Hoosier Youth ChalleNGe Academy placed on the National Register of Historic Places The former Indiana Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Children’s Home campus achieved listing in the National Register of Historic Places as of December 20, 2011. The Hoosier Youth ChalleNGe Academy, an Indiana National Guard affiliated program, is housed on the former Children’s Home campus in Knightstown, Indiana. The National Register of Historic Places is administered by the National Park Service and serves as the official list of historic places worthy of preservation. The Indiana State Historic Preservation Office prepared the National Register nomination for the facility with assistance from Children’s Home alumni and staff of the Indiana National Guard. Founded in 1865, the campus is recognized for the critical social role as a home for orphaned children of military veterans. The Children’s Home provided schooling and total care for children whose parents could no longer provide for them. Additionally, the campus is significant for the diverse architectural styles and works associated with several notable Indiana architects. The campus is listed as a Historic District, with 33 contributing buildings and sites over a 76 acre parcel. The Indiana State Archives maintains the records for the Indiana Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Children’s Home, including admission records. Those looking for more information regarding the history of the Children’s Home and any resident records should contact the Indiana State Archives. For more information: http://www.in.gov/icpr/2521.htm#issch http://www.in.gov/dnr/historic/ http://www.nps.gov/nr/
History of the Indiana Soldiers' and Sailors'
Children's Home (downloadable pdf)
Photo right:
Creating a Home at the Children’s Home
Photo Date: c. 1945. The Indiana Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Children’s Home divided children into divisions, similar to a military unit structure. Each division would be supervised by a houseparent. This practice was started at the beginning of the Home with one Civil War widow and ten orphans and later evolved into several divisions, separated by age and gender. Individual cottages included kitchenettes, living rooms, and study rooms to provide some sense of normalcy for the children residents. Photo: Courtesy of Indiana State Archives. Back to HYCA home page Last updated Thursday, July 12, 2012 |
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