The records in the Indiana State Archives are priceless, one-of-a-kind treasures not to be found anywhere else. The two state Constitutions, correspondence of Indiana’s governors dating back to the territorial period over 200 years ago, acts of the General Assembly, and the case files of the state Supreme Court are all in the State Archives. Also included are Vigo County naturalization records. They are your family heirlooms, the records that help define who you are and establish and protect your rights and freedoms. They should be guarded carefully.
But those records are in grave danger. State administrators 10 years ago decided “temporarily” to house the State Archives in a rickety and dangerously unsafe warehouse on Indianapolis’ eastside. This pole construction building, built in 1968 to accommodate a vinyl record factory, has perpetual problems with roof leaks after heavy rains and snows. Water has frequently dripped on the records — your priceless documents — soaking many of them.
Damaged records include state Supreme Court case files. Time and again, the hard-working and dedicated State Archives staff have rescued records after these leaks. Tornadoes in 2002 and 2008 narrowly missed striking that weak building, which cannot withstand high winds; nearby buildings of similar construction were destroyed. Must we risk having the Archives blown into Ohio?
On top of the threats from a leaking roof is the more insidious problem of terrible temperature and humidity controls where the records are kept. Humidity and temperatures in the stacks fluctuate dramatically causing the 200-year-old papers to get brittle and weaken. During months when the building’s heating system is on, the inside air becomes as dry as a desert and bakes the records. Days, weeks, months and years of this stress and strain take a toll on paper, photographs, and film.
State leaders have ignored these threats to the records. Instead, in a temporary expedient, state administrators have recently earmarked over a million dollars to re-roof the old warehouse in which the State Archives is “temporarily” housed. But this does nothing to address the more insistent problem of the bad HVAC underneath the roof. Re-roofing that warehouse amounts to throwing good money after bad. It makes little sense to spend heavily on maintaining an inadequate structure. “Penny wise but pound foolish” is not good stewardship.
The Friends of the Indiana State Archives, a nonprofit statewide organization formed to support the Indiana State Archives in its important work, has for years called for better protection of the state’s precious records. We believe the best, most cost-effective solution for the citizens of Indiana is to house the State Archives in a purpose-built structure that will be safe, secure, and environmentally friendly to the records, and one that is inexpensive to maintain.
The building should also be sited on the state government campus in downtown Indianapolis where citizens can safely visit, see, use, and experience the priceless documentary treasures that are theirs. The State Archives should be taken out of the expensive-to-maintain warehouse that is little better than your backyard toolshed and placed in a suitable building before a heavy rain, snow, or high wind destroys that unsafe shell and its irreplaceable contents.
As Indiana prepares to celebrate its bicentennial — 200 years of statehood — in 2016, it is fitting for the state to build a monument that will symbolize the past, present, and future of our state. We recommend that a new State Archives building to house the state’s treasures stand as that memorial to the achievements of the past and the triumphs of the future. A purpose-built and safe building for the State Archives to protect the records of executive, legislative, and judicial achievement will symbolize our determination to continue the American experiment in a government of laws and justice for all.
— Stephen E. Towne, president
Friends of the Indiana State Archives
Indianapolis
Flashpoint
FLASHPOINT: State Archives needs permanent, safe home
- Flashpoint
-
-
FLASHPOINT: Legislative session reflected Hoosier priorities
The 2013 session of the Indiana General Assembly came to an end just a few weeks ago with the final passage of our state’s next two-year budget.
-
FLASHPOINT: A legislative session of missed opportunities
Given the nature of politicians, grand claims of accomplishments and overblown rhetoric about “historic” efforts are to be expected at the close of any legislative session.
-
FLASHPOINT: Again in 2013 General Assembly, middle class generally ignored
Last year, the people of Indiana entrusted the Republican Party with some of their most precious possessions.
-
FLASHPOINT: Indiana lawmakers reinforced school safety mechanisms
Nothing is more important to me than the safety of my children. Every parent has felt that instant, apprehensive rush when their child plays too close to the street or falls down while playing soccer and it is our responsibility as parents to implement every safety mechanism we can muster to protect our kids.
-
FLASHPOINT: Lessons from the legacy media — get it right, first
Enough mistakes and maybe we’ll learn: When in doubt, leave it out.
-
FLASHPOINT: Hoosiers got steady hand in recent session
As the General Assembly began its work last November, as Speaker of the House, I pledged a renewed spirit of bipartisanship with legislators working together to solve our state’s most pressing challenges. As this year’s legislative session concludes, representatives from throughout the state — Republican and Democrat — have joined together to address those issues at the forefront of Hoosier minds: maintaining our state’s fiscal integrity, spurring job creation and expanding education opportunities for every Hoosier family.
-
FLASHPOINT: Time has arrived for overhaul of TV news
Former FCC Chairman Alfred Sikes gave an address in 1992 in which he claimed television news was too superficial and too focused on visuals.
-
FLASHPOINT: Fiscal cliff, Obamacare have already raised taxes enough
Our history is rich with stories of people who have immigrated to the United States for a chance at the American Dream. The American Dream, in its truest form, is the opportunity to achieve success by working hard and playing by the rules; to make it on your own and to say, “I earned this.”
-
FLASHPOINT: Expanding Medicaid coverage makes sense for Indiana
Since last summer’s U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on the Affordable Care Act effectively gave states the option to expand Medicaid, policymakers across the country have debated if and how to extend health programs to millions of uninsured Americans.
-
FLASHPOINT: Improve public education, stop experimenting with it
In January, the four of us who serve as the Democrats on the House Education Committee outlined our hopes for the 2013 session of the Indiana General Assembly, particularly in joining with Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz to offer common sense solutions to improve the quality of education for our children. With the halfway point of this session past us, we remain optimistic that positive steps can be taken … but that optimism is tempered by the reality that education policies are being directed by a legislative majority that has a radically different agenda.
-
Healthcare law anniversary no reason for celebration
March 23 marked three years since the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was signed into law, yet this is not an anniversary that deserves celebration.
-
FLASHPOINT: Defending state’s authority is attorney general’s obligation
The law of the land recognizes the authority of states to license marriage.
-
FLASHPOINT: Stability key for state’s future
Hoosiers have the unique luxury of being the fiscal envy of the nation due to the sound fiscal policies of the last eight years.
-
FLASHPOINT: House budget offers Medicaid solution for Indiana
This week, my U.S. House Budget Committee colleagues and I introduced a federal budget resolution for fiscal year 2014. Our budget is a responsible plan that stops spending money and balances in 10 years — largely through making key reforms to drivers of our debt like Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security.
-
FLASHPOINT: Problem gambling in Indiana: A new understanding of community concern
The week of March 3 was designated as National Problem Gambling Awareness Week.
-
FLASHPOINT: Eastern time in Indiana defies common sense
Nobody complains more than Hoosiers about changing their clocks. And there’s a valid reason — daylight-savings time in Indiana’s Eastern Time Zone is painful.
-
Praying for civil resolution to debate over gun control
Guns are lively ammunition for passionate debate these days.
-
FLASHPOINT: It’s not too late to expand health services
This week, state leaders euthanized the biggest, boldest Hoosier jobs proposal of the 2013 session of the Indiana General Assembly.
-
FLASHPOINT: You can’t go back again — and that’s OK
Our progressive colleagues have been telling us for years that the 1950s were a horrid time.
-
FLASHPOINT: The fierce urgency of now — nation needs to protect youth
The alcohol-fueled alleged serial rape of a 16-year-old Ohio girl by two of her similarly impaired classmates — not to mention the drunken videotaped commentary of others — points yet again to the imperative that adult America renews its commitment to address as a true national community those issues that most threaten the health, safety and forward development of youth.
-
FLASHPOINT: A pastor speaks out against Sullivan’s ‘traditional prom’
I am a pastor in Sullivan, Ind., and I am outraged.
Recently, two young students applied to walk the Grand March together in the school prom in Sullivan. -
FLASHPOINT: 0wning firearms is a First Amendment exercise, too
Following the hysteria generated by gun prohibitionists in the wake of the Sandy Hook tragedy, a nationwide rush on gun stores began as citizens bought semiautomatic modern sporting rifles, handguns and ammunition, in effect “making a political statement” about proposals to ban such firearms.
-
FLASHPOINT: Maintaining the priority
Recently a newspaper article has been written about a change in the by-laws of the Indiana High School Athletic Association which speaks directly to attempted undue influence exerted upon students below the level of grade nine and their parents.
-
FLASHPOINT: The fairness of marriage
What is the current Indiana law concerning marriage? Our state defines marriage in a singular way — between a man and a woman.
-
FLASHPOINT: We ask state legislators to abide by their oath of office
All of us relish giving unsolicited advice to our elected representatives.
-
FLASHPOINT: Mentoring is having major impact on public education
While managing local utility services, Mike Martin found a new way to energize his community, and students are starting to benefit.
-
FLASHPOINT: Common Core standards should be common sense
Years ago, when state officials and education experts came together to create new model standards for schools, they probably never expected it to be controversial.
-
FLASHPOINT: Milestone year for Rose-Hulman
The Rose-Hulman campus traditionally quiets down this time of year, yet for me I sense a renewed energy from the phenomenal year just closing.
-
FLASHPOINT: ISU’s reasoning flawed in flight school planning
ISU and the taxpayers of Indiana and Vigo County are being led down a path of deception once again.
-
FLASHPOINT: Incessant attacks on Christianity by the ACLU
It is obviously apparent that the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is continuing its onslaught against religious freedom in the United States.
- More Flashpoint Headlines
-
FLASHPOINT: Legislative session reflected Hoosier priorities
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Suspect in Killing of Officer Found Dead in Cell
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Officials: Truck Hit Bridge Before Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
Today in History May 24
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned
ShowBiz Minute: Pickler, Franklin, Potter
AK-47-wielding thug may be the most bumbling crook ever
Oklahoma Survivors, Heroes Survey Damage
Trout's cycle a boost for Angels
Raw: New Video of Deadly Oklahoma Tornado
Kim Kardashian Flaunts Pregnant Bikini Body in Greece
NBA star pledges $1M to help tornado recovery
Shakira's Shocking Talent
Morgan Freeman falls asleep on air
GRAPHIC: Blood-Soaked Machete Killer Caught on Tape
Elin Nordegren Furious With Lindsey Vonn For Parading Kids in Public
Camera Captures Climber As He Loses Grip And Falls
Helen Mirren Meets with Dying Boy in Queen Elizabeth's Place
Crowd Chants '¡Si, Se Puede!' After Passage of Immigration Bill
DWTS Crowns a Winner
Police Ram House to End Hostage Standoff
Demi Moore a Rocks Bikini at Harry Morton's Family House
Anthony Weiner: I'm running for New York City mayor
Kate Middleton's Dress Flies Up
VIRAL: Baby makes epic soccer goal
The Hangover Baby All Grown Up
