Indiana museum to tell story of basketball great Larry Bird

Larry Bird at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement, Aug. 12, 2010. Photo copyright Catherine Saunders-Watson. All rights reserved

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (AP) – A museum is being planned to tell the story of basketball great Larry Bird, an Indiana native.

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb announced Saturday that the museum will be located in a new convention center that’s being built in Terre Haute in western Indiana. The Tribune Star reports Bird plans to donate personal items and memorabilia from his career with the Boston Celtics, Indiana State University, the U.S. Olympic team and beyond.

Holcomb predicts the museum will be a global draw, describing Bird as “Larry the Legend — Indiana’s favorite son.”

“To have this museum, which symbolizes what being a Hoosier is all about — hard work, determination and striving to be the best — and to have that in Terre Haute, that’s just a match made in heaven and I can’t wait to see it,” Holcomb said.

Bird grew up in French Lick, Indiana. He created excitement during his days at Indiana State University in Terre Haute when he led the school to the NCAA title game in 1979, although the Sycamores lost to Magic Johnson’s Michigan State team.

Bird’s school pride carried over to his NBA career as a player, coach and executive. When the Celtics won the 1984 NBA Championship, Bird dedicated the win to Terre Haute.

Details about the museum are still being developed, but plans include interactive displays to detail Bird’s life and career. He won three NBA championships with the Celtics.

Construction on the convention center is expected to start in the spring.

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