STATEHOUSE (March 31, 2009) - State Sen. Michael Young (R-Indianapolis) led the Indiana Senate in a resolution honoring the Eiteljorg Museum of Indianapolis for its 20 years of enlightening thousands of Hoosiers and visitors about this state's heritage as well as the history of American Indians and Western Art. 

"In a state whose name literally means 'land of Indians' it is important we recognize this facility which teaches us so much," Young said.

Established in 1989 as one of the first cultural institutions in White River State Park, the Eiteljorg Museum has given millions of Indianapolis residents and visitors access to world-class art and artifacts. Featured at the museum are not only permanent collections but international traveling exhibits of works by renowned artists such as Georgia O'Keefe and Ansel Adams.

"The Eiteljorg Museum has acted as a symbol of Indianapolis' emergence as a first-class cultural center for the past 20 years," Young said. "It has given Indiana residents the opportunity to experience Western and Native American art, history and cultures."

Founded by Indianapolis businessman, philanthropist and art collector Harrison Eiteljorg, Young said the museum opened with funding assistance from Lilly Endowment Inc. Since that time, the Eiteljorg Museum has served as the primary venue for Native American art and culture in Indiana. It is also the only museum in the Midwest to offer extensive collections of both Native American and American Western art.

The museum offers a closer look at Indiana's indigenous peoples, such as the Delaware, Miami and Potawatomi Indians, as well as other Native Americans across the United States. It has also served as a far-reaching channel for the voices of Indiana's indigenous peoples through scholarship programs such as the Eiteljorg Fellowship for Native American Art.

"I am excited to recognize the Eiteljorg Museum's twenty years of service to the Indiana community," Young said. "It is an important resource for Hoosiers and will continue to be an influence in our community for years to come."

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Sen. Mike Young  and John VanAusdall, president/CEO of the Eiteljorg Museum.

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