The Indiana Historical Society (IHS) is celebrating Hoosier innovations and inventions with a new exhibit aboard the Indiana History Train at the Indiana State Fair. Fairgoers can hop on board the Indiana History Train to see the exhibit, Made in Indiana, daily (Aug. 4-20), from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. It is located in Family Fun Park, next to Pioneer Village, on the northeast side of the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
Made in Indiana is designed to lead guests through the five steps of the invention process: define a problem, do research, make a prototype, file a patent and market the invention. Along the way, the exhibit explores products with roots in the state—from automobiles and agricultural equipment to medical innovations and musical instruments.
The exhibit explores the history of popular 20th century products, such as Ball jars and Hoosier Cabinets. Visitors will also learn the origins of American staples, such as cruise control and single-handle faucets. In addition, the exhibit celebrates inventions that overcame transportation obstacles, such as an improved road grader and the Reuben Wells locomotive, which eliminated the need for a team of horses to pull rail cars up a hill.
The Indiana History Train is air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible. The train is included with admission to the fair. IHS members are eligible to receive a free fair ticket, and IHS household members are eligible to receive up to four free tickets. IHS sustaining members and above are eligible to receive up to six free tickets. For more information on tickets available to IHS members, contact Sarah Sankovitch at [email protected]
The Indiana History Train is presented by IHS, in partnership with the Indiana State Fair Commission (ISFC), and supported in part by Allison Transmission, Bass Farms, Delta Faucet Company, Indiana Rail Road Company, Jack’s Donuts and Weaver Popcorn.
For more information on the Indiana History Train, visit www.indianahistory.org/train.
About the Indiana Historical Society
Since 1830, the Indiana Historical Society has been Indiana’s Storyteller™, connecting people to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing the state’s history. A private, nonprofit membership organization, IHS maintains the nation’s premier research library and archives on the history of Indiana and the Old Northwest and presents a unique set of visitor experiences called the Indiana Experience. IHS also provides support and assistance to local museums and historical groups; publishes books and periodicals; sponsors teacher workshops; produces and hosts art exhibitions, museum theater and outside performance groups; and provides youth, adult and family programs. IHS is a Smithsonian Affiliate and a member of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience.
