The encyclopedia represents a collaboration among the city’s major heritage and cultural organizations, with digital information drawn dynamically from their repositories as appropriate. Partners include:

  • Indianapolis Public Library
  • Indiana Historical Society
  • Indiana State Library and Historical Bureau
  • Center for Civic Leadership and Indianapolis Mayoral Archives (University of Indianapolis)
  • Indiana Landmarks
  • IUPUI University Library
  • Indiana State Archives
  • Butler University Archives
  • Indiana Humanities
  • Polis Center at IUPUI (Managing Partner)

Ownership

The Indianapolis Public Library holds the copyright to the Encyclopedia of Indianapolis in trust as a public resource.  

Governance

The Indianapolis Public Library maintains the digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis, which is a civic project that involves collaborating and advisory groups.

A Civic Advisory Committee provided guidance and oversight during the development of the encyclopedia from 2020 to 2021. In 2022, its function was assumed by a Board of Visitors that annually reviews the continued development of the encyclopedia and makes a public report to the Indianapolis Public Library and its partners.

The Steering Committee, composed of Encyclopedia of Indianapolis partners, facilitates the encyclopedia’s efforts to tap existing digital archives and enhance digital collections.