In 2022, through our valued partnerships with community organizations such as the Muncie Public Libary, Ball State University, and Minnetrista Museum and Gardens, DCHS collaborated on numerous public presentations: Leading Ladies of Muncie: Fascinating Firsts, Notable Women: Celebrating the African American Women of Muncie History, Emily Kimbrough: From Muncie to the World, and Eerie Muncie: Tales from the Dark Side of Local History among numerous others. Furthermore, DCHS partnered with the Indiana Historical Society to display, and augment through local artificats and stories, a traveling exhibit related to Indiana illustrators and artists: From Pencils to Pixels: Hoosier Cartoons and Comics. In addition to the aforementioned public facing programs, DCHS provided access to historical content through a myriad of platforms: through board member Jeff Koenker’s hosting and interactions on the wildly popular Facebook page, Lost Muncie; via the publication of the widely read bi-weekly Star Press column, Bygone Muncie, written by board member Chris Flook; and through digital access to the DCHS local history collection, the Delaware County Heritage Collection. 

In conjunction with public programming, DCHS provided members and digital subscribers with a multitude of meticulously researched and fascinating stories in 2022 through the quarterly physical and monthly digital newsletters. Esteemed public history authorities–including but not limited to Chris Flook, Melissa Gentry, Sara McKinley, and Karen Vincent– wrote stories on a diverse set of topics, including the “mystery” of the bodies found at Muncie Central High School, local women’s bowling champions of the 1930s, and Muncie native June Gruwell’s role performing in USO shows during and after WWII among countless other narratives.

Among the numerous initiatives undertaken by DCHS in 2022, one event was particularly noteworthy: the erection of an official Indiana Historical Bureau marker, in cooperation with the Indiana Jewish Historical Society and the Town of Albany, for former Albany, Indiana resident and world-renowned humanitarian James Grove McDonald. The marker, one of only seven in the county, was placed in front of the Albany Glass Museum and town library in the summer of 2022. 

With the continued support of patrons and volunteers, the varied and important work of DCHS as outlined above can persist.  Please consider partnering with DCHS in ensuring the stories of Delaware County are captured for all to enjoy!