Indiana Humanities 2024 Holiday Gift Guide

POV: It’s another holiday season and you’re stuck on what to give your loved ones. We get it, and we’re back with another Hoosier-inspired gift-giving guide that features an assortment of local recommendations perfect for your family and friends. 

Indiana Authors Awards 2024 winner book bundle 
Bronwen Carlisle, programs and special projects manager 
Encourage your loved ones to boost their TBR piles for the new year by giving them the winning books from the 2024 Indiana Authors Awards! They might take a detour to the Rabbit Hutch apartment complex in Vacca Vale, Indiana… or learn about Indianapolis’s lost historic spaces… or even go on a midnight frolic through the woods with friendly forest creatures. Between the nine categories, there’s surely something for everyone on your list. 
 
Indiana Parks annual entrance pass 
Marlena Ratchford, finance and grants manager 
Feeling mentally and physically cooped up from the year that was 2024? Need to get out in the wild and stretch those legs and lungs? Give yourself or your loved one the timeless gift of nature in the form of an Indiana State Parks Annual Entrance Pass. From Pokagon to Turkey Run to Harmonie to Clifty Falls, embrace and enjoy all the diverse landscapes and natural wonder the Hoosier state has to offer. See you out on the trails! 
 
Weekend trip to Madison, IN 
Emily Morales, Lilly Scholars Network collegiate relations and events associate 
Madison distinguishes itself by being the nation’s largest Contiguous National Historic Landmark District. Pull together a trip to remember by exploring the Madison Main Street Program, staying at the beautiful Clifty Inn at Clifty Falls State Park, and dining at and enjoying the community of Madison, Indiana. 
 
Local bookstore gift card 
Katie Swanson, Lilly Scholars Network strategic communications and operations associate 
Give the bookworm in your life the gift of choice this holiday season with a gift card to their favorite local bookstore. They can peruse the shelves and recommended picks themselves – who knows, they may even end up taking home a book authored by an Indiana author. 
 
Matching Campfires T-shirts 
Marisol Gouveia, director of engagement 
Get on the trail sporting your very own Campfires T-shirt! Show off your love of the award-winning Indiana Humanities program that pairs nature and literature to spark conversations about Indiana’s future. And why keep this fashion statement to yourself? Buy a matching tee for your hiking partner so you can both trek and talk in sartorial elegance. 
 
Eiteljorg membership 
Sam Opsahl, program associate 
Is your loved one somebody that prefers an experience rather than a holiday present? Consider snagging them a membership at the Eiteljorg! It’s one of my favorite places to explore in Indy, providing a rich mixture of art, culture, and history. 
 
Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site Guidebook 
George Hanlin, director of grants 
You’ve probably seen books produced by DK Publishing (perhaps some of its travel guides). You’ll recognize them by their lavish designs featuring detailed full-color images that draw in readers and help them engage with the subject matter. This year the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site worked with DK editors to produce a guidebook featuring the site. The 72-page volume introduces readers to the life and career of Harrison (our 23rd president), his family, his home, and his Indianapolis neighborhood. It also highlights hundreds of objects held by the site, which operates as a museum (and receives grant support from Indiana Humanities). The book won’t be available until Dec. 20, so it may need to be a late-addition stocking stuffer, but you can preorder now. 
 
Indianapolis Review merch 
Anna Bowman, communications manager  
Got a poet in your friend group? If you snag them some Indianapolis Review merch, you won’t just be giving them an excellent sweatshirt, you’ll also be supporting a (free!) local literary magazine that exists to give back to the writing community in Indiana. This year, the Indiana Humanities team had the pleasure of interviewing Natalie Solmer, founder and editor-in-chief of the Indianapolis Review, about why starting the publication was important to her. As Natalie says, “The literary community is much vaster and richer than people realize.” I completely agree, and I think the quarterly magazine is one of the best ways to stay up to date with the Midwest’s homegrown talent. 
 
Indiana Landmarks membership 
Lyndsey Blair, program associate 
Indiana Landmarks is the largest statewide preservation organization in the United States. Founded in 1960, this private nonprofit saves and revitalizes historic places across Indiana through various educational programs, grants, and advocacy efforts. This holiday season, consider supporting Indiana Landmarks by becoming a member. Benefits include access to exclusive member tours and events, a subscription to Indiana Preservation magazine, and the opportunity to join the Indiana Modern and Indiana Automotive affinity groups. 
 
Language lessons from Indy Language Center 
Beth Kloote, office manager and development associate 
Have a pal with a new year’s resolution to learn another language? Be their accountability partner and a good friend by gifting them a class at the Indy Language Center. There are group, semi-private, and individual lessons in 12 languages, including American Sign Language. 
 
Booth Magazine’s winter issue 
Megan Telligman, director of programs 
If you’re looking for great writing to share with the readers in your life, consider sharing the latest issue of Booth magazine as a holiday gift. Booth is produced at Butler University by faculty alongside students and alumni of the MFA program. The winter edition of Booth also includes a new memoir from beloved and incisive Indiana author Michael Martone. Martone has done some of the deepest thinking about Hoosier-ness and produced writing that truly grapples with Indiana culture and identity in a way no other writer has. His new memoir is sure to be a hit with those who love excellent writing and the state of Indiana. 
 
Sweet treats from Harris Sugar Bush 
Ashlyn Myers, storytelling intern 
The sweetest gifts are those created and chosen with care. If you’re looking for a go-to gift perfect for any sweet tooth in your life — look no further! This year, some of the Indiana Humanities had the honor of spotlighting Harris Sugar Bush, a locally owned and operated maple syrup farm in Greencastle. While they do ship their goodies, I’d recommend a quick trip to their farm. My personal favorite is the maple cream, which goes beautifully with a loaf of sourdough. 
 
Indiana Historical Society membership 
Hailey DeWolf, events associate 
Give your favorite history buff a gift that will keep on giving with a membership to the Indiana Historical Society! Not only does individual membership include free admission into the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, but it also includes membership benefits at more than 270 organizations and museums nationwide through the national Time Travelers program. 
 
French Lick getaway 
Emma Donaghy, public history intern 
French Lick is one of Indiana’s most storied and beautiful towns with so much to do! Visit the water park, go mini golfing, take a scenic train ride, and visit the French Lick West Baden Museum to discover the town’s fascinating circus history. 
 
American Modern: Architecture, Community, Columbus Indiana 
Keira Amstutz, president and CEO 
The architecture enthusiast on your list will be mesmerized by the newly published, definitive history of the midcentury modern architecture movement of Columbus, Indiana. Released this summer and published in partnership with Landmark Columbus Foundation and Exhibit Columbus, the beautifully crafted book is considered the first comprehensive book showcasing how Columbus Indiana became what some have called a mecca of modern architecture. 
 
Chicago House Music by Marguerite L. Harrold 
Tom Streit, creative technologist 
Know a reader who’s seemingly read it all? Here’s a book they might not have picked up. Chicago House Music by Marguerite L. Harrold is the story of well… Chicago House Music. I have to admit, I’m not familiar with techno/house music, but I do love a good 4/4 beat to nod along to. Thanks to Harrold’s fab linear storytelling, you see a story of resilience and community when focus is placed on artistic visions and a celebration of spirit, even in troubling of times. 
 
Indiana Adventure Bucket List cards 
Marisol Gouveia, director of engagement 
Itching to up your number of in-state adventures? From Beverly Shores to Corydon, you can find an experience to suit your interests and budget in the Indiana Adventure Bucket List deck. Just pick a city from the 50 cards, interpret the icons, scratch off to reveal your activity, scan the QR code and hit the road. Hoosier fun guaranteed! 

Studebaker National Museum membership

Leah Ollie, Kristen Fuhs Wells communications intern

Whether the recipient of your skillfully-chosen gift is a design nerd, car geek, or South Bend local, you’ll top their “Nice List” by gifting them a membership to the Studebaker National Museum! Since its opening in 2005, the museum’s extensive collections and stunning campus connect and inspire its visitors, showcasing centuries of Studebaker history and the impact of the automobile. On your next visit, be sure to view the carriage Abraham Lincoln rode to Ford’s Theatre the night of his assassination — a National Treasure in our own Hoosier backyard.