In 1962 Wilbur Peat’s book Indiana Houses of the Nineteenth Century came out, illustrated with photos of the Victorian cream of the crop. It might break your heart to see what has been lost, and lift your spirits to see what has been restored.

On Thursday July 19, fifty years later, Indiana Landmarks President, Marsh Davis and Wilbur Peat’s son, David Peat will talk about the changes using Indianapolis images from the book contrasted with new views. The duo’s illustrated talk “Revisiting Victorian Indianapolis” will occur at 7 p.m. in the Grand Hall at Indiana Landmarks Center, 1201 Central Avenue.

The Hoosier Chapter Victorian Society of America (HVSA) and Historic Indianapolis are sponsoring the program hosted at Indiana Landmarks Center. David Peat donated the archive of his late father’s architectural images, including those used in the book, to Indiana Landmarks.

Davis, an experienced photographer of historic homes himself, will present contrasting photos showing how the Indianapolis properties featured in Peat’s book appear today. David Peat will share insights about his father, long time director of the John Herron Art Institute, the precursor to the Indianapolis Museum of Art. His 1962 book on Victorian houses was published by the Indiana Historical Society and is no longer in print.

Before the program, Tiffany Benedict Berkson, Hoosier VSA President, will present Indiana Landmarks with VSA’s prestigious National Preservation Award for the recent restoration of the former Central Avenue Methodist Church, now Indiana Landmarks Center. A reception will follow the program to celebrate the third anniversary of Historic Indianapolis. Tours of Indiana Landmarks Center will also be offered.

Cost: open to the public for $5 per person. There is no charge for members of HVSA and Indiana Landmarks.

Contact: Vanessa Burkhart, Victorian Society in America Hoosier Chapter, 317-251-5790, vwburkhart@aol.com.