Indy 500 will be part of Indiana Historical Society’s ‘History Happy Hour’

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indiana Historical Society and many other Indianapolis destinations had to close their doors because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jody Blankenship, the president and CEO of the society, says it’s decided to bring the experience to you.

As a part of its “History Happy Hour” the society virtually takes visitors back into significant events that have shaped society and still impact lives today. Some exhibits that guests would normally view in person at the Indiana Historical Society’s location were shifted into virtual platforms.

“We wanted to make sure audiences weren’t deprived of their history,” Blankenship said. “I’m honored to be a part of a team that’s been able to do this. They so quickly took what we were doing on site and moved right into digital.”

Callie McCune, manager of the society’s public programs, says she hopes this move encourages its audience to continue to follow its work until they can reopen their building, hopefully in early July.

“I just want to find ways that they want to come back and see us when we are back open and can welcome you through our doors,” McCune said. “I hope it gets them interested in a little nugget that they can dig deeper into later.”

McCune’s said she hopes their digital collections draw people back to in-house attractions such as the popular exhibit highlighting the life and career of Madam C.J. Walker. That’s happening at 5:30 p.m. Thursday.

Every Thursday evening, the society will host its “Historic Happy Hour,” and Blankenship believes there’s a variety of exhibits anyone would be interested in.

In their opening week, the society also will feature a special event May 23 on the history of the Indianapolis 500 and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with some help from historian Donald Davidson.

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