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Indiana Bicentennial Celebration 2016

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Nature Conservation

Indiana's 2016 Bicentennial celebration coincides with the Indiana State Parks' 100th anniversity.

In 1916, the State of Indiana authorized the creation of a state park system during the state’s centennial as a gift to the people of Indiana. Former Governor Mitch Daniels announced the Bicentennial Nature Trust (BNT) in his 2012 State of the State Address as a new statewide effort to honor Indiana’s 200th anniversary in 2016.

The Bicentennial Nature Trust was created to preserve and protect important conservation and recreation areas throughout Indiana by matching donations of land or dollars. Property acquired with this fund will become part of the public trust to ensure that the land is protected for future generations of Hoosiers to use and enjoy.

Youth and Education

Over 1 million K-12 youth and 330,000+ higher education students can be engaged bicentennial participants to ignite our future.

  • Enhance existing curriculum.
  • Engage young adults in vital community projects that speak to their concept of community as it is evolving in the 21st century.
  • Provide college internship opportunities to plan and implement the bicentennial.

Community Involvement

566 town and cities across the state have the opportunity to create local bicentennial projects as part of a lasting legacy.

Partners may include:

  • Community foundations
  • Chambers of commerce
  • Faith-based initiatives
  • Historical societies
  • Small businesses
  • Indiana corporations

Historical Celebration

Indiana’s Bicentennial Torch Relay will connect communities, public and private agencies in all 92 counties uniting Hoosiers into “One Indiana.”

  • The Torch symbolizes a beacon of hope for our future – the next 200 years!
  • Communities can brand local celebrations and festivals.
  • Partner for year-long calendar of events.