Downs Center for Indiana Politics

Political survey work, curriculum development for schoolchildren on the agenda

The center was established by a group of friends and family of the late Michael C. Downs, an IPFW political science professor who was regarded as Fort Wayne’s principal academic authority on politics. A board of directors, which includes three members of the Downs family, was established last spring. The other four board members come from both sides of the political aisle, keeping it apolitical.

The board came up with a three-year work plan for the center, which includes developing an annual survey to provide insight into Hoosiers’ views on politics. The center also will develop a curriculum on Indiana politics for middle and high school students, and make precinct-by-precinct election results available at no cost via the Internet. Andrew Downs, the center’s director and son of Mike Downs, said another project includes collecting oral histories of Indiana politics from local politicians by area middle and elementary school students. That project is currently underway by students at Maple Creek School in the Northwest Allen County School District.

Another highlight for the center was the opening of its political memorabilia collection this spring. A number of current and former office holders made contributions of their personal memorabilia to the center. Items include campaign literature, posters, fans, whistles, pencils and yard signs. The center is looking for items in three categories: campaign materials, written materials, and radio and television commercials. The current collection is on display on the second floor of the Helmke Library.