INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Historical Society will make Indiana's past brand new with a variety of events when it introduces the "Indiana Experience," which opens to the public March 20 at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center.
The History Center is at 450 W. Ohio St., Indianapolis.The Indiana Experience gala will take place March 19 at 6:30 p.m. Guests to this event will be among the first to see the new "Indiana Experience" and will enjoy hors d'oeuvres stations, desserts, an open bar and interaction with characters from Indiana's past. Tickets are $50 per person, or $92 for two (in honor of each Indiana county), and party attire is suggested. For reservations, call 317-233-6578. The gala is sponsored by Chubb Group of Insurance Companies and Keystone Construction Corp.
March 20 marks the public grand opening, which will begin at 10 a.m. and last until 5 p.m. After a ribbon-cutting ceremony, special activities, characters from Indiana's past and music will be offered throughout the day as visitors enjoy the public opening of the new "Indiana Experience." The History Center will remain open on the Sunday of the Grand Opening Weekend, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The "Indiana Experience" brings both the people of the state and visitors from around the world a uniquely Indiana experience. Interactive and high-technology experiences allow the IHS to share the tremendous archival holdings of the IHS, including 1.6 million photographs, in easy and enjoyable ways.
Regular operating hours for the "Indiana Experience" and the William H. Smith Memorial Library are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Basile History Market is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the Stardust Terrace Café is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
IHS members and children younger than 5 years old receive free admission to the "Indian Experience." Regular admission cost is $7 for adults, $6.50 for seniors 60 years old and older, and $5 per child ages 5 to 17 years old. Group rates for adults, seniors and students are available. Admission to the William H. Smith Memorial Library, Basile History Market and Stardust Terrace Café is free.
Parking is complimentary for members visiting the History Center, with paid admission to the "Indiana Experience," for patrons of the William H. Smith Memorial Library and/or with a $7 purchase at the Stardust Terrace Café or Basile History Market.
