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Register 25 Seats Remaining
The Marion County Poor Farm
Indianapolis Special Collections Room (ISCR) Program
Sunday, February 22
2:00pm - 3:30pm
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2026-02-22 14:00:00
2026-02-22 15:30:00
America/Indiana/Indianapolis
The Marion County Poor Farm
Join us for an in-person lecture at Central Library exploring the history of the Marion County Poor Farm.
Central Library -
Join us for an in-person lecture at Central Library exploring the history of the Marion County Poor Farm.
Expanding Our Story—Step back in time to explore the Marion County Poor Farm, a historic institution in Indianapolis that housed the indigent, aged, and residents with disabilities, providing limited relief while also reflecting the harsh realities of 19th- and early-20th-century public assistance. This lecture will focus on the operations of the institution from its founding in the 1830s to its transfer to the state as the Central State Farm Colony in 1938. Registration is required.
Presenter: Indianapolis historian and 2024 Indiana Authors Award winner Edward Fujawa.
Location: This program will be held in person in the Indianapolis Special Collections Room (ISCR) on the 6th floor of Central Library.
Parking: The Central Library has a parking garage available to patrons during their time there. Garage pricing information is detailed here. The garage can be accessed on Pennsylvania Street.
This program is part of the Expanding Our Story programs hosted by the Indianapolis Special Collections Room (ISCR). Made possible by a grant from The Clowes Fund.
Contact: Special Collections Librarian Montoya Barker
AGE GROUP: | Seniors | Educators | Adults |
EVENT TYPE: | Lecture/Panel Discussion | Indianapolis Special Collections Room |
TAGS: | marion county | iscr programs | iscr lectures | iscr | indianapolis | history programs | history | historic indianapolis | culture history society |
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About the branch
As the hub of the Indianapolis Public Library system, Central Library showcases renowned architecture and services. The original 1917 building, designed by Paul Cret and constructed of Indiana limestone in the Greek Doric style, was considered one of the most outstanding secular buildings in the U.S. Its six-story glass and steel-framed addition, designed by Evans Woollen, opened in 2007.