“Conversations in Indiana’s African American History” is a monthly gathering of voices—historians, researchers, and educators—who deepen our understanding of the African American experience in Indiana, past and present. Our speaker will be local historian and veteran Leon Bates.
Memorial Day: A History Worth Remembering
Memorial Day is set aside to honor those who died in military service, but its origins are often overlooked. 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.
Join us as we explore these hidden stories and reflect on the fuller history behind Memorial Day.
Event is free but registration is required. Click here to reserve your ticket.
In Person: Doors open at 5:30 p.m. at Indiana Landmarks, 1201 N. Central Avenue, Indianapolis, IN and talk begins at 6:00 p.m.
Online: Livestream will begin at 6:00 p.m.