Preservation at the Crossroads Newsletter
May 2026
Irishtown Commercial Historic District, Allen County
Washington Park Cemetery, Marion County
Beulah AME Church & Dunbar School, Daviess County
Update Your SHAARD & IHBBC Bookmarks!
DHPA has released a new version of SHAARD and the IHBBC Map. The State Historic Architectural and Archaeological Research Database (SHAARD) allows users to search for information on known historic resources in Indiana. The Indiana Historic Buildings, Bridges, and Cemeteries (IHBBC) Map is the GIS component of SHAARD where users can use the mapping program to search the database.
The new links can be found at: on.IN.gov/shaard.
Historic Preservation Fund Grant Round Open
Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) grant application packets are available for FY2026 at the State Budget Agency’s Grants Management website: IN.gov/sba/grants.
Click the tile for “State Agency Grant Opportunities” and look for the DNR Historic Preservation list. There are three categories of projects: Architectural & Historical, Archaeological, and Acquisition & Development (rehabilitation). Select the appropriate application link and read all instructions carefully. The proposal deadline is Friday, June 5, at 5 p.m. ET. All proposals must be submitted in the online grant portal by the deadline.
If you have questions about the potential projects or application components, please contact Steve Kennedy at skennedy@dnr.IN.gov or 317-232-6981 or Malia Vanaman at mvanaman@dnr.IN.gov or 317-232-1648.
Applicants are encouraged to contact the DHPA Grant Staff about their proposal at dnr.IN.gov/historic-preservation/financial-assistance/grants.
Preserving Historic Places Conference 2026
This fall, Indiana’s preservation conference visits Franklin for the first time. Explore the charm of its vibrant historic downtown and active preservation community during the annual conference from September 29 through October 2. From adaptively reused buildings like the Garment Factory and Johnson County Museum of History to restored landmarks like the iconic Artcraft Theatre and historic Johnson County Courthouse, the city showcases a blend of innovation and tradition.
Registration opens in June. Visit indianalandmarks.org/tours-events/preserving-historic-places-conference for more information.
A Look Back at Bamboo Inn
Indianapolis’ Monument Circle is one of the capital city’s famous landmarks. The Circle Theater on the southeast side of the circle was a popular destination as one of the first “deluxe movie palaces” in the Midwest. Adjacent to the theater entrance was the Bamboo Inn. Read more about the history and influence of this trendy Chinese restaurant.
Recent Listings on the National Register
In March, 2026, Indiana added eight listings to the National Register of Historic Places. These listings—commercial and residential districts; churches; cemeteries; a school; a farm; and a bridge—have added approximately 239 historic resources to the National and State Registers.
For information on Indiana properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places and the Indiana Register of Historic Sites and Structures go to on.IN.gov/SHAARD.
AMERICA 250 CORNER
2026 marks the semiquincentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. To commemorate this anniversary, DHPA will be setting aside articles in this America 250 Corner to highlight topics in this newsletter pertaining to U.S. history. This issue, read about a brief history of education through architecture in Indiana.
Listening to and reading about history, archaeology, and historic preservation
The DHPA staff loves podcasts, social media, and resources related to history, archaeology, and historic preservation. Each newsletter issue, we’ll highlight something we’ve found or used. This issue, we are highlighting two programs from our neighboring states:
Kentucky: KAS Radio from the Kentucky Archaeological Survey expands upon WEKU radio broadcasts of archaeological topics.
Ohio: Checkout a new podcast from the Ohio History Connection called The Ohio Files.
What archaeology, architecture, or preservation pages do you follow? We want to know at DHPAConnect@dnr.IN.gov.
May is Historic Preservation Month!
In conjunction with this year’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, DHPA has chosen the 2026 Historic Preservation Month theme to highlight the nation’s first federally funded highway, the National Road. Bisecting the state from Richmond to Terre Haute, the National Road (U.S. 40) is responsible for the growth and development of numerous Hoosier communities.
Follow our Facebook page to learn about resources listed in the National Register of Historic Places along the National Road, updates from this year’s Teddy Bear Camp, and events held throughout the state celebrating HP Month. If you would like a copy of this year’s poster “National Road, Local History”, please contact DHPAConnect@dnr.IN.gov.
DHPA Photo Contest Winners
This year, approximately 50 photographers submitted 116 photos to this year’s Historic Preservation Month Photo Contest. DHPA and DNR staff voted, and we are pleased to announce the winners in the following categories:
Altered: Cindi Myers of Millersburg; Round Barn Theater in Nappanee
Black & White: Kyle Hooker of Sullivan; Coal tower in Sullivan
Color: Carla Hall of Roann; Hileman Round Barn in Silver Lake
Historic Preservation Month Theme (National Road): Jennifer Minnis of Paris, IL; Service station in Manhattan along U.S. 40
Kids: George Overpeck of Rockville; St. Joseph Catholic Church in Billie Creek Village
Follow DHPA on Facebook
The Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology is on Facebook. Follow us at www.facebook.com/INdhpa to find out about upcoming events, participate in trivia, find out about things to see and do throughout the state, and learn interesting facts about preservation and archaeology in Indiana.
Tell us what you think
We are always interested in your ideas. If there is a topic you would like to see in an upcoming issue of Preservation at the Crossroads, email us at DHPAConnect@dnr.IN.gov.
