Arthur Franklin Mapes (1913-1986) is the author of “Indiana,” adopted as the state’s official poem in 1963. He was designated an Indiana poet laureate in 1977. A more detailed biography is available here. This site was created and is maintained by his granddaughter, Angela Mapes Turner. (Visit me at www.angelamapesturner.com.) Send your suggestions and corrections to angelamapes@hotmail.com — and I’d love to hear your “Indiana Memories,” too.
Many thanks to my aunt, Marilyn Barrett, and cousin, John Barrett, for their help digitizing the poetry archive, and to many relatives and friends who contributed photos and mementos.
This site is a work in progress. Please check back for additional photos, press clippings, and educational resources, and follow us on Facebook. Thanks for visiting! -Angie
All content copyrighted or used with permission. Please adhere to fair-use standards if you use the content on this website.
Arthur Franklin Mapes 
Angie;
The webb site is beautifully composed. I know your Grandfather is as proud of you as you were of him.
With love, Mom Turner
Thanks so much, Cindy!
Thanks for putting this site together! I am a distant relative of yours (granddaughter of Martha Mapes) and also a writer. I think a love for words runs in the family for sure. 🙂
Thanks, Melissa! I’m finding so many cousins this way. Love it. 🙂 I’d love to read your writing sometime.
I never new my great great uncle Art Was the Indiana State Poem.