Indiana State Senators Ron Alting (R-Lafayette) and Brandt Hershman (R-Wheatfield) invite area fourth grader students, along with their principals, teachers and parents, to a special birthday party at the Statehouse in which the honored guest will be 193 years old.

“Many interesting activities are planned to celebrate ‘Statehood Day’ on Dec. 11, the day Indiana officially became this nation’s 19th state in 1816,” Alting said.

“This would be a great day to schedule a visit to our historic Statehouse in Indianapolis,” Hershman said. “Interactive displays, special music and a chance to see original copies of Indiana’s state constitution will be part of the day when Indiana history is brought to life for children as they study Indiana’s government and heritage.”

The day will begin at 9 a.m. at the Statehouse and will include interactive activities presented by the offices of the governor and lieutenant governor, the legislature, Indiana Supreme Court, state museum, archives section of the state library, historical bureau, history center and other state agencies. Students will also have a chance to visit many executive, legislative and judicial offices.

The celebration will move to the North Atrium at noon for a program featuring words of welcome from government officials, musical performances, installation of original copies of Indiana’s 1816 and 1851 state constitutions into a display case in the Rotunda and the reading of a winning essay titled “What Indiana Means to Me.”

The essay competition is open to any Indiana fourth grade public, private or home-schooled student.

Essays need to range from 100 to 400 words, be handwritten or typed and must include the student’s name, teacher’s name and the school’s name, address and telephone number. Essays should convey what living in the state of Indiana means to the student, highlighted with what makes them proud to be a Hoosier.

Essays must be completed by Nov. 2 and sent to Jennifer Hodge, coordinator, State Capitol Tour Office, 200 W. Washington St., Room 220, Indiana Statehouse, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Questions may be directed to (317) 233-9830.

Judges will choose first, second and third place winners who will be notified the week of Nov. 23.

Space is limited and schools interested in participating in the special day of activities need to call the Capitol Tour Office at (317) 233-5293.