• Demonstrate statewide significance
• Be substantiated with primary source documentation
  • Consult this Primary Source Sampler for examples of types of primary sources that might help as you complete your application.
  • Download a copy of our Research Checklist. This list of resources is the checklist IHB researchers use when starting a new research project. It includes links to digital resources as well as national, state, and regional repositories. Trouble accessing checklist? Click here.

• Marker texts are accurate, diverse, and provide historical context,
• Markers are installed at appropriate sites, and
• Necessary permissions have been obtained

• IHB staff will carefully review every application submitted; the number and quality of 2023 applications submitted will be a factor in determining the number of applications approved to move forward.
• IHB staff performs much of the final research and editing required for the marker; however, the applicant must provide reliable, locally-available primary source materials for each point on a marker. A successful marker application involves collaboration between IHB and marker applicants.

Topic Priorities for 2023-2024 Markers:

• IHB encourages applications for topics that will celebrate notable anniversaries in 2024.  For instance, topics that are celebrating semi-centennials (1974), 75 year anniversaries (1949), centennials (1924), sesquicentennials (1874), 175 year anniversaries (1849), bicentennials (1824), etc. are particularly welcome.  
• IHB guidelines stipulate that no individual may be the topic of a marker until twenty years after his or her death.  Thus, notable Hoosiers who died in 2004 or earlier can be application candidates for markers placed in 2024. It is at the discretion of the Indiana Library and Historical Board, upon the recommendation of IHB, to make any exceptions to this guideline.
• IHB is also giving priority to topics relating to marginalized communities, including historically underrepresented racial, ethnic, or immigrant groups and women's history in Indiana. This subject area has been given priority because the history of these groups is not equitably represented in the current collection of Indiana State Historical Markers
  • Strong examples of recent markers that meet current criteria and priorities: Mary Garrett Hay,  Harriette Bailey Conn, Felrath Hines, Little Syria on the Wabash, and Origins of Indiana Pride.

Cost of an Indiana State Historical Marker

An Indiana State Historical Marker for the 2023-2024 application cycle will cost $3,300. The applicant (an individual or an organization/institution) must raise the full cost of an Indiana State Historical Marker.

IHB is thrilled to share that we were awarded a grant from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation to help applicants with funding for new Indiana state historical markers during the 2023-2024 marker cycle!

These funds can provide crucial assistance for organizations and communities that may be interested in applying for new markers but may not have had the funding opportunities to do so in the past. Notably, we hope it encourages applications for markers commemorating underrepresented or marginalized communities, or in currently low marker counties across Indiana, to more equitably represent the rich and diverse history of our state.

Through this grant, the Pomeroy Foundation will help fully fund 3 new markers this cycle and provide partial funding of $1,000 for many others. These funds will cover the cost for manufacturing the marker and shipping and delivery of the marker and post. Applicants will be responsible for installation and any other costs associated with site permission or dedication plans.

Those interested in being considered for this grant funding should complete a one-page form explaining their financial need and how the community would benefit from the marker funding. Download a copy of this form below and submit it along with your application by the July 12^th deadline. IHB’s marker review team will evaluate all requests in conjunction with the marker applications and will make recommendations to the Indiana Library and Historical Board, which will vote on both at their September meeting.

The William G. Pomeroy Foundation is committed to supporting the celebration and preservation of community history. Since 2006, the foundation has funded over 1,600 roadside markers and plaques across the United States. IHB appreciates the support of the William G. Pomeroy Foundation as we work together to share the diverse history of our state. Learn more about the Pomeroy Foundation here.

Download the Marker Grant Funding Request Form below.
Marker Grant Funding Request Form (also available as a PDF)