Wednesday is Indiana’s 197th birthday and to celebrate, Hoosiers are encouraged to get involved with an even bigger celebration a few years down the line.
On December 11, 1816, Indiana was officially recognized as a new state. Hoosiers can mark today by thinking toward Indiana’s future.
In 2016, the state will celebrate 200 years and Indiana’s Bicentennial Commission is calling on communities to find ways to honor our history and forge our future.
The group is focusing on four key areas for the bicentennial. The area of nature and conservation has already received considerable attention with acres of land being preserved for the occasion. Chris Jensen, executive director of the bicentennial commission, explains why nature is being highlighted.
"In 1916 our state parks system was developed so that was a big gift that came out of the centenial celebration," says Jensen.
He says the other areas are youth and education, community involvement and historical celebration. Input and ideas are encouraged at indiana2016.org.
