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Register 68 Seats Remaining
The Day the H-Bomb Hit Downtown Indy
Indianapolis Special Collections Room (ISCR) Program
2026-05-03 14:00:00
2026-05-03 15:30:00
America/Indiana/Indianapolis
The Day the H-Bomb Hit Downtown Indy
Join us at Central Library with local historian Libby Cierzniak to learn how an ill-fated redevelopment plan led to the transformation of downtown Indianapolis, at the cost of entire neighborhoods and the displacement of more than 1,000 people.
Central Library -
Sunday, May 03
2:00pm - 3:30pm
Add to Calendar
2026-05-03 14:00:00
2026-05-03 15:30:00
America/Indiana/Indianapolis
The Day the H-Bomb Hit Downtown Indy
Join us at Central Library with local historian Libby Cierzniak to learn how an ill-fated redevelopment plan led to the transformation of downtown Indianapolis, at the cost of entire neighborhoods and the displacement of more than 1,000 people.
Central Library -
Join us at Central Library with local historian Libby Cierzniak to learn how an ill-fated redevelopment plan led to the transformation of downtown Indianapolis, at the cost of entire neighborhoods and the displacement of more than 1,000 people.
Culture, History, and Society: Historic Indianapolis—In 1959, the Indianapolis Redevelopment Commission launched Project H, an ambitious plan to demolish more than 200 buildings in the heart of downtown Indianapolis and replace them with brand new apartment towers designed to lure high-income families and singles back to the decaying city center. But after 42 acres were cleared, the proposed apartment city failed to materialize. Join local historian Libby Cierzniak to learn how the ill-fated redevelopment plan eventually led to the transformation of downtown Indianapolis, but not before wiping out entire neighborhoods and displacing more than 1,000 people.
Age Group: Adults
Location: This program will be held in person in the Indianapolis Special Collections Room (ISCR) on the 6th floor of the 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 Culture, History, and Society: Historic Indianapolis programs hosted by the Indianapolis Special Collections Room (ISCR). Made possible by The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.
Contact: Special Collections Librarian Montoya Barker
AGE GROUP: | Seniors | Educators | Adults |
EVENT TYPE: | Lecture/Panel Discussion | Indianapolis Special Collections Room |
TAGS: | project h | iscr programs | indianapolis special collections room | historic indianapolis | culture history society |
Central Library
Hours
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.