The value of real-life experiences has long been recognized as one of the most valuable resources. These experiences provide insight into our past, a road map for our future, and can motivate others to succeed. The Mike Downs Center for Indiana Politics knows that the oral histories of community leaders need to be preserved so that our past can help to predict and inspire our future. This project is providing a rich database of information about our region and state. The information is useful to teachers, students, journalists, politicians, and the general public.

The Mike Downs Center is partnering with Indian Village Elementary School and Maple Creek Middle School in the 2002 / 2003 school year to begin collecting oral histories from Allen County community leaders. The oral histories will be cataloged and cross-referenced by name, position(s) held, and topics discussed. The oral histories are available at the IPFW Helmke Library and will eventually be posted on the Mike Downs Center website.