Wells County Historical Society and Museum

Wells County Historical Society and Museum The Wells County Historical Society was founded in 1935 to preserve the rich heritage of Wells County and its residents — past and present.

The Union Pacific's famed Big Boy 4014, the worlds largest steam locomotive will be passing through northern Indiana and...
05/28/2026

The Union Pacific's famed Big Boy 4014, the worlds largest steam locomotive will be passing through northern Indiana and Ohio en route to Philadelphia, PA to celebrate America's 250 anniversary. Local rail fans will need to see the historic machine in action along the route (it does go through Fort Wayne) or at one of the limited 30 minute whistle stops, June 5 Argos, IN and June 6 Continental, OH or on the return trip July 14 in Fostoria, OH (on display 9am-3pm, free, no tickets required) July 15 Continental, OH, (30 min.) July 16, Knox, IN (30 min.) For complete schedule, route and details go to: https://www.up.com/about-us/history/steam/big-boy-4014

A new Indiana Historical Marker has been added in Wells County at the Old Ossian Cemetery to honor Lt. Col. William Swai...
05/25/2026

A new Indiana Historical Marker has been added in Wells County at the Old Ossian Cemetery to honor Lt. Col. William Swaim. Nearly a dozen of Swaim's descendants were present recently for the unveiling ceremony. Richard Blanton portraying Swaim shared his biography. Learn more at https://wchs-museum.org/posts/

Thank you to everyone who attended the Iris Show at the 4-H Park today. Due to the rainy weather we moved into the Quon...
05/16/2026

Thank you to everyone who attended the Iris Show at the 4-H Park today. Due to the rainy weather we moved into the Quonset Building and it work well with the Master Gardeners Plant Sale. A special thanks also to everyone who brought iris for the display. It was great to see so many varieties and learn from the exhibitors.

Stop by the 4-H Park in Bluffton for these great events. The Wells Co. Museum will also be open 8am-1pm if you wish to ...
05/16/2026

Stop by the 4-H Park in Bluffton for these great events. The Wells Co. Museum will also be open 8am-1pm if you wish to view the Williamson Iris history. All events are free and open to the public.

Don't forget to stop by the Iris Show, Saturday, May 16, 8:00am-12:00 noon at the Wells Co.4-H Park, (center circle at t...
05/15/2026

Don't forget to stop by the Iris Show, Saturday, May 16, 8:00am-12:00 noon at the Wells Co.4-H Park, (center circle at the gazebo) Bluffton. If you have some iris blooming, bring a stem or two to put in the display. While attending the show you can visit the Master Gardener's Annual Plant Sale in the Quonset Building. The County Museum (420 W. Market St.) will also be open 8am-1pm to view the Williamson Iris history exhibit. All events are free and open to the public.

It was great to partner with the Bluffton Parks Department to offer these programs.
05/15/2026

It was great to partner with the Bluffton Parks Department to offer these programs.

Make plans to stop by the Iris Show on Saturday, May 16, 8:00am-12:00 noon at the Wells Co.4-H Park, (center circle at t...
05/14/2026

Make plans to stop by the Iris Show on Saturday, May 16, 8:00am-12:00 noon at the Wells Co.4-H Park, (center circle at the gazebo) Bluffton. Anyone who has a iris blooming is invited to bring a stem or two to put in the display. While attending the show you can also visit the Master Gardener's Annual Plant Sale in the Quonset Building at the 4-H Park. The County Museum will also be open 8am-1pm if you wish to view Williamson Iris history exhibit. The evens are free and open to the public. Fun Fact: Irises bloom in almost every color imaginable except for red.

Anyone who has an iris blooming is invited to bring a stem or two to the Iris Show, this Saturday, May 16, 8:00am - 12 N...
05/12/2026

Anyone who has an iris blooming is invited to bring a stem or two to the Iris Show, this Saturday, May 16, 8:00am - 12 Noon at the Wells Co. 4-H Park (center circle near the gazebo) Bluffton. The Wells Co. Historical Museum will also be open on Sat. 8:00am - 1:00pm to view a display about the Longfield Iris Farm and the Williamson's. Iris Fun Facts: The earliest permanent settlers brought European irises with them to Virginia, often referring to them as "flags".

The Senior Snippet's will conclude this week on Wed.10am at the Wells County Historical Museum, 429 West Market St., Blu...
05/11/2026

The Senior Snippet's will conclude this week on Wed.10am at the Wells County Historical Museum, 429 West Market St., Bluffton, IN. The topic will be a look back at the 1976 Bi-Centennial Celebration held in Wells County. The presenter will be Jim Sturgeon, Wells County Historian. Register at 824-6066 or [email protected] or just stop in at the event. The event is free and open to the public.

It is time to start scouting your flower beds to see if you may have a stem or two to bring to the Iris Show on Saturday...
05/10/2026

It is time to start scouting your flower beds to see if you may have a stem or two to bring to the Iris Show on Saturday, May 16, 8:00-12:00 noon at the Wells County 4-H Park (center circle by the gazebo), Bluffton. Iris Fun Facts: While they appear to have many petals, most iris actually have three upright petals (standards) and three drooping sepal (falls). The Bearded Iris is the most common for home landscape. The name comes from the fuzzy growth or "beard" which runs down the center of the falls. Learn more about Iris at:
https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/irises-home-landscape

Address

420 W. Market Street
Bluffton, IN
46714

Opening Hours

Wednesday 1pm - 4pm
Sunday 1pm - 4pm

Telephone

+12608249956

Website

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