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High Schools

Early in its history Indianapolis was dubbed the “railroad city,” because of its location at the intersection of several important… Read More »High Schools

Although not a principal originator of jazz music like New Orleans, New York, and Chicago, Indianapolis possesses a rich jazz… Read More »Jazz

Minority- and Women-Owned Auto Dealerships

Well into the 20th century, ownership of franchise automobile dealerships was almost exclusively the domain of white males. Indianapolis fit… Read More »Minority- and Women-Owned Auto Dealerships

Professional nursing in the United States dates back to the last quarter of the 19th century. Before that time religious… Read More »Nursing

Playground and Pool Movement

Playground and Pool Movement

The push for public playgrounds and swimming facilities in Indianapolis was part of the national progressive movement to save urban… Read More »Playground and Pool Movement

This uniquely American musical genre, based upon African American rhythms and styles rendered initially by Black banjoists and pianists, flourished… Read More »Ragtime

Religion and Race

Religion and Race

Race has been a public issue in Indianapolis from the city’s earliest years. Numerous state laws restricted the rights of… Read More »Religion and Race

School Desegregation

School Desegregation

Although Indiana’s early school laws made no reference to race, few African American children attended local township schools, relying instead… Read More »School Desegregation

Structure of Unigov

Structure of Unigov

City-county consolidation in Indianapolis is not a one-community, one-government system. Although the consolidation was named “Unigov” for “unified government,” Marion… Read More »Structure of Unigov

Unigov and Political Participation

The 1969 reorganization of Indianapolis-Marion County local government known as Unigov had profound effects on patterns of political participation and… Read More »Unigov and Political Participation

A product of the Indianapolis Bicentennial effort (2020–21), the digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis integrates and accesses the explosion and fragmentation of knowledge created both as born-digital information and as a large new digital archive.

Useful Links

Polis Center
Indianapolis Public Library

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