This is a 7,000 sq ft temporary exhibition celebrating the life and career of Indianapolis native Marshall “Major” Taylor, champion Black cyclist.
Development began with a public suggestion to do history of bicycles. In recent years Indianapolis has been recognizing Major across town. Our exhibit became part of that effort. I helped the exhibit grow into its final form by advocating the use of our strong Major Taylor collection. Bicycles are fun, history is interesting but the both needed an engaging story to truly come together.
The exhibit is the best example of the exhibition philosophy I’ve been developing at the Indiana State Museum: Historical stories can both come alive and clearly make relevant connections to our visitors' lives. By inviting community stories and contemporary artists into the exhibit we breathe new life into stories that are over 100 years old.