The Alpha Home Association for Aged Colored Women

The Alpha Home for Aged Colored Women, founded in 1883 by Eliza Goff (buried in Crown Hill Cemetery). Formerly enslaved, Goff worked as a housekeeper in the city. She saw a need for the care of elderly and infirmed African American women, so she started the Alpha Home Association; it began operation in 1886.

The home operated on donations from African American leaders like Madam C. J. Walker, Lillian Childress Hall, Lionel Artis, and Paul Partlow (Hall, Artis and Partlow are all buried in Crown Hill Cemetery).

In 1928, the Alpha Home began caring for men. In 1992, it moved to its current location and continues to serve men and women regardless of race.

The Alpha Home for Aged Colored Women’s location in 1930 at 18th and Senate Avenue. Photo courtesy of Encyclopedia of Indianapolis.
Mary E. Battle was born in Kentucky and died in Indianapolis at the Alpha Home when she was just 54. She only has a lot marker identifying the location of her burial in Section F.