HAMMOND, IN – Nominations are open today through Sept. 3 to honor a new class of Northwest Indiana Legends at the South Shore Convention & Visitors Authority, Hammond.
Legends are individuals or teams whose accomplishments “resonate in and beyond Northwest Indiana.” The Wall of Legends Project is sponsored by the BP Whiting Refinery.
“BP is pleased to continue to sponsor the Legends program, which showcases the men and women who have made significant contributions toward making Northwest Indiana the thriving community it is today – and in many cases, made an impact on a global scale,” said Don Porter, Whiting Refinery Manager. “The rich history of these Legends is an inspiration to those who live and work here in support of the area’s bright future.”
New Legends will be inducted on Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 5:30 p.m. at the South Shore CVA’s Indiana Welcome Center.
Legends are individuals, living or dead, who have had a substantial impact with “lasting implications” and have lived or worked in the seven counties of Northwest Indiana, which are Jasper, Lake, La Porte, Newton, Porter, Pulaski and Starke. These individuals were “trailblazers” and “exemplars” whose records of personal conduct serve as an example for others.
Typically, South Shore Legends are historical contributors, not modern-day innovators, said John Davies, founder and coordinator. Past Legends include U.S. Army Air Corps Capt. James M. Kirk; Lowell Thomas; W.F. Wellman; the Tuskegee Airmen of Northwest Indiana; Jean Shepherd; stage and screen star Karl Malden; boxing great Tony Zale; Vee-Jay Records co-founder Vivian Carter; Apollo 8 Commander Frank Borman; Dr. William Scholl; Indiana’s 20th Civil War Regiment; and recipients of Congressional Medals of Honor and the Nobel Prize.
Multiple individuals engaged in the same activity can be included in one nomination. To obtain a nomination form, contact John Davies via email or at 219-789-1214. Nominations can be submitted either by email to john.davies1214@gmail.com or by mail to South Shore CVA, 7770 Corinne Drive, Hammond.
This project is hosted by the South Shore Convention & Visitors Authority. Consultant is Stephen McShane, Calumet Regional Archives, Indiana University Northwest.
