Historic trail of local Black history sites planned in Columbus

Local historians and architectural experts are working on a project to celebrate important sites in Columbus and Bartholomew County Black History.

According to organizers, Paulette Roberts, Tami Iorio, and Jim Nickoll will be presenting their research on Columbus Black heritage sites in a discussion next week. Roberts has been organizing a Black Heritage Trail of downtown sites and leading tours during Black History Month. The trail highlights what Columbus was like for Black residents from 1870 to 1940. Ten sites are being proposed for the trail and are being documented as significant locations for local Black heritage.

At next week’s event there will be a discussion and organizers are seeking your thoughts and opinions on the project. And they are looking for stories of Black history here. A mockup design of historic trail markers and a proposed project budget will also be presented.

This event is being organized by Roberts, Bartholomew County Historical Society, Columbus Indiana Architectural Archives, and Landmark Columbus Foundation. Light refreshments will be served.

The discussion will be held Wednesday, February 28th from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Helen Haddad Hall at the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic offices at Franklin Street. Registration is required. You can sign up here: https://secure.givelively.org/event/landmark-columbus-foundation-inc/the-black-heritage-trail-project

You can find out more about all of the community’s Black History Month activities at https://www.blackhistorycolumbus.com