Indiana Commission on Public Records - News Releases

[ICPR] State Historic Records Board Opens Application Period for Historical Document Preservation and Digitization Grant (4/23/2013 - 4/24/2013)

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 04:00:01 GMT

Start Date:	4/23/2013	Start Time:	12:00 AM
End Date:	4/24/2013	End Time:	11:59 PM

INDIANAPOLIS (April 23, 2012) - The Indiana State Historic Records Advisory Board (SHRAB) announces the availability of two grant opportunities, archival assessment and digitization grants. The archival assessment grant allows for institutions to hire a consultant to analyze the conditions of historical records and report recommendations. Digitization grants are available as a means for entities to digitize specific types of records that may currently be at risk. The digitization of these documents will allow citizens and interested parties greater access to these records through preservation and online availability.

The SHRAB is providing grant funds of up to $5,000, requiring a local match in cash or in‐kind of an equal amount of the total project cost. These grants will be available to not‐for‐profit organizations and units of local government in the State of Indiana. Priority will be given to institutions whose records are currently at risk. The grant funds are provided by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission of the National Archives.

“The State Archives and Indiana SHRAB are pleased to provide this opportunity to preserve and make accessible the historic records of Indiana, primarily those at risk of being lost forever,” said Jim Corridan, State Coordinator of the Indiana SHRAB. “This grant could make the difference in successfully completing future research or family history.”

Applications must be received by email or postmarked no later than Friday, May 31, 2013 and may be found online via www.SHRAB.IN.gov. Grantees will be announced July 3, 2013.

About The State Historic Records Advisory Board
The State Historic Records Advisory Board was established in February of 2006 by Governor Mitch Daniels and re-authorized by Governor Pence upon taking office. It is charged with being the central advisory body for historical records planning and preservation in Indiana. The SHRAB works with the Commission on Public Records and repositories throughout the state to accomplish its task. For more information about the SHRAB, please visit SHRAB.IN.gov or email shrab@icpr.IN.gov.

Grant Guidelines | Digitization Standards | Grant Application | Grant Budget

[ICPR] Governor Pence presented with Copy of the Indiana Constitution (3/20/2013)

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 04:00:01 GMT

Start Date:	3/20/2013	Start Time:	12:00 AM
End Date:	3/20/2013	End Time:	11:59 PM

INDIANAPOLIS (March 20, 2013) – Indiana Governor Mike Pence was presented with a framed copy of the first page of the current Indiana Constitution Tuesday in his Statehouse office. Jim Corridan, Director & State Archivist of the Indiana Commission on Public Records, presented the Constitution, which is in the care of the Indiana State Archives. Corridan also presented a complete, bound copy of the original version of the 1851 document.

The Indiana State Archives maintains the original copies of both State Constitutions, from 1816 and 1851, as well as the manuscript copy of the journal of the 1815 constitutional convention. The constitutions are currently on display in the Statehouse Rotunda, and will remain throughout the legislative session. The founding documents are housed in the Capitol in a case made from the Constitutional Elm, the tree under which the 1816 Constitution was drafted.

A digital copy of the 1851 Indiana Constitution is available at www.IN.gov/history/2473.htm.

About the Indiana State Archives
The Indiana State Archives collects records of historical value from all branches of Indiana state and local government, including governmental history, census and naturalization records for families, selected medical, military and criminal records, records of land ownership, maps, blueprints and photographs. Visit archives.icpr.IN.gov for a detailed listing of these resources, including links to online exhibits and electronic indices of select records.

About the Indiana Commission on Public Records
Under Director and State Archivist Jim Corridan, the Indiana Commission on Public Records assists State and local governments in the cost-effective, efficient and secure management of governmental records, by providing services throughout the life cycle of records, including creation, use, storage, and disposition. Visit icpr.IN.gov for more information.

[ICPR] State Archives Display Commemorates Women in Indiana Who Broke Barriers (3/5/2013 - 3/6/2013)

Tue, 5 Mar 2013 05:00:01 GMT

Start Date:	3/5/2013	Start Time:	12:00 AM
End Date:	3/6/2013	End Time:	11:59 PM

INDIANAPOLIS (March 4, 2013) – The Indiana Statehouse is featuring a unique display celebrating Women’s History Month in March. Women in Indiana Who Broke Barriers was designed by the Indiana State Archives and celebrates the life and work of four women who broke gender barriers in the Hoosier State. Those featured include:

•   Dr. Sarah Stockton (1842-1924), the first female physician at Central State Hospital in Indianapolis;
•   Emma Christy Baker (1865-1955), the first African-American woman to be an officer with the Indianapolis Police Department;
•   Antionette Dakin Leach (1859-1922), the first woman to challenge denial of admission to the Bar based on gender; and
•   Lovina Streight (1830-1910), who earned her title “Mother of the Fifty-first” by accompanying the Fifty-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry at battle and nursed the sick and dying.

The Women in Indiana Who Broke Barriers will be located in the fourth-floor South Atrium of the Statehouse and may be viewed during regular public hours.

The included image, on loan from the State Museum, is of a newly-installed portrait of Lovina Streight at the Statehouse. The portrait, alongside Indiana Civil War Governor Oliver Perry Morton, can be found on fourth-floor South Atrium wall.

About the Indiana State Archives
The Indiana State Archives collects records of historical value from all branches of Indiana state and local government, including governmental history, census and naturalization records for families, selected medical, military and criminal records, records of land ownership, maps, blueprints and photographs. Visit archives.icpr.IN.gov for a detailed listing of these resources, including links to online exhibits and electronic indices of select records.

[ICPR] Historical Crawfordsville Land Office Index Now Available Online (2/27/2013)

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 05:00:01 GMT

Start Date:	2/27/2013	Start Time:	12:00 AM
End Date:	2/27/2013	End Time:	11:59 PM

INDIANAPOLIS (February 27, 2013) – New material from the Crawfordsville Land Office has been made available through the nationally-recognized Indiana Digital Archives (digitalarchives.IN.gov). The Crawfordsville Land Office Index includes more than 38,000 records of purchases of public lands from Benton, Boone, Carroll, Clay, Clinton, Fountain, Hendricks, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Owen, Parke, Putnam, Tippecanoe, Vermillion, Warren, and White Counties. Sales of public land at the Crawfordsville Land Office began in September of 1820 and continued until 1853.

Researchers will find the names of the purchasers of public land, original date of purchase, as well as a legal description of the tract purchased. Users of the Bureau of Land Management’s online database of patentees (www.glorecords.blm.gov) can use the Indiana Public Lands Database to locate the same parcel of land in order to narrow the original purchase date of their ancestor’s tract, which preceded the patent date.

“Thanks to the efforts of the Indiana State Archives’ volunteers, early Indiana land records are now more accessible than ever,” said Jim Corridan, State Archivist of Indiana. The Crawfordsville Land Office records were indexed by Indiana State Archives’ volunteer Dr. Walter Jolly.

With the addition of the Crawfordsville Land Office Index, the Indiana Public Lands Database contains nearly 220,000 records of public lands purchased from four Indiana land districts: Vincennes, Fort Wayne, LaPorte-Winamac, and Crawfordsville. Two districts – Jeffersonville and Indianapolis – remain to be indexed.

Researchers can view the Crawfordsville Land Office Index and many other popular Indiana State Archives collections through the Indiana Digital Archives. Friends of the Indiana State Archives volunteers have been hard at work for nearly two decades creating indices for many of the state's records. From before statehood in 1816 and on through to its approaching bicentennial, Indiana has been home to millions of settlers and immigrants. The Digital Archives enables Hoosiers and citizens worldwide to view the vast collection of historical and vital records housed at the State Archives.

About the Indiana Digital Archives
The Indiana Digital Archives is operated by the State Archives Division of the Indiana Commission on Public Records. The result of a cooperative partnership made possible by a grant from the Library of Congress and administered by the Washington State Archives, the Digital Archives has more than 2.9 million searchable records online. Other partners include the states of Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, North Carolina, and Oregon. The Digital Archives was named a Best State Website by "Family Tree Magazine” for the third-consecutive year in 2012.

About the Indiana State Archives
The Indiana State Archives collects records of historical value from all branches of Indiana state and local government, including governmental history, census and naturalization records for families, selected medical, military and criminal records, records of land ownership, maps, blueprints and photographs. Visit archives.icpr.IN.gov for a detailed listing of these resources, including links to online exhibits and electronic indices of select records.

[ICPR] Register Today for the Indiana SHRAB Paper Conservation Workshop (2/26/2013)

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 05:00:01 GMT

Start Date:	2/26/2013	Start Time:	12:00 AM
End Date:	2/26/2013	End Time:	11:59 PM

INDIANAPOLIS (February 26, 2013) – Volunteers and professionals committed to preserving Indiana's documentary heritage are invited to a paper conservation workshop at the Indiana State Archives on March 21, 2013. The Indiana State Historic Records Advisory Board (SHRAB), in conjunction with the Indiana Commission on Public Records (ICPR), are hosting this free, all-day event, which will provide valuable information for those who work with and care for historical records. The SHRAB workshop will focus on preservation and hands-on repair of paper records.

The workshop includes a complementary lunch (courtesy of the SHRAB), and certified public library professionals in attendance can receive Library Education Units. The workshop is limited to 16 participants so register today at the SHRAB.IN.gov Conference page. Contact Kaelynn Hayes at 317/591-5222 for registration information.

Workshop Schedule:

•    10:00 AM - Welcome/Introductions: Jim Corridan, Indiana State Archivist

•    10:15 AM-12:15 PM Concurrent Session I: Preservation, Mending, and Hands-on Conservation Workshop: Preservation methods revealed. Students will learn to repair documents that are soiled and/or torn. Cleaning techniques will also be covered. Learn why to use specific supplies in preservation work and where to purchase archival supplies. Elizabeth Hague, Indiana State Archives

•    Concurrent Session II: Environmental Considerations for Cultural Heritage Materials: How do environmental conditions including temperature, relative humidity, light, and pollutants affect cultural heritage materials? Learn how to evaluate conditions in your collections storage areas. Find ideas for small and large changes to improve the preservation environment for your collections. Stephanie Gowler, Indiana State Library

•    12:15-1:15 PM Lunch (courtesy of the SHRAB) and Feature Speaker: Jim Corridan, Indiana State Archivist

•    1:30-3:30 PM Concurrent Session I: Preservation, Mending, and Hands-on Conservation Workshop: Preservation methods revealed. Students will learn to repair documents that are soiled and/or torn. Cleaning techniques will also be covered. Learn why to use specific supplies in preservation work and where to purchase archival supplies. Elizabeth Hague, Indiana State Archives

•    Concurrent Session II: Environmental Considerations for Cultural Heritage Materials: How do environmental conditions including temperature, relative humidity, light, and pollutants affect cultural heritage materials? Learn how to evaluate conditions in your collections storage areas. Find ideas for small and large changes to improve the preservation environment for your collections. Stephanie Gowler, Indiana State Library

REGISTRATION FORM

[ICPR] State Archives Display Commemorates Black History Month (2/1/2013)

Fri, 1 Feb 2013 05:00:01 GMT

Start Date:	2/1/2013	Start Time:	12:00 AM
End Date:	2/1/2013	End Time:	11:59 PM

INDIANAPOLIS (February 1, 2013) – The Indiana State Archives has designed a display that will be featured at the Indiana Statehouse during Black History Month this February. Black Hoosiers in America’s Wars features photographs and documents highlighting the service and valor of African American soldiers in times of conflict from the Revolutionary War through the Vietnam War.

Among the documents are muster rolls for the 28th Regiment United States Colored Troops (an Indiana unit), and photographs of Indiana African-American soldiers in World Wars I and II, Korea, and Vietnam. The featured image is of Lieutenant Aaron R. Fisher of Lyles Station, Gibson County, Indiana. Lt. Fisher was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross by the United States for “exceptional bravery in action” near Lesseau, France on September 3, 1918. The Government of France described Lt. Fisher as “an officer of admirable courage” and presented him with the Croix de Guerre with Gold Star.

The Black Hoosiers in America’s Wars will be located in the fourth-floor atrium of the Statehouse and may be viewed during regular public hours.

The State Archives also has several online resources featuring historical African American history, including the African American Family History Resources webpage and related indexes available via the Indiana Digital Archives. Additionally, the Indiana State Library has useful guides with more information about state resources for anyone interested in beginning their African American family history research.

About the Indiana State Archives
The Indiana State Archives collects records of historical value from all branches of Indiana state and local government, including governmental history, census and naturalization records for families, selected medical, military and criminal records, records of land ownership, maps, blueprints and photographs. Visit archives.icpr.IN.gov for a detailed listing of these resources, including links to online exhibits and electronic indices of select records

[ICPR] Historical Marion County Court Record Index Now Available Online (1/29/2013)

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 05:00:01 GMT

Start Date:	1/29/2013	Start Time:	12:00 AM
End Date:	1/29/2013	End Time:	11:59 PM

INDIANAPOLIS (January 29, 2013) – The nationally-recognized Indiana Digital Archives (www.digitalarchives.in.gov) has made available new materials for historians, researchers and residents interested in Indiana’s heritage. The Marion County Court Record Index includes nearly 130,000 court records created between 1822 and 1930. Aside from case files, the database includes bonds and licenses issued, summonses, subpoenas, jury lists, and coroner’s inquests.

This index encompasses most of the records transferred to the Indiana State Archives during the early 1960’s by the Marion County Clerk. It includes the first session of the Marion County Circuit Court on September 26, 1822, the 1829 establishment of a probate court, the courts of common pleas, and the 1871 establishment of the Superior Court of Marion County.

“The inclusion of the Marion County Court records into the Indiana Digital Archives creates one of the best resources for legal research and genealogy in the state,” said Jim Corridan, Indiana State Archivist. “This database brings to life the stories of thousands of Hoosiers and the legal conflicts faced by our ancestors.”

While not all of the Marion County Court documents have survived, Marion County court order books and complete record books are available at the State Archives for further research. Marion County court documents created after 1930 are not included in this database.

The Marion County Courts Index records were indexed by Indiana State Archives volunteer Mary Etta Boren who began working on the project in 2005.

Researchers can view the Marion County Court Record Index and many other popular Indiana State Archives collections through the Indiana Digital Archives. Friends of the Indiana State Archives volunteers have been hard at work for nearly two decades creating indices for many of the state's records. From before statehood in 1816 and on through to its approaching bicentennial, Indiana has been home to millions of settlers and immigrants. The Digital Archives enables Hoosiers and citizens worldwide to view the vast collection of historical and vital records housed at the State Archives.

About the Indiana Digital Archives
The Indiana Digital Archives is operated by the State Archives Division of the Indiana Commission on Public Records. The result of a cooperative partnership made possible by a grant from the Library of Congress and administered by the Washington State Archives, the Digital Archives has more than 2.8 million searchable records online. Other partners include the states of Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, North Carolina, and Oregon. The Digital Archives was named a Best State Website by "Family Tree Magazine” for the third-consecutive year in 2012.

About the Indiana State Archives
The Indiana State Archives collects records of historical value from all branches of Indiana state and local government, including governmental history, census and naturalization records for families, selected medical, military and criminal records, records of land ownership, maps, blueprints and photographs. Visit archives.icpr.IN.gov for a detailed listing of these resources, including links to online exhibits and electronic indices of select records.

[ICPR] Digital Archives Adds Harrison County Naturalization Index (1/4/2013)

Fri, 4 Jan 2013 05:00:01 GMT

Start Date:	1/4/2013	Start Time:	12:00 AM
End Date:	1/4/2013	End Time:	11:59 PM

INDIANAPOLIS (January 4, 2013) – Harrison County recently became the 40th Indiana county to have its naturalization records added to and made available through the Indiana Digital Archives. Four naturalization books containing nearly 1,000 entries and spanning the era from 1830 to 1926 were indexed as a part of this project. Harrison County Circuit Court Judge Thomas J. Wilson ordered the discontinuance of Harrison County naturalization proceedings on September 27, 1927.

"With the enormous effort of the State Archives volunteers, people across the world can now access primary-source records about their ancestors from Harrison County,” said Jim Corridan, Director & State Archivist of the Indiana Commission on Public Records. “There are now more than two-million records available to search on the Indiana Digital Archives at no cost. These records provide access to incredible pieces of family history.”

The Harrison County Naturalization Index records were indexed by Fred J. Engelking. The index was edited by Mary Etta Boren and Dale Armstrong.

Researchers can view many Indiana county naturalization databases along with indices to many other popular Indiana State Archives collections at indianadigitalarchives.org. The naturalization databases provide great insight into Hoosier immigration at the county level. Friends of the Indiana State Archives volunteers have been hard at work for nearly two decades creating indices for many of the state's records. From before statehood in 1816 and on through to its approaching bicentennial, Indiana has been home to thousands of settlers and immigrants. The Digital Archives enables Hoosiers and citizens worldwide to view the vast collection of historical and vital records housed at the State Archives.

About the Indiana Digital Archives
The Indiana Digital Archives is operated by the State Archives Division of the Indiana Commission on Public Records. The result of a cooperative partnership made possible by a grant from the Library of Congress and administered by the Washington State Archives, the Digital Archives has more than 2.8 million searchable records online. Other partners include the states of Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, North Carolina, and Oregon. The Digital Archives was named a Best State Website by "Family Tree Magazine” for the third-consecutive year in 2012.

About the Indiana State Archives
The Indiana State Archives collects records of historical value from all branches of Indiana state and local government, including governmental history, census and naturalization records for families, selected medical, military and criminal records, records of land ownership, maps, blueprints and photographs. Visit archives.icpr.IN.gov for a detailed listing of these resources, including links to online exhibits and electronic indices of select records.