IPS school museum highlights black history

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - During black history month, we celebrate Hoosiers who have helped shape our community. And there are so many - from Oscar Robertson, to Marvin Johnson, to the Hampton sisters.

You can learn about all of them by taking a stroll in the Crispus Attucks Museum . Tucked away in the southwest corner of Crispus Attucks Medical Magnet High school is a museum that celebrates the rich history held there.

Robert Chester is the museum's curator. He smiles as he points to a bronze bust of Oscar Robertson, the captain of the all black Crispus Attucks basketball team that won the 1955 state championship. In fact, Crispus Attucks gave rise to giants in music, the military, and sports. Ironic, given the fact Attucks opened in 1927 because Klan leaders insisted blacks attend a separate school.

"But that was beautiful because that made this school great. It produced a museum. I'm sure the Klan did not have all this in mind when they initially said, 'Get them out,'" said Chester.

And now the museum draws them in -- Hoosiers of all colors and creeds to experience a bit of history -- like the Tuskegee Airmen who were assigned the most difficult missions in World War II.

The museum also highlights the Civil Rights struggle, its tragedies and its triumphs as well as the Indianapolis community leaders who created a haven of learning both then and now.

The museum is open 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday. The fee is $5.00 for adults and $2.00 for kids.

Visits are free for all IPS students.