Courts in the Classroom
Supreme Court of Indiana
Division of State Court Administration
30 S. Meridian Street, Ste 500
Indianapolis, IN 46204

Dr. Elizabeth R. Osborn
Coordinator for
Public History and
Education Programs

Pho: 317.233.8682
elizabeth.osborn@courts.IN.gov

Sarah Kidwell
Outreach Coordinator

Pho: 317.234.3055
sarah.kidwell@courts.IN.gov

 

2011 Outstanding Public
History Project Award
from the National Council
on Public History

More Awards

Courts in the Classroom > Lesson Plans & Materials > Accessing Indiana's Past: Isaac Blackford and 19th Century Slavery Cases Accessing Indiana's Past: Isaac Blackford and 19th Century Slavery Cases

Summary

Descendants of Mary Clark, a black woman who played a key role in the Indiana Supreme Court's 19th century decisions regarding slavery, will tell her dramatic story as a part of the inaugural lecture in the Supreme Court's lecture series.

This hour long event showcases the Court's efforts to develop new ways to access information about Indiana 's legal past including: a searchable database of early Indiana cases, dramatic re-enactments about the lives of key figures in Indiana legal history, and a biography series about Indiana lawyers and judges.

Clark's case was heard during Isaac Blackford's tenure at the Court-he is Indiana 's longest serving justice. Information about a new biography of Blackford and how to use a recently completed searchable database covering Supreme Court cases from this period will compliment the presentation by Clark 's descendants.

Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard will introduce this inaugural lecture and the speakers.

This event was held in the Indiana Supreme Court Courtroom on Friday, October 14, 2005 at 2:00pm.

Supporting Materials

Justice Isaac Blackford & Historical Information

Libraries may receive a free copy of Isaac Blackford: Indiana's Blackstone by emailing their request to sarah.kidwell@courts.IN.gov.  If you would like to purchase a copy of this book, please contact the Indiana Historical Bureau.

Archived Video

Case of In re Clark Case Documents

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