By Ann Grilliot, Genealogy and Local History Coordinator
Come celebrate Hamilton County’s Bicentennial with us! Did you know the county was authorized by the State Legislature 200 years ago on April 7, 1823? To mark the occasion, the Hamilton County Bicentennial Commission is leading a year-long commemoration. Join us here at the Hamilton East Public Library for our Bicentennial programs to learn more about our shared food history.
A Taste of History Programs
A Taste of History: Noblesville Dining Establishments – Event is full
Tuesday, July 18, 2023 | 6:30-7:30pm | Noblesville Library
Join the staff of Hamilton East Public Library’s Indiana Room and the owners of 9th Street Bistro as we take you on a food tour of early Noblesville restaurants. Hear about the first members of Hamilton County’s “hospitality” industry as we sample the historic dishes. From corn pone to wild game, learn about the first foods served in Noblesville dining establishments.
A Taste of History: Finding your Farmer Ancestors
Saturday, August 12, 2023 | 11am-12pm | Noblesville Library
In the 1820s, 72% of the American workforce was engaged in “farm occupations.” Join the staff of Hamilton East Public Library’s Indiana Room to learn more about the sources available to research your farming ancestors by looking at a local farm family. Discover historic farming traditions in Wayne Township and modern farming methods with Beck’s Hybrids. Take a taste of Hamilton County today as we sample a small harvest from a local farm. Register here.
Jeff Conrad, fly fishing expert
A Taste of History: Fishing in Fall Creek
Wednesday, September 13, 2023 | 6:30-7:30pm | Fishers Library
Discover the “lure” of fishing in and around Geist, Fall Creek Township, and Hamilton County! Join the staff of the Hamilton East Public Library’s Indiana Room to learn about Hamilton County waterways and aquatic life past, present, and future. Connect modern fishing methods to the history of fishing in our area as you learn to tie your own fishing lure led by Indiana Fly Fishing expert Jeff Conrad. Register here.
A Taste of History: Blind Tiger Bootleggers
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 | 6:30-7:30pm | Fishers Library
At the turn of the 20th century, prohibition was gaining traction across the United States. Join the staff of Hamilton East Public Library’s Indiana Room and Four Day Ray as we explore teetotalers and bootleggers from Hamilton County during the early 1900s. Find out who drove the political forces in Indiana to promote temperance across the state. Take a tipple from a Fishers brewery as you discover how local Hamilton County bootleggers operated outside of the system with their “blind tiger” establishments. Register here.
Bicentennial Booklist
Learn more about these and other local topics, including fascinating photos, from the local history titles in our collection.
Hidden History of Hamilton County
By David Heighway
Celebrating Hamilton County Indiana : 200 Years of Change
By Hamilton County Bicentennial Commission
The following titles from the late 1800s and early 1900s are available digitally online and as reference in print at the library:
- History of Hamilton County by A. F. Shirts
- History of Hamilton County by T. Helms
- History of Hamilton County, Indiana by John F. Haines
- Portrait and Biographical Record of Madison and Hamilton Counties, Indiana
Looking forward to seeing you at the Hamilton East Public Library to celebrate our local history. You may also want to explore all the other great events sponsored by the Bicentennial Commission happening throughout the year on their website.
Happy 200th Hamilton County!