What is the Delaware Street Derby?

We are excited to announce our annual fundraiser, The Delaware Street Derby! 

The Delaware Street Derby supports the historic preservation of our Carriage House. In true Derby fashion, we invite you to join us in our historic carriage house. Guests will enjoy signature derby-inspired cocktails & food, horse racing, and a silent auction! Join in on the fun as we race to restore one of the most historic carriage houses still remaining in Indianapolis.

The Propylaeum Historic Foundation was founded in 1888 by renowned Suffragette and activist, May Wright Sewall, with the intention to “create a building to be used for literary, artistic, scientific, industrial, musical, mechanical, and educational purposes…and particularly for the women of Indianapolis.” Our organization celebrates a multitude of historically significant connections: 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. The founding women of the Propylaeum accomplished amazing things for our city around education and culture. In 1923, The Propylaeum relocated to 1410 N. Delaware St., and in 1925, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis was founded in our Carriage House.

For over 135 years, The Indianapolis Propylaeum continues the mission to be the place that connects and celebrates women. Today, our efforts focus on programming, which highlights Women’s Leadership, Arts & Culture, and Historic Preservation, as we are on the National Register of Historic Places.

We hope you will join us as we Race to Restore our Historic Carriage House. The race is on!

Purchase tickets, make a donation, and learn more about the event here.