Encyclopedia of Indianapolis gets an update

A new Indianapolis history resource has its first update.  The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis launched in late 2021. The free, online tool details stories of the city and an update of the people, places and events that shaped Indianapolis. 

Managing Editor of the Encyclopedia Beth Van Allen said the new material includes information on local churches and firsts for Black Indianapolis residents.

“The updated entries are equity entries. That of course is a major priority for us to uncover that history,” Van Allen said.

Another new section includes information on Unigov and a Unigov Handbook.  Van Allen says it has guides that detail how the system changed Indianapolis.

“It explains a lot about how the city government works,” Van Allen said. 

The League of Women Voters contributed for that piece as part of the Encyclopedia’s effort to work with partners. 

Plans for the next 200 new encyclopedia entries include features on redlining and "lost Indianapolis."

Since its launch in November 2021, the Encyclopedia had more than 63,000 visitors to the site.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @JillASheridan.