Encore: Behind the Scenes of the Indiana Archives
Indianapolis, Indiana
Friday, June 18, 2027
1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
The 2026 Fall Pilgrimage to the new Indiana Archives building filled up to maximum capacity in record time with many pioneers placed on a waiting list. For that reason, we are offering a second opportunity to tour the $102 million Indiana Archives building on the canal in downtown Indianapolis. For more than twenty years, the Indiana Constitution and many of our most important documents, as well as genealogical records and landmark court cases, had been in a warehouse on the east side of Indy. The splendid new Archives building had been under construction since 2023 and opened just prior to the special tour for Pioneers on October 2, 2026. Our Encore tour will offer the same behind the scenes look.
A highlight of the time at the Archives will be a presentation by historian Jill Weiss Simins, “Indiana’s Foundation of Independence,” exploring how the state constitution is grounded in the founding ideals of civic virtue and explore its history importance, and independence from the U.S. Constitution. Included will be discussion of the 175th anniversary of Indiana’s 1851 Constitution and the commemoration of America 250 in 2026.
Price per person is $25.00. Guests are welcome. Space is limited to 40 participants! (NOTE: Those who were wait-listed for the October 2026 Pilgrimage to the Archives will have first priority for this event.)
Participants are to provide their own transportation to the Indiana Archives; see suggested parking arrangements below.
Optional: Enjoy pre-tour lunch at 11:30 am at Stardust Café, lower level of the Indiana History Center, 450 W. Ohio Street; pay cashier at café (lunch not included in tour cost).
Itinerary
Gather by 1:00 pm at the welcome desk on the main level of the Indiana History Center, 450 W. Ohio St., and we will walk together to the Archives Building.
The special “encore” visit will include:
- A tour of the four-story building with a welcome and overview of the Indiana Archives and Records Administration with director Chandler Lighty. The new building is designed to transform the public experience of engaging with Indiana’s past through primary sources and state-of-the-art features.
- A presentation about the treasures in the Indiana State Archives.
- A special tour of the lab and overview of restoration and conservation resources.
- An overview of doing genealogical research at the Archives.
Parking
Indiana History Center, 450 W. Ohio St., parking lot access from W. New York Street. FREE parking with validated ticket.
OR
The Senate Avenue Parking Garage, 220 N. Senate Avenue. (A fee will be charged to park at this location.)
To reserve your spot, download and complete the reservation form here and mail it, with a check payable to “Society of Indiana Pioneers,” to:
The Society of Indiana Pioneers
140 N. Senate Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2207
If you have questions, please email SIP Pilgrimage organizer Nelson Price at the address on the form.
