January 6, 2021
INDIANAPOLIS – Today marks the two hundredth anniversary of Founders Day, the day on which the Indiana General Assembly approved the location for our state’s new state capital and approved the name Indianapolis. To celebrate the historic occasion, Mayor Joe Hogsett and the Indianapolis Bicentennial Commission are announcing a number of engagement opportunities through partnerships with Indiana Humanities, Sun King Brewing, Visit Indy, and more.
“On this 200th anniversary of Founders Day, we are reminded of the promise of our city’s creation and the purpose with which we carry the vision of our early leaders,” said Mayor Hogsett. “I hope residents take advantage of these fun opportunities to commemorate Indianapolis history.”
School Activity
The Bicentennial Commission has partnered with architectural historian Jordan Ryan and Indiana Humanities to offer resources to teach elementary-age students about the city’s origin and design. The toolkit includes worksheets, a create-your-own map activity, a slide show, and a lesson plan geared toward 4th graders. Students will learn about early maps, surveying, and how the original city plan designed by Alexander Ralston laid the foundation for the Indianapolis of today.
Teachers and families may download the toolkit at indyturns200.com/foundersday.
Those who participate are encouraged to share their map projects on social media and tag @IndyTurns200 or #IndyTurns200.
Explore Indianapolis
To celebrate Indy’s Bicentennial, Visit Indy has created a list of 200 experiences unique to Indianapolis – a bicentennial bucket list of all the ways to celebrate this milestone with an authentic local experience. Find curated lists for cultural connoisseurs, nature lovers, and history buffs to sports fanatics, urban adventurers, foodies, and families, at indybucketlist.com.
Youth Art Contest
The Bicentennial Commission is also announcing the Bicentennial Youth Art Contest as part of the Indianapolis’ Founder’s Week celebration and as an extension to last year’s logo design contest.
The youth art contest seeks original submissions created by students from across Indianapolis/Marion County (grades 6-12) inspired by one of the four Bicentennial themes: History, Civic Pride, Innovation, or Legacy. Designs will be reviewed by members of the Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council. The winning submission will receive a $1,000 prize with half as a 529 contribution; in addition, it will be used (along with the Official Bicentennial Logo) for Bicentennial promotional materials, public displays, and more.
Students, teachers, parents/legal guardians are encouraged to visit indyturns200.com/youthart to learn more and submit their artwork. Submission for this contest will be accepted until Sunday, February 7 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
Be The I in Indy
Across the city, Visit Indy has provided a postcard-perfect opportunity to declare what it is you love about Indianapolis. All you have to do is:
- STAND: Find the footprints and become the “I” in Indy.
- SNAP: Kindly ask someone to take your picture.
- SHARE: Post to your favorite social network with hashtag #LOVEINDY
You can find sculptures, retrofit with the “Indy Turns 200” logo, at the Indianapolis International Airport, Massachusetts Avenue and Alabama Street, and the Washington Pedestrian Bridge at White River State Park.
Indy Turns 200 Beer
As a toast to our city’s founders and commemorating the Bicentennial celebration, Sun King Brewery is unveiling a new “Indy Turns 200” beer, an applejack cocktail-inspired ale aged in West Fork Whiskey Old Hamer bourbon barrels. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Bicentennial Legends Mural Project created by the Arts Council of Indianapolis. The beer will be part of the Sun King King’s Reserve series and will be available in 2-packs for $20 and single cans for $12.50.
The Indy Turns 200 cans will be exclusively sold at Sun King locations for carry-out. A limited amount of draft will also be available on tap for onsite consumption and making its way to select bars and restaurants throughout the city.
The Indianapolis Bicentennial spans from June 2020 through May 2021, highlighting two pivotal events in the founding of our city: the selection of land along the east bank of the White River for our new state capital in 1820 and the ratifying vote by the General Assembly and official naming of Indianapolis in 1821. To stay updated on the latest programming and news, follow @indyturns200 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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