MUNCIE, Ind. -- Historic houses, churches and commercial buildings around town are getting the attention they deserve thanks to Muncie Public Library and Ball State University.

A new series of self-guided walking tours developed by the library and Ball State's historic preservation students will raise public awareness and appreciation for Muncie architecture dating from the mid-1800s to 1930.

Brochures that map out the tours include photographs, brief historical facts about the featured buildings, descriptions of architectural styles and definitions of architectural terms.

Expanded versions of the tours also are available at Muncie Public Library's Web site at www.munpl.org. So far, walking tours have been created for Muncie's downtown and Old West End. A third tour is in the works this year for the Emily Kimbrough neighborhood, and others will follow.

The tours use community and university resources to promote the architectural history of Muncie and Delaware County.

"Over time we want to have a significant impact on the awareness and appreciation of our heritage," said Virginia Nilles, director of Muncie Public Library. "In the past, people in the community cared little about architecture or its importance."

The walking tours have been popular with local residents and groups, Nilles said. The tours represent the first step in the library's 10-year plan of educational programming about the history and architecture of Muncie and Delaware County.

Nilles also wants to work with Muncie's public schools to begin tours of historic buildings for elementary and secondary students and possibly continuing education sessions with adults.

The walking tour series has been developed during the past five years by students in Ball State’s graduate program in historic preservation, which is part of the university's nationally recognized Department of Architecture.

Nilles first suggested the project in 1997 to professor James Glass, director of the historic preservation program. Ball State students first created a walking tour at Muncie Public Library's Web site and then began designing the brochures so people could visit the sites with a guide in hand.

Ball State's University Relations office assisted the project with graphic design and final layout.  The library has provided stipends for preservation students to research the history and architectural significance of local buildings for the tours. Support also has come from the Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County.

"This joint project has provided a rich professional and educational experience for the historic preservation students while providing an attractive way for the public to learn more about the local heritage," Glass said.

Each walking tour features about 20 buildings and provides details on construction dates, past owners and various uses.

Downtown sites range from the Carnegie Library, Hotel Roberts, Old Federal Building and several commercial blocks to the Masonic Temple, Moore-Youse Home and two churches.

The Old West End tour includes houses once owned by the Kitselman family and other notable residents, plus religious structures such as Friends Memorial Church and Temple Beth El.

Ball State President Blaine A. Brownell, an urban historian, said the series "lends dignity to the built environment of Muncie and helps focus our attention on its legacy." Ball State Provost Warren Vander Hill, also a historian, said the walking tours enhance the understanding of the "local scene."

Walking tour brochures are available at local libraries, hotels and the Muncie Visitors Bureau. For more information, contact Muncie Public Library at (765) 747-8209.

By Ted Buck, Communications Manager

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information on this story, contact James Glass at (765) 285-1920 or jglass@bsu.edu, or Virginia Nilles at (765) 747-8209.)