Indianapolis Home for Friendless Colored Children

The Society of Friends (Quakers) established the Indianapolis Home for Friendless Colored Children in 1870 as the sole orphanage in Indiana to care for African American children. While most of the children came from the Indianapolis area, the home did accept children from all over Indiana.

The Society of Friends maintained the orphanage until 1922, when it was turned over to the Marion County Board of Commissioners, and for the first time, an African American, Emma Duvalle, managed the institution. Gradually, the Marion County Welfare Department found homes for the children and closed its doors in 1939.

Crown Hill donated Section 31, Lot 52 (51 burials) in 1877, Section 37, Lots 419 (149 burials) in 1894, and Section 37, Lot 876 (78 burials) in 1910 to provide burials for those children dying in the home’s care. The graves are unmarked. One of their spaces is in front of the Hearts Remembered Memorial.