Explore Be Heard : A Journey into Latino Heritage in Indiana

Explore Be Heard : A Journey into Latino Heritage in Indiana

Residents of Indiana, take note! A special exhibit titled “Be Heard: Latino Experiences in Indiana” is set to launch at the Havilah Beardsley House from September 3 to September 28. The exhibit, organized by the Indiana Historical Society, offers a unique glimpse into the lives and contributions of Latino residents throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. Visitors can expect to encounter a rich tapestry of stories representing various cultural backgrounds and highlighting the significant impact of Latino culture in Indiana. The opportunity to explore this chapter of local history is not to be missed, as Yahoo News reports.

Tour options are conveniently available Tuesday through Saturday, with multiple slots for guided experiences at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. Sundays offer tours at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. For those wishing to visit during the exhibit’s Free Family Sunday on September 7, from 1 to 4 p.m., a reservation can be made by calling 574-264-0330. Local community supporters Steve and Julie Bachman have generously sponsored the exhibit, ensuring it reaches as many people as possible.

A Journey Through Latino Heritage

The curated exhibit does more than just tell stories; it draws attention to Indiana’s oldest Latino tradition, the vibrant Mexican Independence Day parade. This year marks a special occasion as the parade celebrates its 100th anniversary on September 15. As WISH-TV reveals, the month is further enriched by an annual Hispanic Heritage celebration, filled with interactive art workshops, performances, and a variety of engaging activities running until October 12. It’s a splendid way for the community to come together and honor the contributions of Latino culture.

Nicole Martinez-Legrand, the multicultural collections curator, emphasizes the importance of this exhibit in recognizing the diverse experiences that have shaped Indiana’s Hispanic community. Featured prominently are costumes from the 1960s, donated by the family of folkloric dancer Lupe Figeroa. These garments—some made in Mexico and others likely crafted in the U.S.—bring an authentic touch to the exhibit, showcasing the colorful heritage that is so crucial to the fabric of Indiana.

Maps and More at Havilah Beardsley House

In addition to “Be Heard,” the Havilah Beardsley House will serve as the venue for another compelling exhibition titled „Indiana Through the Mapmaker’s Eye,“ scheduled from July 2 to July 31, 2025. This exhibition dives deep into the historical uses of maps, illustrating their role as both documents and works of art. For anyone fascinated by the world of cartography, this exhibit promises treasures like an 1833 tourist pocket map of Indiana and a 1910 Sanborn Company fire insurance map of Bloomington, making history come alive in an unexpected way. As outlined by Ruthmere, the selective nature of mapmaking will be explored, revealing how maps can convey significant messages depending on their context.

So, whether you’re intrigued by Latino experiences or historical cartography, the Havilah Beardsley House has something for everyone. Mark your calendars, grab your friends, and immerse yourselves in the colorful heritage and stories that make Indiana such a unique place to call home! There really is something to be said for experiencing history and culture right at your doorstep.