This encyclopedia depends upon the willingness of content experts to share their knowledge about Indianapolis. Entries are written by a mix of citizen-experts, historians, teachers, museum professionals, and other scholars. Anyone can write for the Encyclopedia of Indianapolis! We only require good critical writing and historical research skills and the ability to meet our high standards for accuracy and reliability.

We invite you to contribute your knowledge about the people, places, organizations, events, and topics that make up the history of Indianapolis.

All entry topics must be approved by our editorial board before inclusion in the Encyclopedia of Indianapolis. Topics recommended for inclusion should be accompanied by a brief summary describing the theme and the topic’s significance to the city of Indianapolis.

Principles:

Objectivity, neutrality, inclusiveness, and fairness are inviolable principles embraced by the Encyclopedia of Indianapolis. The encyclopedia is not a forum for editorializing, nor is it a place for advocacy or promotion. 

Selection criteria: 

All proposed entries must meet the following criteria to be considered for inclusion in the Encyclopedia:   

  • Organizations and businesses must have a substantial connection to Indianapolis and have made a significant impact on its culture.
  • Structures and places must have played a significant role in the city’s development, influenced it culture, or have been a site where a significant change of policy or practice occurred.
  • Events must have made a significant impact on the culture of the city, fit into the context of a larger initiative, or have impacted changes in policy or practice.
  • People must have a significant connection and/or have made a measurable impact on the city or to the region. Impact can be defined in various ways, including reputational impact, but mere presence in the city generally will not be sufficient to sustain a claim of significance. Individuals must be deceased for 5 years to receive an entry. Accomplishments of living individuals can and should be recognized in entries associated with their achievements. 

Audience:

The DEOI will be a reference for general readers who have a wide range of interests and needs. It is designed to be a reliable source for quick reference. 

Audiences for the DEOI include members of the general public, educators (at all levels) and their students, information distributors (such as members of the media or tourist industry), and  Public policy makers and other decision makers. 

Other considerations:

  • Originality. Entries must be original, previously unpublished work.  
  • Length. Most entries will be approximately 250-500 words in length.
  • Reading Level. Entries should be written for general readers (eighth grade reading level).
  • Review. All entries are subject to a scholarly review process to ensure accuracy and adherence to our editorial policies.  

If you wish to propose an entry, please complete the form below.