Pioneer Founders of Indiana Project - Deadline is September 15, 2010

The Society of Indiana Pioneers is seeking to identify exceptional pioneers to recognize and honor for their efforts in building early Indiana foundations. The Society of Indiana Pioneers was founded in 1916, when Indiana celebrated its 100th anniversary of statehood. In preparation for the 200th anniversary of Indiana statehood in 2016, the Society seeks to honor special pioneers from each of Indiana's 92 counties.

“We want people from each county to nominate early pioneer founders that helped to carve a new life out of the wilderness and establish the settlements that grew into today's Indiana cities and towns,” said Society Co-Presidents Stanley Evans and Carolyn Rose.

This process will allow contributors to nominate ancestors who helped establish the foundations of our state in the 1700s and early 1800s.

The task of covering all 92 counties will be completed by 2016. Each year, 15 to 20 counties will be selected for honoring pioneers at each annual meeting. At the Society of Indiana Pioneers' Centennial Celebration in 2016, all 92 county pioneers will be honored.

Nominations are currently being sought for­ the following counties: Allen, Carroll, Cass, Clinton, Delaware, Harrison, Jefferson, Johnson, Knox, Marshall, Montgomery, Putnam, Scott, Shelby, Starke, Switzerland, Vigo, and Wayne Counties. Any interested party can submit a nomination.

Pioneers selected will be honored at The Society of Indiana Pioneers annual meeting on November 6, 2010. Nominations must be received by September 15, 2010. Phone inquiries are welcome at (317) 233-6588. Emails are welcome at societyofindianapioneers@yahoo.com.

Copies of the application form are available at the Indiana State Library or by using these links:

• Pioneer Founders of Indiana - Nomination Form (PDF)
• Pioneer Founders of Indiana - Information Sheet (PDF)

About the Society

In 1915, the Indiana General Assembly created the Indiana Historical Commission which led the planning, preparation and conduct of the celebration of Indiana's Centennial. Local Centennial committees were organized throughout Indiana. John Hampden Holliday, publisher of The Indianapolis News, was the chairman of the Indianapolis committee.

Sometime during the weeks of Centennial celebration, Mr. Holliday came upon the notion of organizing a society composed of people who were descendants of the early settlers of Indiana, the pioneers who opened the State to civilization, thereafter discussing, promoting and planning it with family, friends and acquaintances. On September 15, 1916, Mr. Holliday and a considerable number of people met to hear the report of a planning committee and its presentation of a proposed constitution that was adopted by those attending. In a subsequent order of business Mr. Holliday was elected the first President, a position he held until his death in 1921.

Today, there are four classes of membership available to those persons interested in the goals of the Society: Regular, Junior, Associate and Honorary. More information on becoming a member of The Society of Indiana Pioneers is available on the Join the Society page.

Details on the benefits of membership and services available to Society members is on the Benefits page.

A list of currently available books and other items are shown on the Publications page.

The Society cooperates with the Indiana Historical Society, the Indiana Junior Historical Society, and other historical organizations. Over the years the Society has engaged in various projects. Present membership is about 1,200.

From the Society's office at 140 North Senate Avenue in downtown Indianapolis, we strive to serve our membership and continue to celebrate the rich Indiana Pioneer heritage that we share.

Society Officers & Staff

Board of Governors