Established in the 1870s, the Martindale neighborhood in Indianapolis became a vibrant hub for the city’s Black community in a time when segregation limited opportunities for employment and participation elsewhere in city. African Americans built a strong, self-sustaining neighborhood centered around Beeler Street (later renamed Martindale Avenue), with homes, churches, and schools forming the backbone of daily life. Important landmarks including Frederick Douglass Park (opened in 1921 as the city’s African American park) and St. Rita Catholic Church became cultural and spiritual anchors. Despite challenges from urban development and economic shifts, Martindale’s legacy of resilience and pride continues to shape its identity today.

On July 23, the public is invited to learn more about current preservation initiatives in the area, including the consideration and benefits of listing the neighborhood in the National Register of Historic Places, at a public session presented by Indiana Landmarks Black Heritage Preservation Program and the Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development.

Attendees will learn more about tax incentives, access to grants, and opportunities for tourism and education that come with National Register listing. The proposed Martindale Historic District is bounded by 30th Street on the north, 25th Street on the south, Dr. Andrew J. Brown Avenue on the west and Brouse Avenue on the east.

Presenters at the community session include Paul Diebold, assistant for Preservation Services with the Indiana Department of Historic Preservation and Archaeology; Kurt Garner, historic preservation consultant; and Anthony Conley, researcher and historian. Eunice Trotter, director of Indiana Landmarks Black Heritage Preservation Program, will moderate the discussion.

WHAT: Martindale Historic District public information session

WHEN: July 23, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. EDT

WHERE: Frederick Douglass Park Family Center, 1616 East 25th Street, Indianapolis

COST: Free with RSVP

RSVP: www.indianalandmarks.org/martindale-information-session or 317-639-4534

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Indiana Landmarks revitalizes communities, strengthens connections to our diverse heritage, and saves meaningful places. With nine offices located throughout the state, Indiana Landmarks helps people rescue endangered landmarks and restore historic neighborhoods and downtowns. People who join Indiana Landmarks receive its bimonthly magazine, Indiana Preservation. For more information on the not-for-profit organization, call 317-639-4534, 800-450-4534, or visit www.indianalandmarks.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Eunice Trotter, Director of Indiana Landmarks Black Heritage Preservation Program, 317-639-4534, etrotter@indianalandmarks.org

Mindi Woolman, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Indiana Landmarks, 317-639-4534, mwoolman@indianalandmarks.org