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<p>New series will offer insightful conversations about Indiana&#8217;s past featuring leading historians.</p>

Renowned Indiana historian tapped for inaugural 'History Talks!' presentation

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INDIANAPOLIS—Indiana historian James Madison, author and Thomas and Kathryn Miller Professor of History Emeritus at Indiana University Bloomington, will launch the new “History Talks!” series, designed to “engage the past, in the present, about the future.”

His presentation, “Two Centuries of Hoosiers,” will take place Thursday, Dec. 10, at the Indiana Landmarks Cook Theater, 1201 N. Central Ave. in Indianapolis. The interactive presentation and conversation begins at 4:30 p.m. Madison will sign copies of his books from 5:30 to 6 p.m.

“History Talks!” is a new series offering insightful conversations featuring leading historians who will shed light on the rich complexities of the past and help spark conversation on how the past is shaping Indiana’s present and future.

With the approach of Indiana’s bicentennial in 2016, Madison will present an overview of the state’s past, from Hoosier pioneers through the Civil War to the 21st century. His illustrated talk will highlight connections between past and present and help us think about the future.

Madison’s books include “Hoosiers: A New History of Indiana”; “Eli Lilly: A Life, 1885-1977”; “The Indiana Way: A State History”; and “A Lynching in the Heartland: Race and Memory in America.” He serves on the boards of Indiana Humanities and the Indiana Historical Society and is a member of the Indiana Bicentennial Commission. He began teaching history in 1976 and has lectured and consulted widely on Indiana topics.

“Jim Madison knows who we are because he knows who we, as Hoosiers, have been,” said David Bodenhamer, professor of history and executive director of the Polis Center in the School of Liberal Arts at IUPUI. We are excited that he will be our inaugural History Talks! speaker, especially as we approach Indiana’s 200th anniversary. I cannot imagine a better guide to understanding what we might become as a state.” 

The presentation is free and open to the general public. Request additional information or RSVP by contacting history@iupui.edu.

The “History Talks!” inaugural program is a collaboration between the Department of History in the School of Liberal Arts at IUPUI, the Spirit & Place Festival and Indiana Landmarks.