Discovering Arab Indianapolis: An Interview with Edward Curtis IV

In Arab Indianapolis: A Hidden History, author and historian Edward E. Curtis IV explores the origins and growth of the Arab American community in Indianapolis, Indiana. The documentary spans 120 years of history and discusses the city’s first Arabic-speaking neighborhood on Willard Street, important community anchors such as St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church of Indianapolis, and stories of trailblazing individuals whose contributions expanded Arab American representation and opportunities in Greater Indianapolis and beyond. The documentary, which premiered in 2022, is part of a larger project that began as a blog in March 2020. Since then, the “Arab Indianapolis” project has launched a book, developed K-12 lesson plans, hosted educator workshops, and, most recently, dedicated the city’s first memorial marker celebrating the city’s Arab American history. To watch Arab Indianapolis: A Hidden History and explore other facets of the project, visit www.arabindianapolis.com.