Indianapolis, IN

Walker Theatre Center
DESCRIPTION: This monumental building was completed in 1927 by the daughter of Madame C.J. Walker, America’s first Black millionaire; this wonderful museum displays photos and memorabilia from Madame C.J. Walker and her children; one historic treasure is a Hobart Mixer used to blend ingredients for a wide variety of products; there is a small bar is open after theatrical events – turns out it sits above a historic basement restaurant; the theatre, is by any measure a stunning architectural achievement, so much hand detailing of African themed art d’objects adorning the walls; the detailed monkeys in the theatre are the prize of admission alone; the center also provides office space for Black service organizations; New Artists Productions, a black repertory theater company founded in 1990, performs original musicals and contemporary dramas germane to urban life here – there is no better time to visit

ADDRESS: 617 Indiana Avenue  MAP

PHONE: 317-236-2099

WEBSITE: http://www.walkertheatre.com

Freetown Village
DESCRIPTION: Living history exhibit featuring craft and heritage workshops, special events, and museum store, monthly Freetown Village dinner features 1870s style family meal, entertainment and interaction with the performers; located in Madame Walker Theatre Center

ADDRESS: 625 Indiana Avenue, Suite 200  MAP

PHONE: 317-631-1870

WEBSITE: http://www.freetown.org

Legacy Theater
DESCRIPTION: Indiana African-American Experience features 4 performance stages and exhibits dedicated to Indiana's African-American history, including the legacy of Indy's African-American race car driver, Charlie Wiggins, known as "The Negro Speed King" and "Say It Loud," focusing on the Civil Rights Movement in Indiana from 1960 – 1968, where you can observe a re-enactment of Robert F. Kennedy's speech to an Indianapolis crowd on 4 April 1968 - the day Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated; another exhibit showcases images and interactive video that illustrate African-American history from the early 1800s to the present; admission to theater included with museum admission price; Mon-Sat 9a-5p, Sun 11a-5p; Indiana State Museum

ADDRESS: 650 West Washington Street  MAP

PHONE: 317-234-0261

WEBSITE: http://www.in.gov/ism/MuseumExhibits/legacy.asp

Crispus Attucks Museum
DESCRIPTION: Housed in the former Crispus Attucks School, which opened in 1928; features 4 galleries and 70 exhibits highlighting the colored school's history, achievements by Crispus Attucks High School graduates, a Basketball Hall of Fame and the history of the African Diaspora; FREE admission, donations welcome; Mon-Fri 10a-2p

ADDRESS: 1140 Martin Luther King, Jr. Street  MAP

PHONE: 317-226-4613

WEBSITE: http://www.crispusattucksmuseum.ips.k12.in.us

Indiana Black Expo Headquarters
DESCRIPTION: After attending the P.U.S.H. Expo in Chicago, a few religious and civic leaders in Indy decided to establish an Indiana based Black Expo based on the need to create an avenue to display positive African-American ideas and thus founded the Indiana Black Expo in 1970; this organization hosts one of the largest African-American cultural events in the nation; Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration showcases events focused on the arts, religion, business, economics, education, politics, sports, entertainment and youth activities; their annual event is held at Indiana Convention Center/RCA Dome and features a music festival, UniverSoul Circus, Employment Fair, Health Fair, National Youth Summit & Rites of Passage, Amateur Boxing Tournament, Kid's World and more; other programs such as the Youth Video Institute, Summer Celebration, Coca-Cola Circle City Classic, various scholarships and We Can Feed the Hungry have contributed to the community for decades

ADDRESS: 3145 North Meridian Street  MAP

PHONE: 800-556-4639 or 317-925-2702

WEBSITE: http://www.indianablackexpo.com

Ransom Place Museum
DESCRIPTION: Museum showcases local African American history and community events; starting point for the "Heritage Tourism Corridor" tour

ADDRESS: 830 Martin Luther King, Jr. Street  MAP

PHONE: 317-632-8482

WEBSITE: http://www.iupui.edu/~anthpm/ransom.html

Asante's Children Theatre
DESCRIPTION: Founded in 1991 by Deborah Asante, it has blossomed into a 30-member group; call for their performance schedule

ADRESS: performs at various locations throughout Indy

PHONE: 317-638-6694

Indiana Museum of African American History
DESCRIPTION: (Coming) Dedicated to collecting, documenting, preserving and educating the public on the history, life and culture of African Americans in Indiana and beyond in this 120,000 square foot museum entities; discovery themes of the museum will encompass Indiana Remembered, a rich portrait of African American family traditions and folkways, including a genealogy research center; Indiana’s African American Musical Legacy with celebrates the lives of Indiana musicians and musical legacies; and Indiana’s African American History, a multi-media presentation reflecting the historical and dynamic influence of African Americans in Indiana’s history; also encompasses a 400-seat performing arts center and genealogical research component

ADDRESS: White River State Park  MAP

PHONE: 317-875-5500 architects