Indianapolis makes a home for nation’s superheroes

iwNews

Dane Nash's collection of Superman and Batman items, including costumes worn by television and movie actors who portrayed the Man of Steel, Superboy and Supergirl, fill a 3,300-square-foot space near Union Station, at 20 W. Louisiana St. in Downtown Indianapolis.

Nash retired last year from the property insurance business to devote his full attention to fulfilling his dream of opening the American Super Heroes Museum.

Besides, he needed a place to display the thousands of items he has collected.

About 15 years ago, Nash sold his extensive collection of all the Superman comic books to that point so he could buy a Superman costume worn by George Reeves on the 1950s television series. He also has the white shirt and tie Reeves wore as Clark Kent, Superman's alter ego.

"It was a goose-bump moment," he said of the purchase. After returning home , he put it on for several minutes before putting it away.

He experienced a similar fascination with Batman after the Adam West "Batman" show aired in the 1960s when he was 12 or 13. This time it wasn't so much for the character of Batman, but he absolutely loved the Batmobile.

Batman items are displayed in the "Batcave." Nash plans to bring his replica of the Batmobile that appeared in the "Batman" movie featuring Michael Keaton in 1989. The car has a Corvette engine and a capsule over the driving compartment that pops up and slides back just as it did in the movie, Nash said.

Nash plans to bring the car, along with a replica of the 1966 Adam West Batboat, to the museum in the weeks ahead.

The American Super Heroes Museum is at 20 W. Louisiana St. in Downtown Indianapolis.

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Admission is $5, or $3 for senior citizens. Children younger than 8 are free.
Source: ROB SCHNEIDER
Indianapolis Star