Mirror Indy’s traveling story about the history of Greenlawn Cemetery is making its way to the east side this month. The exhibit will be on display June 18-23 at Arts for Lawrence, 8970 Otis Ave.
The best days to visit will be while the center is open for the Fort Ben Farmers Market from 4-7 p.m. June 19, and the Juneteenth Jubilee, from 4-8 p.m. June 21. You can also make an appointment to visit outside the public viewing hours, by emailing leciafloyd@artsforlawrence.org.
Based on reporting from Mirror Indy data journalist Emily Hopkins, the exhibit tells the story of how two major construction projects disturbed a historic cemetery where some of Indianapolis’ earliest Black residents were buried.
You’ll see portraits illustrated by central Indiana artist Shaunt’e Lewis showing historians who are working to bring awareness to the site’s historical significance, alongside some of the notable figures thought to be buried there. Plus, you can scan QR codes on the display to hear directly from some of the community advocates in video and audio interviews.
There’s also a timeline showing the history of the site from when it was first established in 1821, to when Diamond Chain first built a factory there in 1917, to the present-day tensions between developers and preservationists.
Lecia Floyd, the program manager at Arts for Lawrence, said the organization’s Juneteenth Jubilee felt like the perfect opportunity to shine a light on the story of Greenlawn Cemetery.
“Many in our community, myself included, didn’t know about Greenlawn,” she said. “I felt it was important to create space for that discovery, reflection and conversation during a celebration centered on freedom, remembrance and resilience.”
This is the latest stop for the Greenlawn traveling story, which made its public debut at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in February. Since then, it has spent time at Trinity Episcopal Church and Richard’s Episcopal School on the north side.
The exhibit is free for community organizations to host. If you’d like to bring it to your space, send an email to ebony.chappel@freepressindiana.org.
Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom, is funded through grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations.
Gwen Ragno is Mirror Indy’s web producer. You can reach her at gwen.ragno@mirrorindy.org.
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