Speakers
The Legacy of Astonishing Orators:
A Glimpse into the Illustrious History of the Contemporary Club
For 133 years, the Contemporary Club of Indianapolis has stood as a cherished institution, providing a platform for intellectual stimulation, cultural appreciation, and riveting dialogue. Central to its rich tapestry of events and gatherings are the remarkable speakers who have graced its hallowed halls throughout the years – recognized luminaries who have captivated audiences with their words, inspired change, and left an indelible imprint on the annals of history.
Since its inception in 1890, the Contemporary Club has been privileged to host an array of extraordinary orators. Visionaries, leaders, and thought-provokers from all walks of life have converged on this august stage, sharing their wisdom, insight, and experiences with a diverse and eagerly receptive audience.
In the early years, distinguished minds like Mary French Sheldon, the renowned Author and Explorer, graced the Club, leaving attendees enthralled by tales of her travels and her quick wit. As the years progressed, the Contemporary Club continued to evolve as a beacon of enlightenment. The Club has been honored to host esteemed guests and speakers including esteemed authors and thought leaders and even three past Presidents of the United States.
Today, the Contemporary Club of Indianapolis remains a hub for intellectual discourse, still attracting some of the most influential speakers of our time. With each new visitor, the Club's legacy for fostering enlightenment, embracing diversity, and promoting social progress is fortified.
As we reflect on the extraordinary luminaries who have graced the Contemporary Club's stage throughout history, we cannot help but feel inspired. Their words have animated our thoughts, nudged our aspirations, and propelled us toward a brighter future. The legacy of these great speakers endures, reminding us that through the power of words, true change is possible.
Past Speakers
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May French Sheldon, American Author and Explorer
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Elbert Hubbard, Author and Publisher
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Bobby Fong, 20th President of Butler University
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Elvis J. Stahr, Jr., US Army Liutenant Colonel, Secretary of the Army, 12th President of Indiana University
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Victor Davis Hanson, American Military Historian
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Amy Lowell, American Pulitzer-Prize Winning Poet
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Richard Lugar, US Senator and 44th Mayor of Indianapolis (Photo by Bill Clark/Getty Images)
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Dame Rebecca West, British Author and Literary Critic
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Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, American Novelists
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Herman B. Wells, 11th President of Indiana University and 1st Chancellor
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Booker T. Washington, Founder of the Tuskegee Institute and Author (Photo by Harris & Ewing/Interim Archives/Getty Images)
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Basil Rathbone, Shakespearean stage actor who went on to appear in more than 70 films
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Kurt Vonnegut, indianapolis Native and American author known for his satirical and darkly humorous novels
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James H. Voyles, prominent Criminal Defense Attorney
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Alex Noel Kosene son of famed Indiana artist, Nancy Noel
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Patrick Talty, President Indiana Sports Corp.
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Hal Holbrook, American Screen and Stage Actor
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Edward Everett Hale, American Author and Unitarian Minister
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General George C. Marshall, US Army Chief of Staff, US Secretary of State, US Secretary of Defense
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Jonna Doolittle Hoppes, American Author and Speaker; Granddaughter of General James Doolittle - Aviation Pioneer and National Hero!
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Jane Kirtley, Silha Professor of Media Ethics & Law at the School of Journalism & Mass Communication at the University of Minnesota
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Gertrude Stein, American Poet and Novelist
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Greg Ballard, Mayor of Indianapolis 2008-2015
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Glen Kwok, Executive Director of the International Violin Competition
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A'lelia Bundles, Journalist and Great-Granddaughter of Entrepreneur Madam C. J. Walker
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Nelson Price, Indianapolis-based Author, Historian, and Radio Host
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William McKinley, 25th President of the United States
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Jane Addams, Activist, Reformer, and Author
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William F, Buckley Jr, American conservative writer, public intellectual, and political commentator
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Vincent Price, American actor, art historian, art collector and gourmet cook
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Justin Martin, American Author & Historian
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Jeff Smulyan, founder and chief executive officer of Emmis Communications
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Janet Holcomb; First Lady of Indiana 2017-2025
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Kevin Gregory: Noted Central Indiana Meteorologist
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Paul Andrew Hutton, Distinguished Professor at University of New Mexico... Author, Speaker, and TV Personality
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Elizabeth Kraft Taylor
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Elizabeth Van Allen Historian speaking on the life of James Whitcomb Riley
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Cornelia Otis Skinner, American Author and Actress
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Paul Page, Broadcaster for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network
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Philip Gulley, Quaker Pastor and Author
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Woodrow Wilson, 28th President of the United States
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Jo Ann Gora, 14th President of Ball State University
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Benjamin Harrison, 23rd President of the United States
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William Merritt Chase, American Impressionist Artist
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William F. Buckley, Sr., Lawyer and Oil Developer
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Harriot Goodhue Hosmer, American Sculptor (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
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William Raspberry, Pulitzer Prize-winning Columnist
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Raymond A. Spruance, US Navy Admiral
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Jim Morris, vice chairman of Pacers Sports & Entertainment.... a recognized local, national, and global leader in the corporate, civic and non-profit sectors...
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Charles A. Hyde, President & CEO, Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site
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Professor Paul A. Rahe, Noted Author, American Classicist, World Historian, and Professor at Hillsdale College
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Alex Kor & Graham Honaker
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Lisa Hendrickson Author and Granddaughter of Noted Architect, Edward Pierre
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Alexandra O. Hudson Author of "The Soul of Civility"
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Dane Starbuck, A Director of the Liberty Fund and Author of "The Goodriches: An American Family"
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George Patton "Pat" Waters a grandson of Army General George S. Patton
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Jason Aukerman Executive Director of The Ray Bradbury Center
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Dr. Charles Ware Executive Director of Grace Relations
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Michael Kaltenmark Senior Director of Marketing The Indianapolis Motor Speedway
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Dr. Jennifer Anné Vertebrate Paleontologist for The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
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Rick Alvis President and CEO of Wheeler Mission Ministries