Putnam County Museum

06/19/2026

Celebrating one of our democracy's many important milestones this year!

America 250 celebrates the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, but freedom of Americans did not arrive all at once. For many, it arrived with a regiment of Union soldiers in June 1865.

This year, today, and always, we celebrate the most fundamental tenant of our democracy: freedom!

06/19/2026

Less than one month left before the opening of the 2026 Visual Arts Exhibition, our annual partnership with the Greencastle Arts Council. In anticipation of the exhibition, here are the past four winners of the museum Purchase Prize:

John Bean, "Uncertain Future,"
Chi Nguyen, "Đám (Death Anniversary),"
Lynne Tweedie, "Lower Falls at Cataract," and
Matt Rees, "Carolina Wren."

Come see us on July 11 to see a beautiful showcase of local art and help congratulate our 2026 prizewinners!

06/16/2026

Our friends at the Putnam County Public Library Archive are hosting another fascinating talk - this time on the history of the National Road, the oldest federal highway in the United States. The National Road cuts right through Putnam County, connecting Mt. Meridian, Putnamville (including the Putnamville Stagecoach Stop!), Manhattan, and Reelsville! Our county grew up around this highway; don't miss the opportunity to learn more about its (and our!) story.

Held at the Kiwanis Room in the Putnam County Public Library, 103 E. Poplar St., Greencastle, IN.

06/16/2026

Want to get involved in our fall exhibition? Do you have items and/or photos related to any Putnam County school from the past 200 years? Reach out to Putnam County Museum to learn more!

We will be accepting select items for inclusion in the exhibition.

06/14/2026

🎬✨ Behind the Museum: Episode 3

Every artifact has a story, and sometimes those stories begin with a single donation.

In this episode, Kathy Shigeta takes us into the museum’s storage spaces and introduces the work of local artist Dyna Cammack. Through her delicate carvings and well-worn tools, we get a glimpse into the creativity, talent, and personal stories that are preserved behind the scenes at the Putnam County Museum.

What may look like a small object on a shelf can hold an entire lifetime of history.

📍1105 N Jackson St, Greencastle
🎟️ Admission is always free

06/12/2026

Come help us celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence!

Held one week in advance, on June 27, our celebration will include face painting, a visit from the Greencastle Fire Department with their truck, and more!

We will be making a community "Hopes and Wishes" time capsule, to be opened in 2076 on the 300th anniversary. Come ready to share your memories, hopes, and plans for the next 50 years of Putnam County.

Participate in our Home-Baked Pie Competition - winner to be determined by popular vote!

Later on, join us inside for a screening of an excerpt reel entitled "The Spirit of Service" from THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION documentary by filmmakers Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt, with a community discussion afterwards with political, military, and civic services members from our community. All are welcome to join!

This event is being held in partnership with WFYI Indianapolis.

Sign up for the pie competition by calling the museum at (765) 653-8419!

06/11/2026

Support our friend and frequent collaborator, Putnam County Gaming Initiative at their upcoming murder mystery night at Robe-Ann Park!

Summer has finally arrived with beautiful sunlight, birdcalls, and... murder? 😲 Join us for our next installment of Mystery Dinner fundraisers as we take to the outdoors for a special Father's Day BBQ with the Greencastle Parks & Recreation Department!

Tickets are available for sale on our website now and include a BBQ meal and a mystery themed around a neighborhood cookout turned fatal. Individual meal tickets are also available for any friends and loved ones who want to hang out, enjoy the food, and watch the chaos unfold. Be sure to secure tickets soon, as participation is limited to just 20 people!

https://www.putnamcogames.org/dinners-to-die-for

06/01/2026

Huge thanks to everyone who came out to museum trivia on Saturday night! We ate, drank, and tested our smarts all while supporting Putnam County Museum, which is open and free to the public six days a week!

Thanks to Lost Hollow for hosting (and for taking this photo) and to our event sponsor, Prime Real Estate, for making this event a reality!

05/27/2026

🚂✨ Don’t miss the Model Trains at the Museum!

There’s still time to stop by and experience the detail, movement, and excitement brought by the Pacific & Eastern Model Railroad Club before the exhibit ends on June 13.

The trains run every Saturday from 12–4 PM and are fun for all ages!

📍 1105 North Jackson Street, Greencastle
🎟️ Admission is always free