Enjoying our rich, cultural resources
At the designation of Madison as a National Historic Landmark District with
Director Hupfer (left) are Mayor Huntington of Madison, P. Lynn Scarlett, acting
secretary, U.S. Dept. of Interior and Ninth District Congressman Mike Sodrel.
May is upon us and once again the Hoosier outdoors calls our name. Summer vacation plans start to form, fishing trips come to life, our campgrounds fill up and the DNR recreation season gets into full swing. Over the last year, I have used this column to discuss new initiatives, projects and improvements throughout the DNR.
I’ve written in the past about efforts to better manage and acquire habitat in order to maintain a healthy and stable wildlife population. I have focused on Goose Pond, the Heritage Trust and our initiative to increase funding to support the diversity and health of all animals in Indiana through Catch-a-Combo.
There is, however, one major area that I have yet to touch on. Being that May is Historic Preservation month, there is no better time to focus on the DNR’s efforts in this important area.
Indiana’s history is alive in every corner of our state. We have prehistoric rock beds at The Falls of the Ohio State Park, Native American burial sites at Angel Mounds in Evansville and an Underground Railroad stop at the Levi Coffin Historic Site in Fountain City.
The DNR, through the divisions of historic preservation and archaeology and the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, is educating, preserving and drawing others to our collective history. There is a focus on all history; the mansions of the rich, the settlements of the poor, foreign cultures prior to nationhood and Indiana’s rise as the 19th state.
Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the DNR is continuing to expand its outreach and provide more opportunities for all age groups to be involved in preservation.
Supporting historic preservation efforts throughout the state is easy and entertaining. Take a trip to a rural town’s main street and do some shopping. Revitalizing main streets throughout the state is a major initiative of Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman through the Office of Community and Rural Affairs.
Go to a local festival this summer; these festivals promote the history and the tradition of our small towns and help the Department of Tourism promote Indiana.
While downtown, find a single-screen theatre and catch a movie. These cinemas are being targeted for preservation and need your business.
These are just a few of the options available throughout the state and close to your home.
As you plan day trips, weekend getaways and week long family trips, stop by www.dnr.IN.gov/historic and www.IN.gov/ism/StateHistoricSites/index.aspx. These Web sites include travel itineraries, historical marker lists, special events, volunteer opportunities and much more.
The Web sites are full of informative tips and driving directions for locations and events you can stop to visit, regardless of your final destination.
This summer, continue to enjoy our parks, reservoirs, wildlife areas and state forests, but also consider a visit to a historic site or an archaeology workshop. The DNR has thousands of ways to be part of your summer plans. We hope you enjoy all of them.
