IN.gov - Skip Navigation

Note: This message is displayed if (1) your browser is not standards-compliant or (2) you have you disabled CSS. Read our Policies for more information.


Subscribe for e-mail updates
Print This Page Rate This Page Suggest a Link E-mail This Page HELP Find a Person Find an Agency

Historical Marker FAQs

What are Indiana state historical markers?

These large markers (pictured on the Indiana Historical Bureau website) commemorate significant people, organizations, places, and events in Indiana and American history. The Indiana Historical Bureau, a state agency, is mandated by law to carry out the Historical Marker Program for the State of Indiana. According to Indiana Code 4-23-7.2-11(a) “No person may erect an historical marker in the state format without the approval of the historical bureau.”

Who owns and maintains state format historical markers?

State format historical markers are the property of the State of Indiana. The Historical Bureau “may cooperate with individuals, local and state agencies, and private institutions and organizations for the maintenance of the historical markers.” Indiana Code 4-23-7.2-11(c).

How much does a state historical marker cost?

The cost of state historical markers can vary from year to year depending upon the costs of materials, labor, and transportation. Currently, the price for standard markers is $2,000 (including the cast aluminum marker, its post, and shipping charges). Applicants may apply for state grants of up to $1,000. Applicants awarded a grant must raise the funds to cover the cost beyond the grant amount. Since state funding is limited, applicants often choose to pay the entire cost of the marker.

State historical markers for the Underground Railroad initiative that feature the Indiana Freedom Trails (IFT) image cost $2,100. The $100 extra pays for the distinctive IFT image.

Is it difficult to obtain a state historical marker?

Anyone can submit an application for a state historical marker. There is one application deadline per year in September. However, the application process for a state historical marker is rigorous to ensure historical accuracy and to emphasize the significance of obtaining a state historical marker. Topics that have only local importance will not be approved. Only applications for topics with clear state and/or national significance, which are supported by reliable documentation, will be recommended by Historical Bureau staff for approval by the Indiana Library and Historical Board.

What can applicants do to increase the possibility that an application will be approved?

The Historical Bureau recommends that an applicant contact Jeremy Hackerd, Historical Marker Program Manager, who can answer questions about the topic’s viability and offer tips that might help to achieve a successful application. He can be reached at jhackerd@history.IN.gov or 317-232-2537. Before making contact, it is important to read the Marker Program Guidelines available at IN.gov/history/2440.htm.

The best state historical marker applications feature a statement of significance that demonstrates a clear connection between the topic and its importance in Indiana and/or American history. In addition, copies of reliable primary source documents must be submitted to corroborate the claims made in the statement of significance. These documents should be clearly identified and dated.

What is a primary source?

The most basic definition of a primary source is one that is written or produced in the time period under inves­tigation. Primary sources are materials directly related to a topic by time and/or participation. These materials include letters, speeches, diaries, newspaper articles from the time, oral history interviews, documents, photo­graphs, artifacts, government documents, or anything else that provides first-hand accounts about a person or event. Virtually every source is subjective in one way or another; therefore each source needs to be carefully evaluated. This definition also applies to primary sources found on the Internet.

A letter written by President Lincoln in 1862 is a primary source when researching about the Civil War era. A newspaper article written about the battle of Gettysburg by a contemporary in July 1863 would be a primary source; but an article about the battle written in June 2001 probably was not written by an eyewitness or partici­pant and would not be a primary source. The memories of a person who took part in the battle also can serve as a primary source; he or she was an eyewitness to and a participant in this historical event at the time. However, an interview with an expert (a professor of Civil War history, for example) is not a primary source UNLESS that expert actually lived through and has first-hand knowledge of the events being described (Highly unlikely for a Civil War historian!.

There are examples of primary resources used as documentation on the Historical Bureau website:

What happens when the Indiana Library and Historical Board approves an application?

There is a two-part approval process. The first approval allows an application to move forward in the process.

Historical Bureau staff carry out a minimum eight-week research plan with each application approved by the ILHB. Staff survey secondary sources about the topic and obtain primary sources to clarify and document the significance of the topic. The research is then used to produce a documented narrative summary of the topic’s significance, which is used to develop the marker text. Some subjects, such as topics relating to the Underground Railroad, often require more research time to complete because primary source evidence often is difficult to locate, and secondary sources very often contain inaccuracies.

The second approval, after the research and text writing is concluded, allows for the fabrication and installation of a historical marker for the topic of the application.

Who writes the text for the state historical marker if it is approved?

The Indiana Historical Bureau develops and has final approval of the text for state historical markers. Historical Bureau staff consider the application’s statement of significance, the results of the extensive research process, and the comments of the applicant and of experts in fields of study related to the topic. This process is employed to ensure that an accurate and succinct text—that meets the marker’s size restrictions—is presented to the public.

Are any topics ineligible for state historical markers?

Yes.  Although many markers have been previously installed relating to Carnegie libraries, historic cemeteries, standing historic courthouses, historic districts/neighborhoods, and historic bridges, these topics generally will no longer be recommended and approved for state historical markers. Historical Bureau goals for the program now require that markers approved must contribute to the attainment over time of an accurate and balanced history of Indiana through the Indiana Historical Marker Program.

How are state historical markers installed?

Applicants have the responsibility for obtaining permissions and having state historical markers installed following detailed instructions provided by the Historical Bureau. The Indiana Department of Transportation installs state historical markers approved for location on state rights-of-way.

Must state historical markers be installed along state highways?

No. The Historical Bureau wants markers to be installed in the most appropriate site related to the topic being commemorated. Since state historical markers now have different text on each side, it is preferable to install them where readers can safely walk up to the marker and read both sides.

What are the benefits of obtaining a state historical marker?

  • Comprehensive Research and Accurate Text. Through its research and text writing processes, the Historical Bureau seeks to provide on the marker and in the supporting materials the most accurate information possible based on available reliable primary and secondary sources.
  • Recognition. A state historical marker provides official state recognition of the state and/or national significance of the topic of the marker.
  •  Publicity. The Historical Bureau encourages applicants to host a dedication ceremony for the state historical marker after it is installed. The Historical Bureau issues a press release about the marker dedication ceremony to state and local media. In addition, the text of the state historical marker, its location, and the supporting research conducted by the Historical Bureau is featured on the agency’s website, making the information available to the world. In many locations, state historical markers are important for area tourism promotions.

Are the marker research files available to researchers?

After an approved marker has been completed and installed, the Historical Bureau’s research file is available for examination upon request under the state’s public records law.