PRESS RELEASE – SullivanMunce receives Outstanding Historical Organization Award

ZIONSVILLE, IN (November 22, 2025) – Each year, the Indiana Historical Society recognizes outstanding institutions and colleagues across the state who contribute their time and talents to doing the work of history and whose efforts have enriched the lives of others by conveying awareness and appreciation of Indiana’s history on local, regional, and statewide levels.

In the words of the President and CEO of the IHS, Jody Blankenship, “These individuals and organizations have led and inspired so many Hoosiers with their passion for history, sharing their knowledge and work with others throughout their communities and across the state. We are excited to be able to present these awards to the recipients, congratulate them on their efforts, and show them how valuable they are.”

The Outstanding Historical Organization Award is awarded to a local or county historical society, organization, or site in Indiana which has demonstrated remarkable service to and programs for its community and has demonstrated excellent application of professional standards and best practices.

An awards committee made up of historians, local history practitioners, and Indiana Historical Society staff meet and carefully consider the nominations. The SullivanMunce Cultural Center work stood out to the Awards Committee because of its community-focused foundation and use of multiple programs and platforms in communicating the importance of local history, recognizing that history learning is not “one size fits all”.

The SullivanMunce Cultural Center’s History Committee has worked to preserve and share Zionsville’s local history through a comprehensive and community-centered approach. By revitalizing and expanding local history programs— including the Century Structure Program, Historical Markers, Self-Guided Walking Tours, and our partnership with Main Street Zionsville, the organization is not only safeguarding local heritage, but also activating it in engaging, educational, and innovative ways. These efforts represent a powerful model for small-town history work-rooted in place, driven by volunteers, and made accessible through public interpretation, digital tools, and community collaboration.

On behalf of the Indiana Historical Society, I am pleased to present the Outstanding Historical Organization Award to the SullivanMunce Cultural Center.

Congratulations to the SullivanMunce Cultural Center for excellent work in local history!