Indiana AIDS Memorial

The Indiana AIDS Memorial, located on the grounds of Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, is an impressive and thoughtful monument dedicated to the thousands of lives lost to the AIDS epidemic. It was originally dedicated in October 2000 and is situated in a beautiful, wooded area in the older part of the cemetery, at the northeast corner of Section 90. Surrounded by historical gravestones and artifacts dating back to the late 19th century, the memorial provides a quiet place for reflection and remembrance.

The memorial consists of a series of limestone panels inscribed with the names of those who have died from AIDS, forming a semicircle around the monument. A separate panel is dedicated to the friends, family, and supporters who wish to engage in the fight against HIV. On December 1, 2017, World AIDS Day, the memorial was rededicated following extensive renovations costing $75,000 to improve accessibility, landscaping, and the overall appearance of the memorial. Among the speakers at the rededication were Indianapolis Mayor Joseph Hogsett and Keith Norwalk, President of Crown Hill Cemetery.

Visitor Information

Access to the Indiana AIDS Memorial is free, making it an inviting destination for visitors. A fee of $100 is charged to inscribe the name of a deceased person on a panel; half of this cost is tax-deductible. To apply for an inscription, interested parties can download an order form and send it to the Health Foundation or fill out an online form. The phone number (317) 630-1805 or the email address [email protected] can be used for this purpose.

The NAMES Project

The Health Foundation of Greater Indianapolis is proud to be the host organization for The NAMES Project Indiana, better known as the AIDS Quilt. This impressive and moving art form was initiated by Cleve Jones in 1987 and has developed into a powerful memorial consisting of over 46,000 individually designed panels. Each panel commemorates a person who has died from AIDS and offers comfort and remembrance. A portion of the quilt is regularly displayed in churches, schools, and at various events worldwide to raise awareness and promote education.

Reviews

Visitor impressions of the Indiana AIDS Memorial are overwhelmingly positive. Many describe the monument as "beautiful" and emphasize its stunning location. It is often seen as a place of peace that invites both reflection and communal remembrance. The nostalgic ambiance and cultural significance of the memorial attract numerous people who wish to honor the contributions of those who have died from AIDS.

For visitors seeking to learn more about this meaningful memorial, the official website of the Health Foundation of Greater Indianapolis (https://thfgi.org/indiana-aids-memorial/) offers detailed information and current events.