Reviews of Indiana Historical Society (Museum)

Matt Krych

The Cole Porter section was very cool with the player piano and the live singer, but the rest of the museum was underwhelming. The living history sections are a cool idea but I had no idea what to ask the historians. Maybe give the museum patrons a piece of paper with some interesting questions to ask to at least start a conversation.

Yossarian McC

The archives section is very helpful and professional. I was able to view a relative's original enlistment documents for Civil War. Building is updated and has free (validated) parking if you're visiting archives.

Jay VanHuss

A lovely museum full of information about Indiana past and present.

Anissa Bender

Love coming here. The kids live it too.

Cindy Klusmeier

First time here right on the canal. Fantastic!

Janet Holzer

#whodunit Had a wonderful time at the mystery event. Beautiful building with interesting interactive exhibits.

Jo Anne Bath-Miers

I can't say enough good things about the Indiana historical society. When I go to the building I always enjoy each and every display they have. I'll definitely keep visiting it in the future.

Jye Meier

This place is awesome!

Thomas Castellano

It is fantastic.

Roberta Fortes

Very good time.

Christopher Lacy

Excellent museum in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. I love every trip it's always fun and educational.

Windle Knight

women's torchbearer awards

Donna Wiseman

Went on a 'free day'. We hadn't been to the Historical Society in several years and really enjoyed it. There were several other events going on at the same time (Circle Center Classic I believe), which made getting there a bit of a challenge because of the roads blocked. But it cut down on the number of people at the Museum which made it nice to browse and enjoy the various exhibits. Considering a membership for return visits.

Augustus Cooley

Gift shops are nice and have a great selection of items sourced from and about Indiana. Seasonal decorations look great. Quiet atmosphere for a peaceful walk.

Steve Lehman

This is a great place to visit and learn about Indiana history.

Tamara Adams

I love this place!

Dawn McKnight

We've visited twice for the Festival of Trees in December. Great exhibit, gift shop, and restaurant

Ron Johnson

Excellent. Only had a limited amount of time when passing thru town but what I saw was great

Erin Donovan

I can never thank the IHS enough for the Dragtivism event and the work they are doing towards inclusivity of all Hoosiers. And the building itself is so beautiful! All Hoosiers should visit the IHS building at least once.

Janice Jordan

The Festival of Trees is now a family tradition.... what fun!

Yvette Keene

Went on 8/1/18 Definitely want to visit without kids. Didnt really have much to do for little kids. The building was beautiful though. I dont know if we just went when not many people where there but felt like the employees are very passionate about what they do because almost everyone wants to interact and talk and keep an eye on you. So if you have a ton of questions they are definitely going to answer them or find someone to answer it for you. In the very beginning they have touch screens that give information about Indiana and breaks it down by counties....... would like to have time to read up on some things from there. Definitely a place to visit and go on the canal afterwards. Oh parking is free if you park in the lot off New York.

William P

Great place with plenty of live and engaging historical exhibits. I really enjoyed the Civil War living exhibit, and the Cole Porter room. A must see if you're travelling to Indianapolis

Fritz Graf

Great place to di e into some Indiana History!

Erich Klippel

This is a very nice place to visit. It is very nice to see inside and I recomend that you go and have a great! time and go back again you will love it.

Susan Miller

Everything you would want to know about Indiana history

Jeanette Jones

This is an amazing place! The venue is gorgeous, placed just off the canal for a beautiful view out the large bay of windows. The exhibits are always up to date and so lifelike! All of the exhibits we're interactive and educational for adults and children alike. There is always something new to do or look at!

Sandy Barton

Festival of Trees was excellent! The "You Are There" scenarios were very well done and accurate.

Bob Swinehamer

Jazz on the canal...heaven!

Mike Dresch

A nice informative place, an excellent cafe is on site.

Myrna Dowden

Always helpful and friendly.

Sophia Hall

Wasn't friendly enough inconvenience once she got her backpack we had to go up stairs outside to get out

Richard Bruce

Great fun, exhibits well planned. Wonderful place

Vanessa Peoples

Such a lovely place to come to and enjoy

Ledrena Girton

We had a great time. There were plenty of things to do. The magic show was funny and she loves Silly Safari. I am sad that the Circus is gone.

Fred Bishop

We love the travel back in history exhibits & the Indianapolis Colts display was awesome!

David Kurichar

Very organized but not a wide selection of art.

Jamie Tindall

I took a class to the Indiana Historical Society to begin a project as I do every year. It is amazing! The live rooms in which people learn by being immersed in an actual picture are maybe the most engaging activity I've ever seen for children of any age. These experiences are constantly chamging, so you can go back again and again. The classes explaining how documents are preserved, repaired, and studies are also fantastic. I could spend hours in the interactive archives of Indiana history. I highly, highly recommend putting Indiana Historical Society on the list for family, class, or individual outings.

Donna Lovelady

I have been a long-time fan of the Indiana Historical Society. However, the last couple of visits have been lackluster. Perhaps since I attended their free Thursdays in summer events, they didn't feel the need to provide a full program. However, this would be a great opportunity to gain new members. And, I am still hoping for the return of the Member Plus 1 membership.

Larry00 Harrison

I went to the Historical Society Museum with my 19 and 10 yo granddaughters. Everyone had a very enjoyable time. My 19 yo was impressed by the scope of the exhibits and the 10 yo liked the hands on areas. Both girls are excellent students and enjoy learning. We also ate in the Stardust Cafe and the food was excellent. A great day was had by all.

Martin McMann

Very unique and interesting place. It wasn't at all what I expected. I thought it would be like a museum instead it's more of an interactive history lessons. Certain areas had actors acting out moments of the past.

James Marsh

We came here for their Festival of Trees, which was incredible. The rest of the exhibits were open, and we stopped in a few of them. We definitely want to come back when we have time to see more of the historical exhibits.

Lindy Pruett

Fun experience for the 4th graders

Joy Steeb

Went to see festival of trees. Fantastic experience, love the indiana Historical Society.

Amy Maierhofer

Beautiful place. Interesting exhibits. Right on the canal. Recommend visiting.

Aki Malaeulu

Great museum with lots to see! Downstairs there’s a restaurant & patio for eating next to a beautiful canal district! Must stop in Indy!

Coy J Hutcherson

This place was awesome. We went on a guided tour. The actors stayed in character and answered any time specific questions we had. It was an informative and interactive experience. I'm looking forward to going back with the whole family.

winda combs

Madam CJ Walker is exquisite! A must see.

Steve Mac

Great place to learn everything you ever wanted to know about Indiana.. Friendly and helpful staff..

Mattie Horne

It was so nice the staff was so polite

Josef Laposa

New Christmas tradition: Viewing and judging decorated Christmas trees at History Center. Local businesses, schools, individuals compete for best overall. Nice place to eat at Stardust Cafê and walk it off looking at trees!

Kimberly DeGuglielmo

This is a beautiful building located in the downtown area. The space is large enough to host an office Xmas party or function. At the moment they are having a beautiful Xmas display of Xmas trees. If you have some spare time I suggest you go the admission is very reasonable. I took off a star b/c it wasn't very visible from the street.

Jason Craft

Not the biggest or flashiest, but it is very nice. Easy way to kill a few hours in the afternoon, then take a walk along the canal. We went for the colts exhibit, which was a tad underwhelming, but really enjoyed the Gettysburg interactions and digital postcard stuff. Can't wait to go back for the Christmas tree display when they're all done. Well, my wife can't anyway.

Robert Kirchubel

A bit sparse but don't miss the request singer in the Cole Porter room!

K. Michael VerKamp

Walk The Talk was awesome here! Fantastic live speaker series in a wonderful venue!

Jacob Dye

This is a very neat place to visit downtown. I went for the Festival of Trees and it was a really cool event and would highly recommend it during the Holiday Season. They had 80 uniquely different trees with each having there own them. They also have a Colts museum along with various other museums and things to do there. Again, I would highly recommend a visit if you are downtown.

Adriana Powell

What a great christmas set Loved the threes

Patrick Voll

Fantastic place to visit. Lots of very helpful workers are volunteers.

Alexandra LaPointe

BEST. VENUE. EVER. As soon as we walked in we knew this was it. It is so beautiful and it was sooo perfect. Everything about the venue is great, right on the canal for beautiful pictures and beautiful inside. I would suggest a day of coordinator to help with the set up and decor.

Dreamgirl Beth

White Party on the Canal was wonderful! Just wish that I had a date to dance with and ride the gondolas with.

Tara Hunter

My first time going today and I had a blast! I loved the immersive time travel! Probably one of the coolest and innovative things I've ever seen at a museum. Such a cool way to learn about our history, with the most cutting-edge technology.

Jim Duncan

You can rent this place out for large Gatherings they also have many many different functions throughout the year

Josh Frye

You need to go during Christmas time to see the numerous trees. But I will say outside that, they have great exhibits that give you insight into little know bits of history here in Indiana. If your going here, use their parking lot and make sure to get your validated parking ticket inside.

Modibo Lumumba

Very good and unique place

Ernestine Strickland

Nice place to walk but becareful

Susan Jones

Spent all day, everyone super nice, exhibits very professional.

Mrs. Dotson

We attended the Festival of Trees and had a blast. Took my 6 year old cousin and she was beyond thrilled. She had a blast trying to locate all the Pickles and the Elf on the Shelf. Also a lerfect event to bring out-of-town guests.

Larry LaFoe

If you're interested in the history of Indiana and the Northwest Territory, this is a must visit. Great research library.

Quentin Smith

Excellent place to hold events. Current event is the Festival of Trees

Kelli Hofer

Colts exhibit is really cool and the tons of Christmas trees

Bobby Price

Neat place. Must see. Loved all the trees

Allison Hakes

Good exhibits, very educational.

marcus hudson

An Awesome event location...Just off the Indianapolis cannel

Martina Singh

The staff were extremely pleasant to work with.

Derek Fakehany

Always enjoyable to spend an afternoon here.

Giles Hoyt

Fascinating exhibits.

Angry calm 1

This place is awesome the colts exhibit is pretty cool. The live action back in time exhibits are cool as well. Almost makes you feel like you did travel back in time.

Andrew Wilson

I learn alot of the history of the Hoosier state I was surprised Vincennes, Fort Wayne and Lafayette were the first three cities in Indiana

Sarah Galligan

Beautiful building with awesome, knowledgeable staff. There are so many things to see and it is definitely worth spending a day there! Stop by, you won't be disappointed!

Lloyd Tosser III

Love this place!

Medie Edie

It's like I lost track of time!

Mike Ehringer

Fun and Educational

Taiya Porter

Awesome amazing staff, very friendly and knowledgeable. I love the cafe downstairs, they have a unique menu and there signature sandwiches are amazing. Love the seating out by the Canal. My favorite time to go is for Concert on Canal and Tree Festival. My niece and nephews love it...don’t forget Circus Day!

Alan Golden

Went to a wedding reception here. Great space and charming. The acoustics are not the best for a band, but it worked.

Sharon Wray

They had a display of greenhouses which was interesting

Brad Smith

Great place to explore the history of Indinana

Gary Stephens

Amazing! Check the Cole Porter room and request a song. The ‘You Are There’ exhibits are really cool. Visit at Christmas.

Nathan McClellan

Festival of Trees is an annual event for my family. They also have amazing historical presentations.

David Welsh

Very educational. The singer was excellent!

Peter H. Smith

Live "you are there" sessions with actors who know their history and play it out for you. Was not crowded which is a bit of a shame. They contextualize the history and their exhibits will hold the attention of fourth graders through senior citizens.

Robby Smith

Stardust Cafe lunch is amazing! Exhibits after lunch...magical!!!

Nathaniel Edmunds Photography

The Historical Society offers an interesting backdrop for photos. We love the staircase for wedding ceremonies, especially. And, being along the canal is such an added bonus for events. We've been fortunate to photograph many events at this venue over the years.

Amber Toomer

Great events and beautiful facility. Not super well thought out in layout for the Circus Day event, but a great community event nonetheless!

Lowell Bailey

Angel Mounds exhibit is really good; Cole Porter exhibit is very nice.

ash s

It was interestingin some parts but some parts were just boring and not immersive enough to entertain and teach at the same time

ольга куркулина

.beautifull place

Greg Surface

Very clean. Friendly staff very nice layout. Was there for company meeting and banquet. Food was excellent meeting area comfortable with easy access for both direction of hall and stage. Spacious dining area in large foyer with grand design. Bar was staffed clean and organized with knowledgeable helpful staff.

Fred Beyne

Awesome music on the canal. All workers were great and helpful.

Kathleen Cooper

Festival of Trees is amazing, Letters from Gettysburg, religious experiences are interesting.

James Rohner

Very cool place with high tech interactive exhibits along mixed with real people.

Erin Ellis

Love it each visit!

Sandra Bryant

Foster Grandparent Annual Banquet featuring A Toast to The Temptations

WoodUlike2No

Not what i thought it was. I thought i was going to be able to show my kids some really fun history stuff.. Thwy were sooooo bored. It was all about christmas trees and jewish people. Not that its a bad thing but i guess thats the only history that matters to the indiana historical society. Oh and there was some colts stuff. But hey i guess thats very valuable information too. I guess.

David Merry

Actually I do security there. The staff are great people and highly knowledgable about Indiana history.

Patricia Tinsley

Had a nice time with the family

Deidra Robinson

Indiana Historical Society was a phenomenal experience! The Festival of Trees is a must see!

Purple Panda

It is a good museum. We went for circus day, my kids had a lot of fun. The fundraiser had reasonably priced activities and a fantasitc facepainter/ballon twister and the magic show and animal shows were awesome. My only complaint and reason i gave 4 stars is the food his super pricy and nothing wonderful... 10 dollars for a grilled chees sandwich... That crazy!!! Otherwise it was a great time

James Gray

Always a good time at the Indiana Historical Society. The Festival of Trees was a great reason for my wife and I to visit again.

Leslie Robinson

Great place good time

Stephen M

Pretty neat experience. Will definitely need to make a trip with family and spend more time there.

Edith Moreno

Just walking by the canal and passing by it.

Merrill Reich

First time there and it was awesome!

Karla Beier

Festival of trees...worth seeing...beautiful

Ian Albright

Had fun. Would be cool and unexpected place for guy to take girl on a first date.

Stacy Corwin

Step back into history!! A wonderful museum.

Camille Cantwell

Pricey but a great place to learn about Indiana history. Gorgeous setting on the canal and close to everything. A great place for a homeschool field trip too!

Chris Nelson

Stopped in to see the festival of trees and took the time to check out all of their other exhibits. Very cool live actor in the civil war letters exhibit. The Colts exhibit was very informative and interactive. Very helpful guides through out the place. Stopped in to check out their retail store. They had an impressive amount of Indiana items and a wide assortment of great history books.

Brian C

A great historic building right on the canal. We were there for a wedding and it served us very well; hors d'oeuvres upstairs followed by dinner and dancing on the ground floor. Acoustics were fine, ambience was good, and the friends it was spent with were great.

Lynda Klarner

Lovely Christmas displays and free parking.

Donna Jackson

The trees were very nice.

Ross Harmon

Great time with my girls 8yrs, 12 yrs.

Angel Williams

Such a fun museum! In addition to a great downtown local along the canal, the exhibits themselves were awesome! I’ve never been to a museum with so much “live” interaction. The concept of time machines to transport you back to a space in time was as much fun for the adults and it was for children. The actors were very knowledgeable on anything you could thing to ask them. The architecture of the building is also very special. It has strong character but immediately, you feel like all ages are welcome and encouraged to “play”.

Jeff White

I have been a teacher of Indiana Studies for over 26 years. I hate to be "that guy" who gives a bad review; but in this case I must. We planned a whole afternoon of our vacation with intention of seeing what there is to offer from this museum. What we saw was a beautiful building with as many artifacts on display as I have in two boxes in my classroom. Pointers should be taken from the Chicago, Boston and Richmond historical museums. Cahokia Mounds exhibit (outside St. Louis) puts the Angel Mound to shame. Fellow Hoosiers beware.

Tyler Blake

My gosh does Indianapolis have some amazing history! The exhibits were very detailed and articulated well. The building was clean, and well kept. The staff were very welcoming, and eager to answer any questions you have. Anytime they are open is a good time to go. It was not very busy, which is a shame. More people should take advantage of such a fantastic gem, inside the city.

Sue Foster

Saw 80 decorated Christmas trees for various companies. Creative, beautiful, thought-provoking. Each one was awesome in their own way! Voted on top three favorites. Will return next year for sure!

Adam Riviere

My lady and I were married here in 2014 because it is a beautiful building as well as a great price for the size of our wedding and reception! They offer an option for extra decor but it is not needed since the beauty of this building is able to stand alone without extra. The interactive exhibits are amazing! The design of each space, the reenactment performed by the actors as well as the knowledge they share is impressive.

Carolyn Niemantsverdriet

This gem has a fantastic library and regular displays focused on Indiana, but the best part is the You Are There exhibits where you interact with historical figures.

Andrew Okerson

It's amazing to have such detailed local history right in our own back yard!

Miyishah Sapp

It was Awesome !! We went for Circus Day :)

Nathan Mundy

The Christmas tree event we went to was fun and the were some neat exhibits we got to see in the process

Mike Skaggs

First time to go. Very impressive building and exhibits. Everyone should visit!

Kathy Isenhour

We went to see the 80 Christmas trees. They were beautiful,each one sponsored by a company or organization.

Shea Wynn

These people doing amazing job of keeping Indiana history alive. It's in a beautiful part of downtown right on the canal. While you are checking out the museum or heading to your next meal down below check out the schedule for the summer events. They have concerts All Summer Long Outdoors where you and your family and friends can sit along the canal in the lawn listening to the band

Shawn Blazier

Fun time. Got to see 80 Christmas trees. Multiple live historical experiences. Will validate parking if you park in their garage. On canal so fun views. Nice cafeteria type area as well. Friendly staff and decent prices for what you get.

Janet Reyes

Great place for family fun.

Barbara Lawless

The festival of trees is spectacular every year. It seems the participants outdo themselves year after year. I also love the displays of times past. Currently, the two are of a civil war mother, very moving & an itinerant preacher in Danville in the 1830's. The actors stay in character & make you feel as though you are in the past. I highly recommend the experience. The gift shop is very special with many unique gifts and very affordable.

Megan Zurawicz

So much to learn and experience!

Camille Stephen

Very nice people working there. Chase is a very talented singer.

Kim Reid

Really good place if you love History.

Phillip Black

Outstanding stop for business and pleasure

Amanda Plunkett

Festival of trees was great! Family loved it and it will definitely be a new family tradition!

thomas buchler

Love coming out here. Its fun, educational and inexpensive to spend a good few hours. The interactive experiences are always great. I really liked the one based off a letter from a solider from the battle of Gettysburg. It was riveting.

roger williams

Interesting educational

Joann Holmes

Wonderful band! Great fun!!!

Lourdes Martinez

Great exhibits, friendly staff, free parking with admission! Really enjoyed the Festival of Trees.

RF D

Excellent museum with lots to see and do. I especially love the you are there living history exhibits with actors. Also beautiful location on the canal.

Susan Fillmer

We enjoyed the Women Behaving Badly evening. So informative and very well done.

Denise Clark

I loved the kid friendly circus day. Only thing it was Very crowded and big events in small rooms. With one table tiny events in larger spaces

Jake Lazarus

Wonderful wedding venue, enough space inside and out for any weather conditions

Nyvonne Milton

The place was simply beautiful and the outside patio was really nice but they needed more comfortable chairs. The food was horrible and the chicken breast was so dry I had to drink water to eat it.

Barb Lasher

Good presentation of "you were there" events showing 1839 and 1939 historical times. Actors remained true to time period while responding to questions and provided interesting facts appropriate for our elementary aged granddaughter. The musical Cole Porter presentation was enjoyable. Lots to see.

Hannah Taylor

The Indiana historical society has a very beautiful building that seems like it has its own history! We were there for an even in the evening, so not much was open, but the staff we interacted with were all very helpful.

Nancy Emmick

Wonderful representation of Indiana history! Loved the Cole Porter room and listening to a fabulous singer.

Ebony Lee

Fun place to visit

Edward Williams

Very interesting place to learn about Indiana.

Ross Hamilton

Its a great place full of friendly people and cool stuff you will have a blast here .Highly recommend this place.

Kareema B

I was here for a holiday party and didn't get to see the trees but this place is awesome. Lots of history and cool activities for the family throughout the year with some items being free.