The Indiana Historical Society (IHS) will bring the Indiana Bicentennial Train to Columbus from Sept. 18-20 as part of its 2014 run. A unique collaboration with The Indiana Rail Road Company and Norfolk Southern Corporation, the Bicentennial Train will also visit Jasper (Sept. 25-27), Terre Haute (Oct. 2-4), and Bargersville (Oct. 9-11) this fall.

Originally known as the Indiana History Train, the Indiana Bicentennial Train has welcomed more than 71,000 visitors in its six years of travel. It consists of three 65-foot renovated Amtrak freight cars and features a free traveling exhibition, The Next Indiana. The Bicentennial Train will run each fall for two more years, culminating with the state’s bicentennial in 2016.

Relying heavily on IHS's extensive visual and archival collections, The Next Indiana occupies all three freight cars. The first car explores Indiana’s early history through 1900, the second covers the 20th century, and the third prompts thought about the state as it is today and might be in the future. Guests are encouraged to look at where Hoosiers have been, how they got there, and where they are going through the lenses of transportation, land use, talent and community.

In addition to the exhibition, temporary “depots” are set up at each venue to provide an enjoyable, comprehensive experience. Visitors can participate in hands-on and educational activities, catch a 1916 interpreter presentation, connect with the mission and offerings of the Indiana Historical Society, and purchase items from a pop-up History Market.

The Bicentennial Train and its accompanying activities are all free and open to the public, operating 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Every visitor will receive a complimentary pass to visit IHS's Indiana Experience at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center.

Local volunteers are also a vital part of the daily operations of the Bicentennial Train, as they help with crowd control, school groups, parking and more. Three time slots are available Thursday and Friday, along with two on Saturday, and volunteers are welcome to work multiple shifts if desired. To sign up, or for more information, visit www.indianahistory.org/train.

Group reservations (including schools) are available at no charge on a first-come, first-serve basis by calling (317) 232-1882 (space is limited). For more information on the Indiana Bicentennial Train and other IHS programs, visit www.indianahistory.org.