As America celebrates the 250th anniversary of its founding, the Historical Society of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana is thrilled to announce a special luncheon and keynote presentation titled "My Heroes and Our Struggles for Democracy" on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. The luncheon will commence at 11:30 am, followed by remarks at 12:30 pm by Dr. James H. Madison. Dr. Madison, one of Indiana’s preeminent historians and the Thomas and Kathryn Miller Professor Emeritus of History at Indiana University, will showcase a few of his heroes, mostly Hoosiers, who endeavored to strengthen our democratic traditions enshrined in the Declaration of Independence. The event will be held at the Indy Chamber, 111 Monument Circle, Suite 2200. The event is open to members of the Historical Society of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, and registration is required. For full details, see the Press Release.

Indianapolis, Indiana (September 15, 2026): Latinos began arriving in Indiana in the late 1800s and have made significant contributions to Hoosier culture since that time. In Indianapolis, "El Barrio" was the city's first known Latino neighborhood. Located on the near east side of downtown, it and other culturally significant neighborhoods were razed in the late 1960s to make way for Indianapolis's modern interstate system. On Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 2:00 pm EDT, the U.S. District Court, Bankruptcy Court, and Probation Office for the Southern District of Indiana and the Indiana State Bar Association will host "Crossroads for Change: Remembering the Past, Rebuilding the Future," a panel presentation focused on the significance of "El Barrio" and its demise. The presentation will dive into the intersection of history, law, public policy, and lessons learned for future growth and development in Indianapolis. For full details, see the Press Release.

The Honorable James R. Sweeney II, Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, is pleased to announce the selection of Ms. Liberty L. Roberts for the position of United States Magistrate Judge in the Indianapolis Division. Please see the Press Release for full details. 

INDIANAPOLIS (April 17, 2026) – From an exploration of the trial that followed the "Crime of the Century" to a look at what makes the best of the lawyerly best, the 18th Annual Court History & Continuing Legal Education Symposium promises to be an educational and entertaining afternoon. The program will take place on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, from 12:30 PM to 3:45 PM in the Sarah Evans Barker Courtroom (Courtroom 216) at the Birch Bayh Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse, 46 E. Ohio St., Indianapolis, Indiana. A Zoom link will be available to those who cannot attend in-person. The program is organized by the Historical Society of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana and sponsored by the Court. Three hours of Indiana CLE credit are approved. Registration is required. For full details, see the Press Release.