Be A Part of the 100th Birthday of Indiana State Parks!

DNR WANTS STORIES, VIDEO OF STATE PARK VISITS

By Amy Lynn Johnson, Senior Archaeologist and Archaeology Outreach Coordinator

Work on a video history to commemorate the 100th birthday of Indiana state parks and reservoirs, which will be celebrated in 2016, has started. To connect that video with Hoosiers from all around the state, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of State Parks and Reservoirs is seeking stories and videos from those who have visited the properties over the years. The video, which will air in fall 2009, is being developed in partnership with WTIU, the public television station in Bloomington .

Items sought vary from old still photos to slides, film, videotape, and souvenirs from visits to any of Indiana 's 24 state parks. Examples include scenic black-and-white photos from the 1930s, 8mm film of family camping trips in the 1960s, postcards, buttons, pins or banners. Written descriptions of the items and any stories or memories associated with the object are encouraged.

Only images and memorabilia received before June 2009 will be considered for use in the production.

Items related to Indiana 's nine reservoir properties (Mississinewa, Salamonie, Roush, Monroe , Brookville, Patoka, Cagles Mill/Lieber, Cecil M. Harden/Raccoon and Hardy Lakes ) will be collected, too, but at a later time.

Items may be loaned or donated. WTIU will create digital copies of loaned items, then return the originals to the owner. Items donated will be archived or curated for future use in a State Parks and Reservoirs Centennial collection.

Photos, film and other memorabilia submitted may also be used on the Web, in Outdoor Indiana magazine, and in exhibits, brochures and other interpretive media over the next few years, as the Indiana State Parks Centennial celebration starts to move into full swing.

Those who may not have photos or physical objects to contribute are welcome to contribute a memorable story or experience at an Indiana state park.

To contribute to this project, download and complete a release form at interpretiveservices.IN.gov, then mail it with your photos or other memorabilia to:

Indiana Department of Natural ResourcesDivision of State Parks and Reservoirsc/o Leslie Nocton, Historian402 W. Washington St. , W298Indianapolis , IN 46204

If you would like to have the item(s) returned, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

To find out more about the Indiana State Parks Centennial, obtain a hard copy of the information and release form, or ask a question about donating, please contact Leslie Nocton at (317) 234-6442 or lnocton@dnr.IN.gov.