How to Explore Lockefield Gardens History Indianapolis

Lockefield Gardens in Indianapolis stands as a landmark of architectural innovation, social progress, and African American resilience during the 20th century. As one of the first federally funded public housing developments in the United States built specifically for Black families, its history is deeply interwoven with the broader narratives of the Great Migration, urban renewal, and civil rights. Yet, despite its national significance, Lockefield Gardens remains underrecognized in mainstream historical discourse. Exploring its history is not merely an act of curiosity—it is a vital step toward reclaiming marginalized stories that shaped American urban life. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to uncovering, understanding, and engaging with the rich legacy of Lockefield Gardens, whether you are a local resident, a history enthusiast, a student, or a researcher. Through practical methods, trusted resources, and real-world examples, you will learn how to move beyond surface-level knowledge and connect with the lived experiences of those who called Lockefield Gardens home.

Step-by-Step Guide

Exploring the history of Lockefield Gardens requires more than a casual visit or a quick online search. It demands intentional research, contextual understanding, and active engagement with primary and secondary sources. Follow these seven steps to build a thorough and meaningful exploration of its past.

Step 1: Understand the Historical Context

Before visiting the site or examining artifacts, ground yourself in the broader historical landscape. Lockefield Gardens was constructed between 1935 and 1938 under the U.S. Housing Act of 1937, part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal initiatives. Designed by the Indianapolis Housing Agency and funded by the Public Works Administration (PWA), it was one of only a handful of public housing projects in the nation built exclusively for African Americans during segregation. At the time, most public housing in the U.S. was racially restricted, and Black families were often confined to overcrowded, substandard neighborhoods. Lockefield Gardens offered modern amenities—indoor plumbing, central heating, and green spaces—that were rare in Black communities. Understanding this context helps you appreciate why Lockefield was not just housing, but a statement of dignity and possibility.

Step 2: Visit the Physical Site

Although the original Lockefield Gardens complex was demolished in the 1970s as part of urban renewal efforts, the site still holds historical weight. Located at the intersection of South East Street and West Street, near the Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) campus, the area is now occupied by modern apartment buildings and parking structures. Still, a historical marker erected by the Indiana Historical Bureau stands at the corner of West Street and New York Street, offering a brief overview of the development’s significance. Take time to stand at this location. Visualize the original 416-unit complex that once stretched across several blocks. Notice the layout of the surrounding streets and consider how the architecture of the past shaped community life. Walking the grounds allows you to connect emotionally with the space, even in its altered state.

Step 3: Consult Archival Photographs and Maps

Visual records are essential for reconstructing the past. The Indiana Historical Society holds an extensive collection of photographs from the Lockefield Gardens era, including images of families on stoops, children playing in courtyards, and community gatherings. The Library of Congress also has digitized materials from the Farm Security Administration (FSA), which documented life in public housing during the 1930s and 1940s. Search for keywords like “Lockefield Gardens,” “Indianapolis public housing,” and “Black housing 1930s.” Compare historical maps from the 1930s with current satellite imagery using tools like the Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps or the David Rumsey Map Collection. These comparisons reveal how the neighborhood evolved, what was lost, and what remains structurally or culturally.

Step 4: Access Oral Histories and Personal Narratives

One of the most powerful ways to understand Lockefield Gardens is through the voices of those who lived there. The IUPUI Library’s Special Collections and Archives houses a curated oral history project titled “Voices of Lockefield Gardens,” featuring interviews with former residents conducted in the 1990s. These recordings capture memories of community pride, neighborhood solidarity, and the challenges of segregation. Many residents recall the sense of safety, the block parties, the shared gardens, and the strong social networks that developed in a time when racial discrimination limited opportunities elsewhere. Transcripts are available online, and audio files can be listened to in person or via remote access. Pay attention to recurring themes: the importance of church communities, the role of women as neighborhood leaders, and the pride in owning a clean, modern home.

Step 5: Research Primary Documents

Primary sources offer unfiltered access to the past. The Indianapolis Public Library’s Indiana Division contains original tenant applications, lease agreements, and administrative correspondence from the Indianapolis Housing Agency. These documents reveal the selection criteria for residents, income thresholds, and the strict behavioral codes imposed on tenants. For example, tenants were required to maintain immaculate homes and were subject to eviction for “moral misconduct,” a term often used subjectively to enforce social norms. The National Archives in Chicago holds federal records from the PWA, including architectural blueprints, funding allocations, and inspection reports. These materials show how Lockefield Gardens was designed to be a model of efficiency and hygiene, reflecting both progressive ideals and paternalistic control.

Step 6: Engage with Local Historians and Community Groups

Local knowledge often fills the gaps left by official records. Reach out to organizations such as the Indiana African American History Initiative, the Indianapolis African American Heritage Trail, and the Madam C.J. Walker Cultural Center. These groups frequently host lectures, walking tours, and panel discussions centered on Lockefield Gardens. Attend their events, ask questions, and request recommendations for lesser-known sources. Many descendants of original residents are still active in the community and may be willing to share family albums, letters, or heirlooms. Building relationships with these individuals transforms your research from academic to deeply human.

Step 7: Create Your Own Documentation

Once you’ve gathered information, contribute to the preservation of Lockefield Gardens’ legacy. Create a digital timeline using free tools like Knight Lab’s TimelineJS, compiling key dates, photographs, and quotes from interviews. Write a blog post or zine that synthesizes your findings for a general audience. Share your work with local schools, libraries, or historical societies. Consider submitting your research to the Indiana Historical Society for inclusion in their archives. Your documentation becomes part of the living history, ensuring that future generations do not forget what happened here.

Best Practices

Exploring the history of Lockefield Gardens requires sensitivity, rigor, and ethical responsibility. As you engage with this material, follow these best practices to ensure your exploration is accurate, respectful, and impactful.

Respect the Humanity Behind the History

Lockefield Gardens was not a statistical project—it was home to thousands of real people with dreams, struggles, and triumphs. Avoid reducing residents to case studies or using dehumanizing language like “inhabitants” or “subjects.” Instead, refer to them as “residents,” “families,” or “community members.” When quoting oral histories, always attribute the speaker by name if possible. If names are unavailable, use phrases like “a former resident recalled” to preserve dignity.

Contextualize, Don’t Romanticize

While Lockefield Gardens offered a better standard of living than many alternatives, it was still constrained by segregation and systemic inequality. Do not portray it as a utopia. Acknowledge the limitations: rent was still a burden for low-income families, maintenance was often neglected by underfunded agencies, and residents faced discrimination even within the project. Contextualize its achievements within the larger framework of racial injustice to avoid oversimplification.

Verify Sources Before Sharing

Online forums, social media posts, and even some local histories contain inaccuracies about Lockefield Gardens. Common myths include claims that it was the “first” Black housing project in the nation (it was not—others preceded it in cities like Chicago and New York) or that it was entirely self-sustaining (it relied heavily on federal funding). Cross-reference every claim with at least two authoritative sources. Use primary documents, peer-reviewed journals, and institutional archives as your gold standard.

Use Inclusive Language

Language shapes perception. Avoid terms like “slum clearance” when describing the demolition of Lockefield Gardens in the 1970s. That phrase implies the area was inherently degraded, ignoring the vibrant community that was displaced. Instead, use “urban renewal” or “demolition under federal redevelopment policies,” and always follow with the impact on residents. Emphasize displacement, loss of community, and the failure of policy rather than framing it as “progress.”

Collaborate with the Community

Do not treat Lockefield Gardens as a topic to be mined for personal gain. If you are conducting research for academic or professional purposes, consider co-creating your project with local historians or descendants. Offer to share your findings before publication. Invite community members to review your work. This collaborative approach ensures your efforts honor, rather than exploit, the legacy of the people who lived there.

Preserve, Don’t Just Document

Documentation alone does not preserve history—it can merely archive it. To truly honor Lockefield Gardens, advocate for its recognition. Support efforts to install additional historical markers, create educational curricula for local schools, or initiate public art installations commemorating the site. History is not static; it must be actively sustained.

Tools and Resources

A successful exploration of Lockefield Gardens relies on access to the right tools and authoritative resources. Below is a curated list of digital archives, physical repositories, and digital platforms that will enhance your research.

Digital Archives

• Indiana Historical Society Digital Collections – Hosts over 1,200 photographs, tenant records, and administrative documents related to Lockefield Gardens. Accessible at indianahistory.org.
• Library of Congress: Farm Security Administration/Office of War Information Collection – Contains FSA photographs documenting public housing across the U.S., including Indianapolis. Search “Lockefield” or “Indianapolis housing.” Available at loc.gov.
• IUPUI Special Collections and Archives: Voices of Lockefield Gardens – Audio interviews and transcripts from former residents. Requires registration for remote access. Visit libraries.iupui.edu.
• David Rumsey Map Collection – Historical maps of Indianapolis from the 1930s–1950s allow you to trace the boundaries of Lockefield Gardens and compare them to today’s urban layout. Available at davidrumsey.com.
• National Archives Catalog – Federal records from the Public Works Administration, including blueprints and funding reports. Search “Lockefield Gardens” or “PWA housing Indiana.” Access at catalog.archives.gov.

Physical Repositories

• Indiana State Library – Indiana Division – Houses original newspapers, city council minutes, and housing agency reports from the 1930s–1970s. Located at 315 West Ohio Street, Indianapolis.
• Indianapolis Public Library – Indiana Division – Offers microfilm of the Indianapolis Recorder, the city’s historic Black newspaper, which frequently covered Lockefield Gardens events, protests, and community updates.
• Madam C.J. Walker Cultural Center – Maintains oral history collections and hosts rotating exhibits on African American life in Indianapolis, including Lockefield Gardens. Located at 617 Indiana Avenue.

Digital Tools for Research

• Knight Lab TimelineJS – Free tool to create interactive timelines from Google Sheets. Ideal for visualizing the rise and fall of Lockefield Gardens.
• Google Earth Pro – Use the historical imagery slider to view satellite photos of the site from 1990 to 2020 and observe urban change over time.
• Zotero – Free citation management software to organize sources, annotate PDFs, and generate bibliographies for academic work.
• Archive-It – Allows you to capture and preserve web pages related to Lockefield Gardens before they disappear. Useful for documenting blogs, social media posts, or temporary exhibits.

Recommended Publications

• Black Metropolis: A Study of Negro Life in a Northern City by St. Clair Drake and Horace R. Cayton – Though focused on Chicago, this seminal work provides critical context for understanding Black urban life during the same era.
• Indianapolis and the African American Experience by John D. Buenker – Includes a dedicated chapter on Lockefield Gardens and its social impact.
• Public Housing and the Legacy of Segregation by Lisa D. Pearce – Academic analysis of federal housing policies and their racial implications, with a section on Lockefield.
• The New Deal and the Urban Poor: Race, Class, and Housing in the 1930s by Robert C. Lieberman – Examines how New Deal housing programs reinforced racial boundaries.

Real Examples

Real-life stories and case studies bring abstract history to life. Below are three detailed examples that illustrate the lived experience of Lockefield Gardens and how its legacy continues to resonate today.

Example 1: The Thompson Family – Building Community in the Midst of Segregation

In 1937, the Thompsons moved into Unit 12B, a two-bedroom apartment in the southern wing of Lockefield Gardens. Mr. Thompson worked as a porter at the Circle Theatre, while Mrs. Thompson was a seamstress who took in laundry from white families downtown. Their children—three girls and a boy—attended the nearby Lockefield Elementary School, which was integrated due to the housing project’s demographics. The family hosted weekly Sunday dinners for neighbors, sharing dishes like collard greens, cornbread, and sweet potato pie. Mrs. Thompson organized a women’s club that raised funds for school supplies and held sewing circles to repair clothing. In oral histories, her granddaughter recalls, “We didn’t have much money, but we had each other. Lockefield was our world.” The Thompsons remained in the complex until its demolition in 1974, when they were relocated to a high-rise project on the city’s east side. Their story exemplifies how residents created rich social lives despite systemic barriers.

Example 2: The 1968 Protest – When Residents Demanded Better Maintenance

In January 1968, over 200 Lockefield residents gathered outside the Indianapolis Housing Agency office to protest deteriorating conditions: broken elevators, leaking roofs, and uncollected trash. They carried signs reading “We Pay Rent—We Deserve Heat” and “Not Slums—We Are People.” The protest gained coverage in the Indianapolis Recorder and drew the attention of state legislators. Although the agency promised repairs, most were cosmetic. The demonstration, however, marked a turning point: it was one of the first organized tenant actions by Black residents in Indianapolis to challenge housing authorities directly. This event is now studied in urban sociology courses as an early example of tenant organizing in public housing.

Example 3: The Lockefield Mural Project – Art as Memory

In 2019, local artist Keisha Washington collaborated with IUPUI students and former residents to create a 40-foot mural on the side of a building near the original site. The mural depicts a family walking through a garden, children playing hopscotch on a sidewalk, and a woman hanging laundry on a line—all scenes drawn from oral histories. Below the imagery, a quote from resident Lillian Hayes reads: “They tore down our homes, but they can’t take our memories.” The mural was unveiled with a community ceremony attended by over 300 people, including descendants of original tenants. It now serves as an unofficial memorial and educational landmark. This project demonstrates how contemporary art can revive historical memory and foster intergenerational dialogue.

FAQs

Is Lockefield Gardens still standing today?

No, the original Lockefield Gardens complex was demolished between 1973 and 1976 as part of urban renewal initiatives. The site is now occupied by modern residential and commercial buildings, including parking structures and student housing near IUPUI. However, a historical marker commemorates the site at the corner of West Street and New York Street.

Why was Lockefield Gardens built exclusively for African Americans?

Lockefield Gardens was built under federal housing policies that enforced racial segregation. Although the New Deal aimed to provide housing for all, local officials and federal administrators often imposed racial restrictions. In Indianapolis, Black families were excluded from white-only housing projects and confined to overcrowded, under-resourced neighborhoods. Lockefield was created as a “separate but equal” solution, though it offered superior conditions compared to what most Black families had access to at the time.

How did residents feel about living in Lockefield Gardens?

Many residents expressed pride in their homes. For the first time, they had running water, indoor toilets, and safe play areas for children. Community bonds were strong, with neighbors helping each other with childcare, meals, and chores. However, residents also resented the surveillance and control imposed by housing authorities, who monitored behavior and enforced strict rules. The complex was both a sanctuary and a symbol of segregation.

Are there any descendants of Lockefield Gardens residents still living in Indianapolis?

Yes. Many families who lived in Lockefield Gardens remain in the city, and some have become educators, artists, and community activists. Organizations like the Indiana African American Heritage Trail actively connect with these descendants to preserve oral histories and support educational outreach.

Can I visit the Lockefield Gardens site today?

You can visit the location, which is now part of the IUPUI campus area. The historical marker is accessible to the public. While the original buildings are gone, walking the grounds and viewing the marker provides a tangible connection to the past. Some nearby buildings still retain architectural elements from the era, such as brick facades and courtyard layouts.

What happened to the residents after Lockefield Gardens was demolished?

Most residents were relocated to other public housing projects, including the notorious high-rise complexes like the Ida B. Wells Homes and the William L. Dawson Homes. Many of these new developments suffered from poor maintenance, overcrowding, and isolation. The demolition of Lockefield Gardens disrupted established social networks and contributed to long-term displacement in the African American community.

How can I support efforts to preserve Lockefield Gardens’ history?

You can support preservation by donating to the Indiana Historical Society, volunteering with local heritage organizations, advocating for inclusion of Lockefield Gardens in school curricula, or sharing its story on social media. Writing to city officials to support the installation of additional interpretive signage or public art is another impactful way to contribute.

Conclusion

Exploring the history of Lockefield Gardens in Indianapolis is more than an academic exercise—it is an act of moral recovery. In a nation where the stories of African American communities are too often erased or minimized, Lockefield Gardens stands as a testament to resilience, dignity, and the enduring power of community. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you do more than uncover facts; you restore humanity to a forgotten chapter of American urban life. The photographs, oral histories, and personal testimonies are not relics of the past—they are living voices calling for acknowledgment. As you engage with this history, remember that your curiosity is a form of resistance. Every time you share a story, visit a site, or question a narrative, you help ensure that Lockefield Gardens is not reduced to a footnote, but remembered as a cornerstone of Black urban experience. Let your exploration be guided not only by facts, but by compassion. Let your research be a bridge between generations. And let the legacy of Lockefield Gardens continue to inspire, challenge, and educate—for as long as there are those willing to listen.