|
Northwest Indiana may be known for steel and sand, but the soul of the region is in the people who settled there and created communities rich in culture, diversity and traditions. Irish, Germans, Italians, African Americans, Hispanics, Latinos, Serbians, Polish and many others found work there in the last century and today, businesses send products around the world. New citizens continue to come as the region diversifies its economy.
The Culture, Diversity and Unity: Cultural Connection exhibit at the Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond opens Monday, March 14, and continues through April 24.
The exhibit tells the story of diverse people and nationalities through portrayals of work, faith, sports, music and other pursuits in and around the area. The exhibit is the second in the Quality of Life Expedition Series, co-sponsored by the Northwest Indiana Quality of Life Council (QLC), the IU Northwest Center for Sustainable Regional Vitality and the IU Northwest Center for Cultural Discovery and Learning.
A reception is planned Monday, March 21, at 5:30 p.m. as a fund-raiser for QLC initiatives. The cost is $35 per person. A “Wall of Fame” induction program is planned at that time to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the region. Guest speaker, the Rev. Tony Campbell, will preside over the ceremony. Those being honored are: Dr. Clifford E. Minton, Robert Welsh and the late Charles Wescott.
The QLC is sponsored by the presidents and chancellors of six colleges and universities in northwest Indiana and is a public/private partnership formed to promote sustainable development in Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties. The QLC provides a forum for a diverse group of public and private sector who meet on a regular basis to formally promote continuous improvement in quality of life in northwest Indiana.
|
