encyclopedia of Indianapolis? Want to play a part in keeping Indy Encyclopedia going? Donate today through the Indianapolis Public Library Foundation: indyencyclopedia.org/donate/

Completed in 1878, the Belt Line Railroad became an essential component of Indianapolis' freight network. It passed through Union Station & stockyards and industries on the southwest side. By 1910, it was managing over a million freight cars annually. indyencyclopedia.org/belt-line-rail…

New Entry: The Communal Building on the south side of Indy provided a space for Jewish immigrants to receive help with naturalization, English language tutoring, & enrichment classes. It was also a place to host weddings, bar mitzvahs, lectures, & parties. indyencyclopedia.org/communal-build…

An Indianapolis native, Hortense Myers, pioneering journalist. She started with the Old Trail News in 1934 and became the first woman to join the International News Service in 1942. She's seen here driving a courtesy cart at the State Fair in the 1950s. indyencyclopedia.org/mary-hortense-…

Tomlinson Hall was a vital public meeting site in Indianapolis. Over its 72 years of existence, the building was used for festivals & events, political and labor rallies, storage, & even shelter for the homeless. Sadly, Tomlinson Hall burned down in 1958. indyencyclopedia.org/tomlinson-hall/

In 1935, Dr. Harvey Middleton moved to Indy & applied at City Hospital. Rejected due to discrimination, he went into private practice. He finally received a staff appointment. He later served at St. Vincent, Methodist, Community, and Winona hospitals. indyencyclopedia.org/harvey-nathani…

In 1876, IFD made history by hiring its first Black firefighters: Thomas Smith, Robert Braxton, James Graves, and Thomas Howard. These firefighters were crucial for the safety of Black neighborhoods, as many white firemen refused to work in those areas. indyencyclopedia.org/hose-company-9/

Did you know that Central Canal was originally intended to connect the Wabash and Erie Canal to the Ohio River? Only 8 miles of the canal system were fully completed before construction halted due to the Panic of 1837. indyencyclopedia.org/central-canal/

On this day in 1823, Hendricks County was founded. It was named after Gov. William Hendricks in 1824. Learn more about the county's history here: indyencyclopedia.org/hendricks-coun…

New Entry Spotlight: In 2024 Oasis of Hope embarked on a preservation mission. Learn all about the 75+ year history of the church at the EOI: indyencyclopedia.org/oasis-of-hope/ Check out the Oasis of Hope collection at Digital Indy: cdm17308.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collec…

Radio's Jim Shelton brought joy to Indianapolis with his show, "Pick-A-Pocket." Airing from the Circle Theatre, Shelton, wearing a 15-pocket apron designed by his wife Dorothy, invited people to “pick-a-pocket” & answer questions to win money and prizes. indyencyclopedia.org/jim-shelton/

Reaching 10 stories, the Majestic Building became the first tall building in Indianapolis in 1896. Not until 1912 was its height exceeded by the Merchants National Bank Building. indyencyclopedia.org/majestic-build…

In 1919, these women of the Salvation Army and Eastern Star prepared 20,000 boxed lunches for returning soldiers. This spirit of voluntary service has long been a hallmark of Indianapolis culture. Discover more about Indy's rich history of voluntarism! indyencyclopedia.org/voluntarism/

Do you love a good line graph? Is data crunching your favorite past time? Then you're going to love our Atlases! Each Atlas uses data and interactive charts to explore the quality of life in Central Indiana. Check them out here: indyencyclopedia.org/atlas/