Lyles Station occupies a special place in Indiana history books. Now, it is getting funding to expand its impact.
In December, Lyles Station Historic Preservation Corp. was awarded a $3,749 grant from the Indiana Landmarks Black Heritage Preservation Program. Since 1997, the LSHPC has revived the legacy of the state’s last remaining Black settlement from the Civil War era.
Led by director and Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame member Eunice Trotter, the program identifies, saves, and celebrates historic African American state sites. Indiana Landmarks’ African American Landmarks Committee also reviewed the application.
“Every grant dollar we receive we are very appreciative,” says Stanley Madison, founder and chairman of the LSHPC, located in Gibson County.
The funding will help iron out LSHPC’s master plan, including updating buildings to state codes and LSHPC bylaws. Updates also include better lighting in the 1920s-era schoolhouse and programming about Lyles Station’s involvement with the Underground Railroad.
“This gives us a big opportunity to improve on what we have here,” Madison says.
