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Indiana Bicentennial Celebration 2016
Bicentennial Kick-Off
On December 11, 2015, cities and towns all across Indiana joined in celebrating Indiana's Statehood Day and the beginning of a yearlong countdown to Indiana's Bicentennial in 2016. After 4 years of dedicated work, the Indiana Bicentennial Commission was rewarded for their efforts.
- Governor Mike Pence and 1,200 4th graders in downtown Indianapolis joined together in getting the Bicentennial year off to a great start! The Governor and First Lady were joined by Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann, Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush and State Senator Jim Merritt. Senator Merritt announced events that will take place in conjunction with the bicentennial.
- Bicentennial flags were raised across Indiana at courthouses, city halls, fire stations and other public facilities. A total of 660 flags were distributed through a sponsorship from Bicentennial Commission member and philanthropist P.E. MacAllister, MacAllister Machinery and the Association of Indiana Counties. The Indiana Bicentennial Commission was inundated with photos of flags flying, proclamations being read, choirs singing and communities bonding. The Indiana Congressional Delegation also joined together to celebrate the kick off of the state's Bicentennial year in Washington, D.C.
Indiana's Congressional Delegation join together on Friday, December 11, 2015 to celebrate Indiana's 199th birthday, beginning of a yearlong countdown to its bicentennial in 2016. From L to R: Rep. Andre Carson (IN-07), Rep. Marlin Stutzman (IN-03), Rep. Jackie Walorski (IN-02), Rep. Todd Rokita (IN-04), Rep. Luke Messer (IN-06), Rep. Susan Brooks (IN-05), Rep. Larry Bucshon (IN-08), Rep. Peter Visclosky (IN-01), Rep. Todd Young (IN-09).
- The special initiative on the health and well being of Indiana’s children was presented by the Governor in his remarks on Statehood Day, reminding us all that the true legacy of this special time in Indiana history will be our children – those born in 2016 have a chance to be better, healthier citizens, with opportunity that surpasses all prior generations. It is our moment to seize to bring this dream to fruition. Create projects, get involved, make a difference!
- The Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay was revealed to those attending at the Indiana Statehouse celebration.
- The Indiana State Museum hosted Indiana Statehood Day activities as well as presentations by state officials. The event at the Indiana State Museum was held in conjunction with the Indiana Statehouse, Indiana Historical Society and Indiana State Library. The Indiana State Museum said their Statehood Day Celebration included hundreds of Hoosier school children who sang “Happy Birthday” Indiana. The Statehood Day Presentation at the museum included six hundred 4th graders from Marion, Johnson, Hamilton, Monroe, Warrick, LaPorte and Delaware counties gathering in the Governor Frank and Judy O’Bannon Great Hall to celebrate the state’s 199th birthday.
- Along with businesses throughout central Indiana, Junior Achievement announced JobSpark, an endorsed Legacy Project aiming to help 8th graders learn about career clusters and the preparation needed to get good jobs in the future. It was estimated that 8,000 – 12,000 students will participate on September 29 and 30.
- The Indiana State Parks began its year-long recognition of the centennial of our parks, highlighting McCormick’s Creek and Turkey Run as the gifts to Indiana from the centennial celebration, both parks opening in 1916.
- The Indiana Visioning project wrapped up a series of facilitated discussions across the state, with sector leaders and community leaders alike taking a deep dive into issues facing Indiana over the next 50 years leading up to the semiquincentennial.
