On June 24, 1989, civic leaders, Native American representatives, artists and local dignitaries held a ceremonial ribbon-cutting to open the new Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. In the above photo, the museum’s founder Harrison Eiteljorg — center, in shirtsleeves — cut the ribbon, along with then-Governor Evan Bayh, then-Mayor William Hudnut, and other distinguished guests.

To celebrate the museum’s 30th birthday in 2019, Eiteljorg supporters are invited to join us at a special anniversary celebration March 29 at the museum. For reservations and details, click here or contact Cassandra Sanborn at 317.275.1360 or csanborn@eiteljorg.com. Members’ cost will be $50, nonmembers $60.

The bronze sculpture The Greeting by George Carlson was installed in 1989 to welcome visitors to the new Eiteljorg Museum. The statue was acquired thanks to the generosity of museum founder Harrison Eiteljorg.

Civic leader, philanthropist and art collector Mrs. Robert S. (Margot) Eccles was an Eiteljorg board member and chair of Indian Market and Festival who brought passion, vision and generosity to the annual event. Mrs. Eccles, who died in 2012, started an endowment for Indian Market.

The Eiteljorg Museum’s 30th anniversary is sponsored by:

Capital Group
Ice Miller
Barnes & Thornburg LLP
Care Institute Group, Inc.
Roberts Camera
Sycamore Advisors, LLC

Note: This article originally appeared in the February 2019 issue of Storyteller magazine. Photographs are from the Eiteljorg Museum marketing files.