County 61: Harrison

Serving as co-chair of the Indiana Bicentennial Commission, I have enjoyed planning for the celebration of Indiana’s statehood in 2016.  Corydon is, of course, a pivotal place in Indiana history, serving as our first capitol city and the birthplace of our state constitution.  When I met with local leaders there, I was eager to hear what they have planned for the bicentennial and beyond.

Earlier this year, I launched the Bicentennial Nature Trust, an important part of the Commission’s work.   The Trust, first announced in Gov. Daniels’ State of the State Address, is a fund that will be used for conservation projects in every region of the state. The state has seeded the fund with $20 million, and is seeking additional private donations of money and land as well as input from communities on viable projects. You can learn more about how you can participate by visiting our website.


My co-chair, former Congressman Lee Hamilton, and I have been working to get every Hoosier community involved in the bicentennial.  In Corydon, there is a lot of enthusiasm for the celebration, and I hope their example will get other communities engaged in planning the celebration of our history and our future as a state.