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Last updated on Tuesday, October 23, 2018
(BLOOMINGTON) - An energetic local history leader and volunteer is the recipient of the Indiana Historical Society’s (IHS’s) 2018 Hubert Hawkins Local History Award.
Elizabeth Mitchell of Bloomington will be recognized during IHS's annual Founders Day dinner on Monday, Nov. 5, at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center in downtown Indianapolis. First awarded in 2002, the Hubert Hawkins Local History Award is made annually to a local historian for his or her distinguished service or career in local history.
Mitchell has been active in her passion for preserving and sharing African-American history for more than 40 years. In that time, she has identified important historical sites, advocated for historical markers, created documentaries and amassed the largest private collection of African-American memorabilia in Monroe County.
"Liz is dedicated to uncovering and preserving African-American history and sharing that history with the young and old in interesting and compelling ways," writes educator and storyteller Gladys DeVane in a letter of support for Mitchell's award nomination. "When she identifies a need, she steps forward to take the lead in fulfilling it."
Together with DeVane, Mitchell has researched, co-written and acted in numerous plays and performances, such as Resilience: Indiana's Untold Story, and is currently working on a piece for Monroe County's Bicentennial. Author and historian James H. Madison says the productions are among Mitchell's greatest contributions to history.
"Liz not only has an enthusiasm for history but also an inner sense of the nature and value of history and a superb ability to communicate to public audiences," writes Madison. "She knows how important local history can be in helping all people understand the varieties of racial differences."
Mitchell also has become a driving force in saving the First Baptist Church (Colored) at the corner of Elm and Sinclair Streets in West Baden. The land was sold to the African-American community for $1, leading workers at the West Baden Hotel to build the church in 1909. After a number of fundraising projects, renovations have begun with a goal to turn the abandoned building into a multi-use facility.
"I have known Mitchell a little over one year, and in that period of time, she has far exceeded anyone's expectations," writes Patty Drabing, director of the French Lick West Baden Museum. "Her impact on this community has gone beyond just renovating a church. She has become part of the fabric of our community."
IHS is proud to honor Mitchell and six other Hoosiers with the 2018 Founders Day awards. The Founders Day dinner, presented by Hirtle, Callaghan & Co., celebrates the accomplishments of historians, teachers, writers and businesses from around the state, as well as the work of IHS.
For more information on this event and other IHS programs, call (317) 232-1882 or visit www.indianahistory.org.
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