The Propylaeum Organization
On June 6th, 1888, a corporation was formed to " buy, hold, acquire…a building to be used for literary, artistic, scientific, industrial, musical, mechanical, and educational purpose …provide a center for cultivation for the public, and particularly the women of Indianapolis.”
The Board of Directors were chosen and May Wright Sewall, who had introduced this idea, was named president. The name Propylaeum, a Greek word meaning ‘gateway,’ was chosen. The Seal was designed after the likeness of the Propylaea in Ancient Athens.
In December of 1888, a lot was purchased at 17 East North Street, present site of the World War Memorial Plaza. In 1891 a dedication ceremony was held in the first building to house the Propylaeum.
The Building
In 1922 the Propylaeum was notified that the city would buy the building as a site for the World War Memorial Plaza and possession was to be given in 1923. The Propylaeum moved into the 1410 North Delaware Street mansion in 1923. In November 2023, the Propylaeum celebrated their 100th year residing at 1410 N. Delaware St.
Today, the Indianapolis Propylaeum hosts year-round programming focusing on Women’s Leadership, Arts & Culture, and Historic Preservation from their historic home at 1410 N. Delaware.
Our Founder
May Wright Sewall established a national and international reputation through several endeavors. She fought to enlarge the role of women in society, to mobilize women and get them to play a larger role in this country and the world. She actively campaigned for a woman’s right to an education equal to that offered men. She sought the ballot for women, firmly believing that once educated and armed with political rights women could stop war, clean up society, and create a better world for humankind. By 1920 Sewall’s fame as a women’s rights activist, peace advocate, and spiritualist had spread so widely that she was one of the best known Hoosiers in the world.
Additionally, Sewall is credited with founding the Herron School of Art and Design, The Art Association of Indianapolis — which became the Indianapolis Museum of Art | Newfields, The Indianapolis Woman’s Club, and The Contemporary Club, to name a few.