Happy 199th Birthday to Indiana!

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On December 11, 1816, Indiana was admitted as the 19th state to join the Union. This means that in 2016, Indiana will be celebrating its Bicentennial – 200 years as a state!Bicentennial_Logo_Color

All Indiana students are taught Indiana history as part of their fourth-grade curriculum. On Friday, December 11, 2015 downtown Indianapolis will come alive with many opportunities for 4th grade groups to celebrate Indiana’s 199th birthday through Statehood Day celebrations.

Fourth grade students from across Indiana have a special opportunity to attend the Statehood Day celebration in four different locations – Indiana State House Tour Office, Indiana State Library, Indiana State Museum and Indiana Historical Society.

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How do you plan on celebrating the Bicentennial of Indiana? Write an essay and you could be honored at a Statehood Day celebration!

The annual Statehood Day Essay Contest is where it all begins! Each fall the Indiana State House Tour office in conjunction with the Indiana Center for the Book and the Indiana State Library hosts an essay competition to commemorate Indiana Statehood Day. This year’s theme is Hoosier Bicentennial Celebrations! The essays are judged by a panel of Indiana State Library staff and volunteer educators. The winner and finalists, along with their class, are invited to attend the Statehood Day Ceremony. Winners and finalists have already been notified for this year’s celebrations!

If you know a young person who will be in the fourth grade in 2016, please encourage them to enter next year’s competition. This is a truly a unique opportunity!

For further information, please contact Suzanne Walker, Professional Development  Office Supervisor and Head of the Indiana Center for the Book:

Indiana State Library
140 North Senate Avenue
Indianapolis, Indiana  46204
icb@library.in.gov or suwalker@library.in.gov
317-232-3718

This blog post was written by Paula Newcom, Professional Development Librarian. For more information, contact the Professional Development Office at (317) 232-3697 or email statewideservices@library.in.gov.