Conversations in Indiana African American History and Culture

Select Thursdays

6 p.m. EDT
Indiana Landmarks Center, 1201 Central Ave., Indianapolis and Online

In this recurring series presented by Freetown Village, historians, researchers, and educators discuss topics related to Indiana’s Black heritage, followed by question-and-answer sessions. Sponsored by Indiana Landmarks’ Black Heritage Preservation Program, Indiana Humanities, IUI Africana Studies, and Association of the Study of African American Life and History Joseph Taylor Branch.

View all upcoming Freetown Village events at freetownvillage.org/new-events.

May 21, 2026

6 p.m. EDT (Doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
Indiana Landmarks Center, 1201 Central Ave., Indianapolis and Online

Memorial Day: A History Worth Remembering

Leon Bates, veteran and urban historian, shares the often-overlooked history and origins of Memorial Day, set aside to honor those who died in military service. The holiday began as Decoration Day, a tradition started by African Americans who decorated the graves of fallen Union soldiers—long before the nation formally recognized the practice.

Indianapolis also holds a lesser‑known chapter of Civil War history. More than 5,000 Confederate soldiers were imprisoned at Camp Morton, with about 1,600 dying and being buried at Greenlawn Cemetery. Records from the National Archives reveal that 29 of those who died were of African descent, a detail rarely acknowledged.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. at Indiana Landmarks Center and talk begins at 6 p.m. in person and online. Free with RSVP. Learn more and register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/conversations-in-indiana-african-american-history-culture-5212026-registration-1982363463483 

Questions? Contact Marriam Umar, Freetown Village Program Director, at marriam@freetownvillage.org or 317-631-1870.