Hamilton County celebrates 200 years

Hamilton County will celebrate its Bicentennial this year.

Coordinator Jessica Layman said Hamilton County was founded in 1823 by the Indiana State Legislature.  Layman says the county has experienced rapid growth.

“History really changes as with the population. So, we really think about different ways of looking at history, like through our diversity. There were Black, African American settlers here in the county as early as the 1830s,”  Layman said. “We look at different ways the arts have come to light here in the county.”

Layman said there will be events to highlight the many communities.

“We're going to have close to 50 events throughout the year, highlighting different parts of history and different themes like arts and education,” Layman said.

The Hamilton County Bicentennial Opening Ceremony takes place at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

Acclaimed local singer-songwriter Josh Kaufman, season 6 winner of “The Voice”, will serve as emcee of the event, with other performers including Mudsock Jazz Combo, the Moontown Pickle Stompers, the Freetown Village Singers and Conner Prairie storyteller Dwight Gallian.

The opening ceremony is the first of free, family-friendly events celebrating the Hamilton County Bicentennial throughout the year.

A full calendar of events can be found at hamcoturns200.com.

Contact WFYI Morning Edition newscaster and reporter Taylor Bennett at tbennett@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @TaylorB2213.