Indianapolis' most iconic structure has stood watch over Monument Circle for 125 years. A new public humanities research project asks, what does the monument know?
The Soldiers and Sailors Monument knows the gathering of thousands — it has witnessed great speeches and tragic events, celebrations and protests.
Sarah Urist Green is the artistic director of Monumental Gestures, a larger initiative to infuse public places in Indianapolis with art and design. She said the Monument Knows project asks about more than the history of the structure.
"How it functions in our lives now as a place where we come together and to think together about what it actually does and what it means and what it stands for in 2026," Urist Green said.
Landmark Columbus Foundation leads the effort and will hold public presentations, discussions and tours in the coming months. Local and national experts will give talks about what the monument has seen to launch a larger discussion.
"To think about the histories that exist that we may or may not have readily available, and to think about what stories are there, what personal anecdotal stories people have about it, and to think about how we could get together to discuss that through public conversations," Urist Green said.
The first event was held this week. Other gatherings will explore contemporary meanings and future possibilities for the monument.
The project will also conduct historical research, with the goal of creating an AI tool to help tell the story of the monument.
Landmarks Columbus Foundation Executive Director Richard McCoy says the monument, built to honor Hoosier soldiers, can help tell a wide range of stories.
"One of the challenges with monuments and memorials is you sometimes get a more singular narrative, and so through our four conversations, we hope to tell a more full American story," McCoy said.
The project is supported by partners including landscape architect Merritt Chase and the Mellon Foundation. It coincides with the nation's 250th celebration.
Contact WFYI Managing City Editor Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org
