Looking Ahead to 2010,
Moving Forward in 2009

The dawn of 2009 marks a new beginning for the Indiana Historical Society, a journey we’ve been preparing for since the conception of our five-year Campaign for the Indiana Experience.

Since we launched the campaign, which started just one year ago and continues through 2012, we’ve raised an impressive $10.7 million toward our $23.8 million goal. An additional $8 million is expected over the next four years through our regular projected annual fund donations and additions to the IHS endowment through planned giving.

We have had a number of generous major donors who helped with us with their gifts: Frank and Katrina Basile; Michael and Barbara Blickman; Keith Cochran Associates, Architects; Wanda Y. Fortune; Hirtle, Callaghan & Co.; Tom and Sue Hoback; Ice Miller LLP; Scott Jones; Richard and Katie Kruse; Joseph F. Miller; Dr. George and Peggy Rapp; Jerry and Rosie Semler; Jim Shook; and of course, The Glick Fund, whose gift kicked off our campaign. Additional significant gifts are expected to follow, including local, state and national foundations, government grants and major corporate contributions. And donations are coming in every day from history and Indiana lovers all over the country.

Work is now beginning to create and deliver the Indiana Experience to the public. Over the next year, we’re not just making physical changes – we’re going to change the way people experience history. We’ve had an extraordinarily positive response to our main pilot components – You Are There and Destination Indiana. The culmination of our work and yours, the Indiana Experience, will open in the spring of 2010 and expand both on-site and statewide delivery of our mission – to be Indiana’s Storyteller – Connecting People to the Past.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement.

John A. Herbst
President and CEO