Historic Connersville

04/21/2026

We are so pleased that our resident auto expert, Mr. Richard Stanley, was inducted into the Fayette County School Corporation Education Hall of Fame. Congratulations on recognition of your years of dedication to educating Fayette County students. Additional congratulations to Mr. Robert Swope for his induction.

04/05/2026

Happy Easter!

🐇 Hippity hoppity! You won't find this rabbit on the bunny trail — it prefers southern Indiana's swamplands.⁠ Hoosier artist William Zimmerman painted this happy hare at Harmonie State Park in 1984.

04/03/2026

The Fayette County Historical Museum will be open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow, April 4th. We will be closed on Easter, April 5th.

04/01/2026

This Vintage Indiana Train Takes You on a Scenic 19-Mile Journey Through Time 👇🏻

04/01/2026

April 8th meeting 7 p.m. at the museum.
It's Show & Tell - bring an interesting item and join us! Everyone welcome.

03/19/2026

Justin is an asset to the railroad and Historic Connersville, Inc. His knowledge of all things historic is amazing!

Welcome to the Whitewater Valley Railroad! Today we'll be taking a look at the washouts that have unfortunately occurred this spring South of Metamora betwee...

03/14/2026

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03/02/2026

March meeting - 7 p.m. March 11, 2026, at the museum. Tracy Burns will be speaking on programs offered at Whitewater Valley Arts Assn. Everyone welcome!

02/16/2026

Historic Connersville, Inc. met at 7 p.m. at the museum on February 11, 2026.
President Joe Minnerick called the meeting to order, and Rick Lemen led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Treasurer Rebecca St. Clair spoke about future fundraising possibilities and asked members to submit their ideas on possible projects. She stressed that the most effective way to increase interest in the organization and promote growth is for members to personally spread the word about the exhibits and items of interest we offer.
President Minnerick reported on upgrades to the alarms systems at the museum. The website is under a new server and can be viewed at www.historicconnersville.org.
Acquisitions Chair Dale Strong reported that items have been obtained from the former Black Masonic Lodge. These will be on display soon. He encouraged members to attend the Black History Month event at Mt. Zion Church from 5 to 7 p.m. on February 21st. County Historian Donna Schroeder spoke briefly regarding plans to add to the display in the lobby regarding the German Presbyterian Church. The stained glass windows in the lobby, dedicated to the Bass and Mason families, are part of this exhibit.
The local FFA chapter will exhibit their records and other memorabilia from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the museum on February 21st. Chapter members will be on hand to greet visitors and serve refreshments. The public is encouraged to attend and support the youth who are the future of agriculture in Fayette County.
The following programs will be presented in the coming months:
March 11 - Tracy Burns will recap the classes and exhibits offered by the Whitewater Valley Arts Association. 7 p.m.
April 8th - Show and Tell - Members and the public are invited to bring an antique and tell its story. If you have an item that you can’t identify, this is a great opportunity to ask for help with identification! 7 p.m.
May 13 - Carla Beard will be on hand to tell the history of and present happenings at Imagine Performing Arts.7 p.m.
June 10 - Annual picnic/potluck. Meat and drinks are provided. Bring a side dish and join us for good food and fellowship. 6 p.m.
Following adjournment, refreshments were provided by Gayle Halberstadt and Donne Schroeder.

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02/13/2026

Museum will be open this weekend, Feb. 14 & 15.
10 a.m. til 3 p.m.
Come visit!

01/17/2026

Historic Connersville, Inc. January 14, 2026 7 p.m. Fayette County HIstorical Museum

President Chris Friend opened the meeting.

The December meeting was the Christmas dinner, the minutes of the November meeting were read by Donna Schroeder, due to the absence of Secretary Kay Pike. Minutes approved as presented.

Treasurer Joe Minnerick gave a brief financial report.

Election of officers was held. Officers for 2026 are as follows:
Joe Minnerick, President
Jim Spence, Vice President
Rebecca St. Clair, Treasurer
Kay Pike, Secretary

Bob Martin and Sam Harvey will retain their seats on the Board of Directors

Sam Harvey presented a collection of memorabilia from Myron Dickerson pertaining to Mr. Dickerson’s tenure as coach of the Connersville Spartans. Some of these items will be displayed in the school section of the museum, and the entire collection will be archived.

Donna Schroeder gave an overview of collaboration between HCI, Tourism, Fayette Community Foundation, and the County Cemetery Commission. An “Attraction” sign for the museum has been commissioned by Tourism to be placed on the State Road 1 exit on I 70. This will guide visitors to Connersville and allow us to promote the other attractions, such as the Arts Association, Railroad, and others. The Fayette Community Foundation funded a grant for badly needed work in our pioneer cemeteries, as well as workshops to train volunteers on approved cleaning and restoration techniques. Tourism is providing funds to erect signs at the roadside pioneer cemeteries, citing the name and establishment date. Additional signs will note the burial places of Revolutionary War veterans in these cemeteries, if applicable. She also reported that Metamora has received funding to restore the Whitewater Canal site, including restoration of the aqueduct and a working lock. This should be a boost for attractions in Connersville, as well as Metamora.

Members are encouraged to volunteer to host at the museum on weekends. Anyone wishing to become a member of HCI is reminded that 2026 dues may be paid at the museum or mailed to Historic Connersville, Inc., P.O. Box 197. Connersville, Indiana 47331. Individual memberships are $25.00 per year, and family memberships are $35.00. Please remit by January 31st.

With no other business, the meeting was adjourned.

Refreshments were provided by Gayle Halberstadt and Donna Schroeder.

Next meeting February 11th. Rebecca St. Clair will give a presentation on potential fundraising activities.

Respectfully submitted,

Donna Schroeder,
Secretary Pro Tem

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12/25/2025

Good Tidings to You!