New book highlights remarkable Indianapolis women

Author Ashley Petry has released a new book, “Remarkable Women of Indianapolis,” highlighting women who helped shape Indianapolis but are often absent from historical records.

Published by The History Press, the book features a range of figures, including Civil War-era heroes, suffragists and entrepreneurs. It aims to spotlight both well-known and lesser-known trailblazers whose contributions left a lasting impact on the city.

Petry said the idea for the book came from her research for a previous project, when she struggled to find a comprehensive history of women in Indianapolis.

“Actually, one of my previous books was a story of the history of Indianapolis, and I went looking for this book to do the research, and it didn’t exist,” Petry said. “And I decided that if it didn’t exist, then I had to bring it into the world.”

The book includes profiles such as Eliza Blaker, who established a citywide network of free kindergarten programs in Indianapolis in the 1880s that served thousands of children before public schools adopted similar programs. Mary Elizabeth Bostwick, a longtime reporter for The Indianapolis Star, is also highlighted for her publicity stunts, including riding in race cars and gliders. Petry said she is among her favorite subjects in the book.

Other profiles include Madam C.J. Walker and Christel DeHaan, along with Civil War-era figures, a woman credited with helping save the Indiana Pacers, the “mother of science fiction,” and a palm reader with celebrity clients. The book also includes Madge Oberholtzer, whose testimony led to the conviction of KKK leader D.C. Stephenson in the 1920s, and former U.S. Rep. Julia Carson.

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