Out & About to visit Martinsville Dino Lab and 1915 Steakhouse (deadline extended to May 22)

On Friday, May 29, at 11 a.m., our self-driving social field trip will meet at the Southern Indiana Paleontology Institute (320 E. Morgan St., Martinsville) for a free tour with SIPI founder and amateur paleontologist Steve Bodi. Nicknamed the “dino man” by the locals, Bodi will discuss basic paleontology practices from identifying fossils and how to find prehistoric, buried treasure to the methodology for excavating, recording, and preparing (clean up and restoration) of fossilized dinosaur bones. Bodi notes that this is not a museum, but a working prep lab full of dust and dirt. After the tour, the group will walk through the beautiful, adjoining formal garden, with recycled brick walls and paths, fountain, and pergola. Garden designer Elisabeth Bodi will lead the walk. There will be some standing, limited walking, and a few steps. 

We will then go next door for a no-host lunch at the new 1915 Steakhouse & Bar. It is in a historic building that served as the Hopkins & Woods machine shop for more than 75 years. Although H&W began manufacturing movie theater projectors and later WWII wartime products in 1942, the current owner believes the building dates to 1915. It opened as a restaurant in October 2025 after two years of renovation. Park across the street from SIPI in the free city lot (not in the laundromat parking). Please let Nan know in advance if you have any mobility issues.

Space is limited to 20 people. RSVP by May 22 to nabrewer@iu.edu to save a spot.

Photo Album (by Beau Vallance)