Indiana Women's History Association, Inc.

Criteria Used to Guide Selection of Candidates for Living Portraits of Indiana Women: Past and Present

• Geographic connection through accident of birth in the state or residence during the time of notable achievement for formation of character (s). (Jessamyn West. author of Sweet Persuasion, who wrote of Indiana even though she moved when very young)
• Evidence of significant contribution to early Indiana history (Sarah Tittle Bolton, Indiana's Pioneer Poet Laureate)
• Breadth of influence at state, national and international levels as ascertained through varied sources (Edith Hamilton. writer of Greek mythologies still in use)
• Potential reader interest, unusual life events and heretofore untold stories (Lighthouse keeper under Abe Lincoln. Harriet Colfax, or Daisy Douglass Barr, Quaker leader in Klu Klux Klan)
• Recognition of achievement(s) found in varied national sources (anthologies, bibliographies. biographies of American women) (Gene Stratton Porter)
• Appearance as subjects in major Indiana journals and books (Indiana Magazine of History, Traces, The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis, The Indiana Way by James Madison and other pertinent sources) (Catherine Coffin)
• Pioneering achievement in new or unusual role(s) and fields as pace-setters for future generations (Time-and-motion engineer from Cheaper by the Dozen fame, Lillian Galbreth or Amelia Earhart. both with Purdue University connections)
• Perceived and established level of contribution to evolving roles and rights of women (May Wright Sewall)
• Available authoritative and valid information from which to draw information (Madame C. J. Walker, first African American woman to become a millionaire)
• Recommendations solicited from professional contacts, personnel at the Indiana Historical Bureau and Historical Society and local historical organizations throughout the state (forwarded 100 letters requesting information about women from local areas), surveys of adopted textbooks (grade 4) for Indiana Social Studies adoptions of 1985, 1991 and 1997) and a popular Indiana history book, The Indiana Way (Frances Slocum. kidnapped as a child, who chose to remain with her adopted Native American family)
• Influence of Indiana locale upon achievement such as painters and writers (Environmentalist, Juliet Strauss, who saved Turkey Run forest for a state park and the five Overbeck Sisters known internationally for their pottery)
• Potential for adaptation to first person presentations in narrative and performance (Lovina Streight speaks from her eight-foot portrait on the State House wall)

• Balanced treatment by geographic areas and population centers of the state (northeast, northwest, southeast, southwest and central)
• Representation from each of the time periods (roughly pre-1800 to 1850, 1850 to 1920 and 1920 to present)
• Potential for capturing young students (grade 4-9) and for teaching Indiana standards
• Representation in each of the selected achievement categories (20 categories)

Categories for Organizing Subjects

• Activism and Social Issues
• Arts (Visual) and Architecture
• Business and Commerce
• Education and Information Systems
• Environment and Ecology
• Ethnic Heritage
• History, Archaeology and Preservation
• Journalism and Photography
• Law
• News
• Peace and War
• Performing Arts
• Philanthropy
• Pioneering
• Politics and Diplomacy
• Religion, Ethics and Philosophy
• Science, Medicine and Technology
• Special Awards and Recognitions
• Sports and Adventure
• Writing and Publishing

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