Warsaw's reputation as the 'Orthopedic Capital Of The World' is better known outside of Indiana, but that could likely end if a new state museum has anything to do with it.

One of the permanent exhibits that will be featured in the proposed $90 million state museum in Indianapolis will highlight the history of industry in Indiana, including the emergence of orthopedics, which dates back to Warsaw in 1895.

Two of the chief organizers of the future museum have direct ties to the city.

Dale Ogden, curator of history with the Indiana State Museum, and Ron Newlin, interim director of the Indiana State Museum Society, grew up in Warsaw and visited the city Friday to promote the new exhibit.

Ogden and Newlin met with orthopedic executives from Zimmer, DePuy and Biomet at the Ramada to promote the company's future donations to the museum.

"This is such a great opportunity to showcase our community," said Brad Bishop, a representative of Zimmer.

More than 50 percent of all major orthopedic implants are manufactured in Warsaw. That means about 1.5 million people have benefited directly from Warsaw companies.

"It's a lot different than making a car part," said Bill Tidmore, president of DePuy, pointing to the direct impact orthopedics has in a person's quality of life.

Aside from an old sign near U.S. 30 that proclaimed the city as the Orthopedic Capital, its status has never been officially enshrined.

Some people contend the city's reputation is actually stronger outside of the state and abroad than inside the state, said Biomet president Dane Miller.

Given its reputation, international visitors often assume the city is much bigger. Upon visiting the orthopedic firms they often ask to tour the down skyline, not realizing there is not much of a skyline, Miller said.

The exhibit will trace the state's industrial history, but will culminate with a collection of displays highlighting cutting-edge technology that will spill over into the new millennium.

The orthopedic display will be "at the top of the list," Ogden said.

What patrons of the future museum will realize is Warsaw's unique role in the health care industry. Not only does Warsaw claim a rich industrial history spanning 100 years, but it can look forward to a strong future because of demand for the products.

The emphasis on new technologies is an attempt to better inform future college graduates of career opportunities that exist in Indiana and stem the tide of what is widely known as the 'brain drain.'

"Letting all Hoosiers know about the heritage and promise of communities throughout our state is our greatest opportunity," Newlin said.

The new museum will replace the current state facility, which is spread over three different buildings in the downtown Indianapolis area.

The state has dedicated $65 million, and the museum society is seeking private support of $25 million.

The current facilities are under-sized and lack appropriate environment or security for exhibits, Ogden said.

The new museum in White River State Park will encompass 320,000 square feet and include a theatre, auditorium and classrooms.

Currently, "classroom space is practically non-existent," Ogden said.

The opportunity to plan the new museum and include an exhibit connected to their hometown is a unique opportunity for Ogden and Newlin.

"As curator and director of the society, we have a little leeway in what we present. We're both proud of our little hometown," Ogden said.

Everytime he returns home, though, he said he's surprised at the continued growth.

"I do have a lot of pride in what's happened here in the past 25 years." [[In-content Ad]]