116 past events with the history tag

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

In fall 1902, Indianapolis police uncovered a prolific graverobbing ring operating across the city. Unlike graverobbers of yore plundering cemeteries for treasure, the Indianapolis ghouls were after fresh corpses; cadavers desperately needed by the city’s medical colleges for anatomical training. It was estimated that at least 300 bodies were ‘resurrected’ alone from Marion County in 1902. 

Chris Flook explores this history in his new book Indianapolis Grave-robbing. The presentation provides an overview of the subsequent trials of the graverobbers and a discussion of how the story intersected with Delaware County. Includes reception and book signing.

Author/Presenter: Chris Flook, associate lecturer, Department of Media, Ball State University; board member, Delaware County Historical Society

Limited to 40 guests. No charge - Reservations required. Please reserve at https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057.

April 6; 1–5 p.m. 
Free community event 
Various locations across campus

Explore our solar system and learn about planets with family-friendly activities. Muncie Children’s Museum will help future astronauts prepare for the eclipse by making solar viewing crowns, offering space-themed sensory bins, and more. Local author and illustrator Laurie Lunsford will read her book The Solar Eclipse is Coming. Solar System Ambassador Sarah Vise will share her expertise with curious learners, and visitors can also attend a performance of the world premiere of A Golden Curve of Light, an eclipse-themed one-act play written by award-winning playwright, Jennifer Blackmer.

April 7; 3–8 p.m. 
Free community event
Various locations across campus

Join Minnetrista in appreciating the beauty of the heavens! Afternoon activities facilitated by Minnetrista and Muncie Children’s Museum staff will include coloring sun catchers, making solar viewing crowns, and exploring sensory bins. That evening, the stars align as Minnetrista and Orchestra Indiana present Eclipsed: A Magical Night of Music. With the sky as our backdrop, visitors are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and picnic blankets to revel in celestial-themed musical selections. Local arts partners and food trucks will be on hand to enhance your experience and round out the evening.

April 8; 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Free community event
Various locations across campus

Enjoy Minnetrista’s expansive lawns—all are welcome to one of the best places in town to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event! Celebrate the science of solar eclipses with demonstrations and activities meant to educate. Local author and illustrator Laurie Lunsford will read her book The Solar Eclipse is Coming, and the Muncie Astronomy Club will provide expertise. Visitors can attend a performance of A Golden Curve of Light, an eclipse-themed one-act play written by award-winning playwright Jennifer Blackmer. After the activities, visitors can claim their spots and prepare to experience the eclipse totality event at our viewing party!

Please join us for a very special evening, presented by Cuplets, Live Poetry at The Cup, on Sunday, July 28th, at 5p, The Indiana Chitlin Circuit! 

RSVP HERE:

https://facebook.com/events/s/the-indiana-chitlin-circuit/8336938519661109/

This Hoosier project is based on the historical Chitlin Circuit that sprouted during the period of Jim Crow segregation. African American performers weren’t allowed to share a stage with white performers, so a network of live entertainment venues in the US emerged that catered to black audiences and black entertainers. The PuICC facilitates and shares the pride and verve of the historical entertainers that burgeoned (bur-jn) African American entertainment throughout America.

With the PuICC, three poets collaborate, creating an atmosphere of artistic excitement, all three sharing the mic, taking turns reading a piece of poetry inspired by the last piece of poetry read. Each poet feeds off the other, not knowing what to read until that VERY moment. This magical round-robin of sorts goes on for about 20 minutes. We will take a small break and then each poet gets a solo set of about 10 minutes. As a group each, our poets read a poem by lucille clifton – line by line.

This is unlike any poetry event you have been a part of and it is likely VERY different than what you’ve seen or been audience to! We are excited for you to experience this with our very own Indiana State Poet Laureate, Curtis L. Crisler, and two of our local poets, Cuplets Host, Abigayle Devendorf, and Gayle Radwick!

Admission is FREE with a purchase from the menu of The Cup! 🥯☕️

Join Cuplets monthly on every 4th Sunday at The Cup at 5p! The Cup is a coffeeshop/restaurant at 1606 West University Avenue in The Village by the campus of Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. Free parking is behind the café, enter the parking lot off of Dill Street by Be Here Now.

A celebration of the Muncie Gas Boom Era! The Old Washington Street Festival is a showcase for regional artisans and artists that connects the history of Muncie to the modern era. Join us for arts and crafts vendors, food, and free entertainment!

A celebration of the Muncie Gas Boom Era! The Old Washington Street Festival is a showcase for regional artisans and artists that connects the history of Muncie to the modern era. Join us for arts and crafts vendors, food, and free entertainment!

Beech Grove Cemetery

Held at Beech Grove Cemetery
No Charge—Reservations Required
Please reserve online at https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057

The Sultana was a wooden steamboat that exploded on the Mississippi just outside of Memphis on April 27, 1865. It was considered one of the deadliest maritime disasters in US history. The boat, built to carry 376 passengers, was vastly overloaded with paroled Civil War prisoners of war. On board were an estimated 2,300 people, 1,700 of whom lost their lives, including 55 from Delaware County. A monument in the Beech Grove Cemetery honors the 55 Delaware County members who died in the disaster. Despite the magnitude of the tragedy, the Sultana disaster received very little coverage as it was overshadowed by the end of the war and the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln just days prior. 

Presenter: Jennifer Lewis Sparks, historical and genealogical researcher, lecturer, and cemetery enthusiast

All are invited to a presentation by BSU Political Science Professor Dr. Darren Wheeler who will delve into The Constitution in Black & White. “Interpreting the Constitution should be easy, right? Well, yes - and no. Join Dr. Wheeler in a discussion of the challenges that judges face when interpreting the Constitution in the judicial decision-making process." Sponsored by the Paul Revere Chapter (Daughters of the American Revolution) in recognition of Constitution Week (September 17-23) For more information https://www.facebook.com/share/tpemSFvYkkadHDee/?mibextid=qi2Omg or email paulreveremuncie@gmail.com

Opens September 21

Oakhurst Galleries

Step into the captivating narrative of the Ball family and their legacy in this original exhibition exploring Muncie’s most famous family. Through lively storytelling, family photographs, and cherished historic objects, the exhibition will trace the Ball family’s path from Buffalo, NY through their remarkable impact on the East Central Indiana region that continues to this day.

Join Minnetrista and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Dream Team for activities, history, and culture at the Kick-Off to Black History Month Celebration at Minnetrista!

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the Minnetrista Heritage Collection on a guided tour with Archivist Susan Smith and Collections Manager Mindy Price. Learn more about what we collect and see artifacts not currently on public display. Dive into the rich history and fascinating stories behind these treasures.

Pre-registration is required. Please visit our website to register for this tour.

Important Notes: 
This tour has a maximum capacity of 10. 
To book a tour for a large group or organization, please contact us directly. 
No food, beverages, or large bags are permitted in Collections storage areas.
There are stairs in our collections storage areas - please let us know if you need any accommodations.

It's Winter, so the Muncie Makers Market is on hiatus for our sidewalk setup until warmer weather - but we still have a fun First Thursday  planned! We will have many items from our local Growers & Makers for sale on Thursday, March 6th from 5-8p at Cornerstone Center for the Arts! Join us and many other local Artisans and shop INDOORS with FREE parking on First Thursday! 
 

The Muncie Makers Market is a community farmers market with fresh homemade food, locally grown produce, live plants, and handmade arts of all kinds! You’ll find the Muncie Makers Market monthly during the First Thursday Gallery Walks, and at special events like ArtsWalk, Fire Up DWNTWN, and Light Up DWNTWN throughout our community all year! Please JOIN us on Facebook and Instagram and please SHARE our posts: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1627047027524961/ ;

#MuncieMakersMarket #Mocal #Funcie #Muncie #GoDoMuncie #BetterTogether #FirstThursday #FarmersMarket #EatLocal #BuyLocal #ShopLocal #HeyMuncie #VisitMuncie #MuncieProud #Handmade #Homemade #LocallyGrown 

Broadway’s COME FROM AWAY is a Best Musical winner all across North America!

This New York Times Critics’ Pick takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships.

Don’t miss this breathtaking musical written by Tony® nominees Irene Sankoff and David Hein, directed by Tony-winning Best Director, Christopher Ashley and musical staging by Tony-nominee Kelly Devine. The tour is directed by Daniel Goldstein with musical staging by Richard J. Hinds, based on the original Broadway direction and choreography.

Newsweek cheers, “It takes you to a place you never want to leave!”

On 9/11, the world stopped.

On 9/12, their stories moved us all.